Induction of ovulation with synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) was injected im as therapy in 42 women with apparent hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction and infertility. Ovulation occurred in 10 of the women and 7 became pregnant. Follicular growth was evident in 24 women though ovulation did not occur. A minimum of 200 mcg LH-RH injected on consecutive days was the most effective dose in promoting ovulation. LH and to a lesser extent follicle stimulating hormone release were both stimulated by LH-RH. The results indicate that LH-RH can induce ovulation but the correct dose appears to be variable among individuals.