system
Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Case-Control Studies, Cortisone, Endometriosis, Female, Fertilization in Vitro, Follicular Fluid, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Infertility, Female, Models, Biological, Ovulation.
user
Are total cortisol levels reduced in the periovulatory follicle of infertile women with minimal-mild endometriosis? Context: To measure and compare concentrations of total and free glucocorticoids with oocyte fertilizing capacity in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with minimal-mild endometriosis and tubal damage. Follicular fluid was collected from individual periovulatory follicles during oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in natural cycles. Total and free levels of cortisol and cortisone were measured using specific radioimmunoassays after chloroform extraction. Cortisol concentrations in women with minimal-mild endometriosis were significantly lower compared with controls (women with tubal infective damage) (258 versus 328 nmol/L, P < 0.02). There was no correlation between total or free concentrations of cortisol or cortisone and the fertilization capacity of the oocyte.
assistant
Total cortisol levels are lower in the follicles of women with endometriosis. Our findings provide further evidence of follicular dysfunction contributing to the subfertility associated with minimal-mild endometriosis. Final Decision: yes