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Differences in serum LH and FSH levels using depot or daily GnRH agonists in controlled ovarian stimulation: influence on ovarian response and outcome of ART

  • Assisted Reproduction
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Abstract

Purpose: To study effects of endogenous LH levels on ovarian response and outcome in ART cycles a controlled study was performed with two patient groups differing in the intensity of pituitary downregulation.

Methods: Group I (n = 27) received 3.75 mg of the GnRH agonist triptorelin acetate depot, group II (n = 54) was given 0.1 mg triptorelin acetate daily, followed by ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH.

Results: After downregulation serum LH and FSH levels were significantly lower in group I. Patients of group I needed significantly higher FSH doses to achieve comparable levels of serum estradiol and preovulatory follicles. The number of retrieved oocytes and transferable embryos was lower in group I.

Conclusion: Patients with profound endogenous LH suppression by depot GnRH agonists show higher FSH stimulation dose requirements and lower oocyte number and fertilization rate, indicating a need for minimal LH activity in folliculogenesis and oocyte development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Domagkstr. 11, 48149, Münster, Germany

    Barbara Sonntag, Ludwig Kiesel & Hermann M. Behre

  2. Assisted Reproduction Unit, Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Domagkstr. 11, 48149, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

  3. Andrology Unit, Martin-Luther-University, 06097, Halle, Germany

    Hermann M. Behre

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  1. Barbara Sonntag
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  2. Ludwig Kiesel
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  4. Hermann M. Behre
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Correspondence to Hermann M. Behre.

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Sonntag, B., Kiesel, L., Nieschlag, E. et al. Differences in serum LH and FSH levels using depot or daily GnRH agonists in controlled ovarian stimulation: influence on ovarian response and outcome of ART. J Assist Reprod Genet 22, 277–283 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-005-5998-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-005-5998-8

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