Hormonal findings associated with aluteal cycles

Menstrual bleeding with no detectable luteal function was observed cyclicly in 3 infertile patients. Anovulation was suspected and documented by basal body temperature charts and repeated endometrial biopsies prior to expected menses. A sporadic anovulatory cycle in a normally ovulating volunteer was studied and the hormonal parameters included for comparison. To elucidate the significance and the possible cause of this defect, five aluteal cycles were evaluated with serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total estrogen, progestin, and prolactin determinations. No similar patterns of FSH, LH, or estrogen values were observed. No abnormality of prolactin levels was noted. The lack of progestin rise and proliferative endometrial biopsies during the second half of these cycles were the only consistent findings. When clomiphene citrate therapy was instituted, a luteal phase was promptly established.