Changes in atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins during natural and hyperstimulated cycles in healthy women.

OBJECTIVE

To compare changes in the concentrations of Lp(a) lipoprotein and other atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins in natural and hyperstimulated ovarian cycles.

DESIGN

Open, prospective study.

SETTING

Academic department in a teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S): Normal ovulatory women served as controls and the treatment group consisted of women undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation.

INTERVENTION(S): The treatment group received hMG on a fixed regimen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Measurements of serum lipids and lipoproteins were made in both natural and hyperstimulated cycles.

RESULT(S): There was a significant increase in the median concentration of Lp(a) lipoprotein from 10.1 to 10.7 mg/dL in the luteal compared with the proliferative phase of unstimulated cycles. In hyperstimulated cycles, there was a significant increase in the median concentration of Lp(a) lipoprotein from 9.7 mg/dL in the proliferative phase to 11.3 mg/dL in the luteal phase. Reductions in concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found in the luteal phase of hyperstimulated cycles.

CONCLUSION

Concentrations of Lp(a) lipoprotein increase during the luteal phase of both natural and hyperstimulated ovarian cycles.