Protein S levels during the normal menstrual cycle and during estrogen therapy for premature ovarian failure.

Protein S levels have been reported to be decreased in pregnancy and with oral contraceptive use. This study monitored the effects of estrogen shifts on protein S levels. Four patients with premature ovarian failure were treated with either oral or transdermal patch estrogen replacement.

Pituitary function before, during, and after chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.

Objective: To examine possible adverse effects on pituitary function of long-term administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a).

Design: Prospective analysis of blood sampling before, during, and after GnRH-a therapy.

Setting: Tertiary institutional outpatient care.

Long-term administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and dexamethasone: assessment of the adrenal role in ovarian dysfunction.

Objective: To examine the possible impact of abnormal adrenal steroidogenesis on the ovarian dysfunction seen in polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).

Design: Prospective analysis of blood sampling monthly for 6 months, then three times weekly for 90 days.

Setting: Tertiary institutional outpatient care.

Comparison of transdermal to oral estradiol administration on hormonal and hepatic parameters in women with premature ovarian failure.

Five women with premature ovarian failure were studied in a randomized cross-over design to compare the biochemical effects of transdermal to oral estradiol administration when used in doses appropriate for endometrial preparation in a donor oocyte program. Patients randomly received increasing dosages of oral micronized or transdermal estradiol for 4 week, with progesterone added in the last 2 weeks, to mimic a normal hormonal cycle. Serum samples were assayed throughout treatment and compared to those from normally cycling premenopausal controls.