Hormonal patterns in conceptual cycles and early pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Hormonal changes are critical during conception and early pregnancy.
• Understanding these shifts aids in monitoring pregnancy viability and maternal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure key reproductive hormones in plasma and urine during conceptual cycles and early pregnancy.
• To analyze hormonal fluctuations between 12 to 48 days post-ovulation.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of androstenedione, testosterone, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in plasma.
• Measurement of total oestrogens, luteinizing hormone (LH), and HCG in urine.
• Analysis conducted on samples from five women during conceptual cycles and early pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Significant increases observed in plasma and urine levels of androstenedione, testosterone, LH, total oestrogens, and HCG post-ovulation.
• Progesterone levels in plasma showed a decrease during the same period (12-48 days post-ovulation).

Conclusions:

• Early pregnancy is characterized by a dynamic shift in key reproductive hormone profiles.
• The distinct pattern of hormone changes, particularly the decrease in progesterone, provides insights into early pregnancy physiology.
• Further investigation into the sources of these hormones is warranted.