FSH and LH together in ovarian stimulation.
The authors review the physiology of the ovulatory cycle and the role of the gonadotrophins in ovulation induction in patients with anovulatory disorders and in multifollicular development for assisted reproductive technologies. The use of gonadotrophins with luteinizing hormone (LH) activity and the use of recombinant LH associated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are discussed. The authors point out that administration of gonadotrophins with LH activity is essential in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal anovulation, and data available in the medical literature allow the conclusion that recombinant LH may be added to all ovarian stimulation protocols because it is difficult to determine which patients will benefit from LH administration and there is no evidence that LH affects adversely the outcome of ovarian stimulation. The use of recombinant LH in addition to recombinant FSH may be particularly useful when a GnRH antagonist is associated with the ovarian stimulation regimen, by preventing the fall in estradiol and diminishing FSH requirements.
Levi-Setti
Paolo E
PE
Unità Operativa di Medicina della Riproduzione--Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Milan, Italy. paolo.levi_setti@humanitas.it
Cavagna
Mario
M
Baggiani
Annamaria
A
Zannoni
Elena
E
Colombo
Giulia V
GV
Liprandi
Valeria
V
D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone