Evaluation of ovarian function after tubal sterilization

Many women appear to experience menstrual disturbances after tubal sterilization. In this study the ovarian function in such women was investigated. Serial measurements of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone were performed throughout the study cycle in 23 previously sterilized patients, 14 with menstrual disturbances (group I--symptomatic) and 9 with normal cycles (group II--asymptomatic). A group of 28 parous women served as controls. Among 23 patients, luteal phase progesterone was elevated in 19, and in 4 it was undetectable (anovulatory). All four anovulatory patients belonged to group I. Anovulatory cycles were also characterized by tonic elevated LH levels. Mean midluteal progesterone values were lower in group I (8.5 ng/ml) than in group II (13.8 ng/ml) and in the controls (16.5 ng/ml). Mean midluteal progesterone was lower than 10 ng/ml in 78% of group I, 44% of group II and 15% of the control patients.