Abstract

This paper describes the results of measurements of estradiol and progesterone by radioimmnunoassay in 98 infertile women with an ovulation cycle. These results are compared with 32 controls who had conceived at least one child prior to treatment. The levels of estradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured 8 times during the menstrual cycle and then were statistically analyzed.It was found that the mean values of estradiol concentrations were approximately identical in both groups over the menstrual cycle as a whole. However, statistically significant lower levels were found in infertile women before and after ovulation. The progesterone level in infertile women was significantly higher during the period of ovulation, whereas it was significantly lower in the second phase of the cycle; on the tenth day after ovulation these differences were noticeable at the level of alpha = 0.01. On the basis of an algorithm developed with this data, it is suggested that it should be possible to assist doctor in their evaluations of possible infertility, saving time and reducing expenses.

Keywords: Infertility, Estradiol, Progesterone, Sex steroids