Luteal phase consequences of low-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy in nonluteal-supported in vitro fertilization cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the follicular and luteal phase impact of low-dose GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) treatment during follicular stimulation for IVF.


METHODS
A randomized prospective study compared patients receiving low-dose GnRH-a and hMG therapy to clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG cycles.


METHODS
Patients were treated through a university-based IVF-ET program.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients underwent follicular stimulation with low-dose GnRH-a and hMG and were compared with 34 patients undergoing ovulation induction with CC and hMG.


RESULTS
Significantly shorter luteal phase length occurred with GnRH-a and hMG therapy; however, there was no statistically significant difference in luteal P levels. Follicular parameters were the same (peak E2, number of follicles, and number of oocytes), suggesting that folliculogenesis was not altered. There were no statistical differences in pregnancy rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Sustained low-dose GnRH-a therapy during follicular stimulation does not have a clinical effect on luteal function.
Long
C A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Sopelak
V M
VM
Lincoln
S R
SR
Cowan
B D
BD
D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008183:Luteal Phase; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D002996:Clomiphene; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide