Elevated serum progesterone levels during pituitary suppression may signify adrenal hyperandrogenism

Objective: To investigate whether elevated serum P levels after pituitary down-regulation signify adrenal enzyme defects or hyperandrogenism. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Assisted reproduction unit in a university medical center. Patient(s): Two hundred twenty-seven IVF patients treated by the long down-regulation protocol. Intervention(s): Oral dexamethasone (DEX) administration if P level exceeded 0.8 ng/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.180) after pituitary suppression. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum concentrations of P, E 2, LH, DHEAS, and 17α-hydroxy progesterone and ACTH stimulation tests. Result(s): In eight patients (3.5%), serum P levels exceeded 0.8 ng/mL and E 2 and LH levels confirmed pituitary down-regulation. Mean DHEAS levels in the patients in this group were significantly higher than in the other patients. All eight patients demonstrated a significant decrease in serum P level after DEX administration. In five patients the ACTH stimulation test suggested an adrenal defect. Five pregnancies were achieved after the addition of DEX to the treatment protocol. Conclusion(s): High serum P levels after pituitary down-regulation appear to be of adrenal origin and may be the first indication of an adrenal enzyme defect. Further investigation such as an ACTH stimulation test is recommended, followed by treatment with DEX if indicated.