The Value of a Cervical Score in the Assessment of Ovarian Function

Summary Three normal, healthy volunteer women were each studied during one menstrual cycle. A cervical score based on amount, ferning and Spinnbarkeit of mucus and on the condition of the cervix was determined daily throughout each menstrual cycle. This, used in conjunction with the basal body temperature was found to be in agreement with ovarian function assessed by the daily excretion of total oestrogen and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and plasma oestradiol, plasma FSH and plasma progesterone measured at selected times. The karyopyknotic index, which was also measured, was not found to reflect accurately follicular development or ovulation. It is suggested that the simple technique of serial determination of the cervical score and measurement of the basal body temperature can be used to detect normal ovulatory cycles of patients treated in clinics not having facilities for measurement of hormone excretion.