Human chorionic gonadotropin and steroid concentrations in human follicular fluid in relation to follicle size and oocyte maturity in stimulated ovarian cycles

The concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of βhCG, progesterone (P), estradiol (E₂), androstenedione (A) and testosterone (T) by RIA were determined, in order to study the follicular micro-environment in stimulated cycles. Patients received either clomiphene with hMG plus hCG or hMG plus hCG. With increasing volume of FF (obtained at laparoscopy), P significantly increased (p<0.04) and hCG (p<0.0004) and T (p<0.05) significantly decreased with a borderline decrease in A (p<0.07). Progesterone also increased with advancing oocyte maturity. Beta-hCG and P were positively correlated with E₂ and negatively correlated with A levels. It is suggested that FF hCG and progesterone levels may be markers of follicular development in stimulated cycles.