[Corpus luteum function and female sterility. Comparative studies of endometrial biopsy and pregnanediol secretion...

In 129 patients with sterility or endocrine menstrual cycle disturbances the pregnandiol concentrations in the urine were measured and in the same cycle the endometrium of the 1st day of menstruation histologically examined. The length of the corpus luteum phases was classified into 6 groups (over 14, 11--14, 9--10, 7--8, 1--6, 0 days), also the endometrial findings (over stimulated, normal, slightly, moderately, significantly retarded secretory transformation, no secretory signs). In 77.5% of the cases a complete accordance between the pregnandiol output and the endometrial biopsy was found, in 18% a difference of one step between the two parameters. Only in 4.5% great discrepancies were found, which partly could be explained by simultaneous medication in the same cycle. The two methods do not compete with each other but complete each other, because pregnandiol output is a parameter for corpus luteum function and endometrial histology reveals the reaction of the target organ to the hormonal stimulus. A statement about the etiology of the corpus luteum insufficiency is not possible by these two methods. For that further examination, i.a. serial evaluation of the sexual steroids and gonadotropins in serum are necessary.