PARAMETERS AFFECTING LUTEAL PHASE LENGTH IN REGULARLY OVULATING WOMEN

Abstract

Luteal phase length is the simplest approach to estimate luteal function. Assessment of the variability of luteal phase length within the normal population will allow us to identify more objectively those cycles with abnormally short luteal phases. For practical purposes all phases lasting between 12-17 days can be considered normal. In this study the luteal phase length ranged between 10 - 16 days.

This study evaluated the luteal phase length by detecting the exact time of ovulation using the vaginal ultrasound probe which has permitted the use of higher frequency ultrasound at greater proximity to the uterus to produce superior resolution.

The aim of this work was to study the different ultrasonic parameters that affect the luteal phase length as the pre ovulatory follicular diameter, size and shape of the corpus luteum \, endometrial thickness and texture during the luteal phase also sensitive radio immunoassays as pre ovulatory serum LH and estradiol and mid luteal serum progesterone and estradiol were carried out.

The study included 40 regularly ovulating women aged less than

35 years without any gross pelvic pathology and no hormonal contraception or treatment for the last three months.