THERAPEUTIC USE OF GONADOLIBERIN (FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE-LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE) IN WOMEN

Synthetic FSH/LH-RH [follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone] may induce ovulation; therefore, a therapeutic effect has been established in some cases of anovulatory infertility, but it is still difficult to assess the correct dose of FSH/LH-RH because of individual variations in response. Gonadoliberin [gonadotropic releasing factor] may also be used to induce ovulation after follicular maturation has been evoked by other agents. FSH/LH-RH can be utilized for supplementing the LH [luteinizing hormone] surge after clomiphene therapy in cases of clomiphene failure. When associated with HMG [human menopausal gonadotropin] the synthetic decapeptide may be helpful in avoiding the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The triggering of ovulation by a continuous infusion of FSH/LH-RH might be a convenient means of controlling the timing of ovulation. It is expected that FSH/LH-RH blocking analogs may be used to inhibit both LH and FSH release induced by endogenous gonadoliberin in women seeking contraception.