Are follicle stimulating hormone measurements predictive of ovarian response to hyperstimulation with human menopausal gonadotrophin?

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that elevated serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations are associated with a poor ovarian response to hyperstimulation with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programmes. We have used the day 2 serum FSH concentration to determine the dose of HMG administered in women under 40 years. If the FSH concentration was below 9 IU/l, a constant dose of 150 IU HMG were administered; if above 9 IU/l a constant dose of 300 IU HMG was used. Women over the age of 40 years were given 300 IU HMG regardless of their serum FSH concentration. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess whether this approach was beneficial for the younger women and also whether the FSH concentration was predictive of outcome in older women. The study included all = = women 40 years (n 143) and 40 years (n 32) having their first IVF treatment cycle during 1994. In the younger women, there was no difference in the number of cancelled treatment cycles (9.7% vs. 7.5%); the number of follicles present (9.6 vs. 8.2); serum oestradiol concentration (6971 pmol/l vs. 6686 pmol/l); number of eggs collected (7.9 vs. 5.7); number of embryos created (3.7 vs. 3.6); and pregnancy rate (13.5% vs. 15%) between women = = with normal (n 103) or elevated (n 40) FSH concentrations. By using the serum FSH concentration to select women in whom a poor response was expected, and administering a higher dose of HMG, a similar ovarian response was produced and the pregnancy rate was similar to those in women with normal FSH concentrations. Women over 40 years with elevated serum FSH concentrations (n 17) had a significantly (P 0.05) higher cancellation rate (17.6% vs. 0%) and fewer number of eggs collected (6.9 vs. 2.5) than the group with normal FSH concentrations = (n 15). One woman conceived in each group. These findings confirmed previous studies showing that the serum FSH is predictive of ovarian response. This study confirmed the value of measuring the day 2 serum FSH concentration as a predictor of response; and it provides a scientific approach to determine the dose of HMG administered for IVF stimulation. A satisfactory response to induction of ovulation will be achieved using 150 IU HMG in women with FSH 9 IU/l but if the FSH is raised i.e. above 9 IU/l, 300 IU is required to achieve a similar response. =