Modest follicle-stimulating hormone elevations in younger women: warn but don't disqualify.
Markers of quantitative defects in egg production (low ovarian reserve) have often been used to exclude patients from treatment, even when egg quality is apt to be satisfactory. Women younger than 38 years of age with modest FSH elevations (10-15 or even 20 IU/L) have acceptable pregnancy rates despite their limited production of eggs ("quality matters more than quantity") and so should be given the opportunity to try IVF.
Toner
James P
JP
Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine, Woodstock, Georgia 30189, USA. Jim.Toner@acrm.com
D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011379:Prognosis
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone