Serum progesterone at human chorionic gonadotropin injection significantly correlate with female age.
OBJECTIVE
In in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) higher age and low responses are associated with accelerated luteinization of mature follicles rather than diminished responsiveness. The aim of this study was to determine whether an elevated serum progesterone (P) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration during gonadotropin stimulation for IVF-ET is associated with age.


METHODS
E2 (17beta estradiol) and P concentrations on the day of hCG administration, number and quality of oocytes and embryos, and clinical pregnancies were retrospectively analyzed in 460 women undergoing IVF-ET. We evaluated patients according to age; the 25-30 age group (n=140), the 31-35 age group (n=100), the 36-40 (n=90), and the 41-45 age group (n=130).


RESULTS
In the 25-30 age group (n=140) P was 0.67+/-0.3 ng/mL, in the 31-35 age group (n=100) P was 0.87+/-0.2 ng/mL, in the 36-40 age group (n=90) P was 0.95+/-0.2 ng/mL, in the 41-45 age group (n=130) P was 1+/-0.2 ng/mL. The difference between the 25-30 age group and the 41-45 age group was statistically significant (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Periovulatory levels of serum P vary according to ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Periovulatory P may reflect inadequate steroidogenesis. In women stimulated with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone for IVF, the serum P on the day of hCG administration increases with age.
Doldi
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. doldi.nicola@hsr.it
Persico
P
P
De Santis
L
L
Rabellotti
E
E
Papaleo
E
E
Ferrari
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D034461:Luteinization; D008875:Middle Aged; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol