Is the Diurnal Variation in Circulating Levels of Cortisol Reflected in Follicular Fluid of Preovulatory Follicles Close to Ovulation?

Glucocorticoids and especially cortisol exhibit a pronounced diurnal variation. Levels peak around 8 am and may decrease around two to three times during the day reaching a nadir during the evening and early in the night. Ovulation has been described as a controlled inflammatory event. Following release of the oocyte, termination of the inflammatory reaction needs to take place in order for the follicle and the developing corpus luteum to avoid further damage. It has been suggested, that locally enhanced cortisol availability may play a role in limiting tissue damage and by acting as anti-inflammatory agents mediating repair and remodeling. The aim of the present study is evaluate the concentration of cortisol and cortisone in sets of serum and follicular fluid samples collected simultaneous and at different times of the day (8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m.) and compare the levels with the time of the day at which they are collected.

NCT Number	NCT06877429
Lead Sponsor	ART Fertility Clinics LLC
Conditions	Healthy
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2026-12-30
Primary Completion	2027-04-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-12-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-07