title: A double-blind randomised controlled trial on the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on ovarian reserve markers, ovarian response and number of oocytes in anticipated normal ovarian responders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian response to a standard low dose of gonadotrophin stimulation and number of oocytes in anticipated normal responders undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary reproductive unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-two subfertile women with AFC of 5-15 scheduled for IVF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eligible women were randomised into the DHEA group (n = 36), who received DHEA (GNC(®) , 25 mg three times a day), or the placebo group (n = 36), who received placebo, starting from 12 weeks before the scheduled IVF treatment according to a computer-generated randomisation list. Monthly assessment of AFC, serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, ovarian response to a standard dose of gonadotrophin stimulation at week 8 and the number of oocytes obtained were compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome was AFC after 12 weeks of DHEA or placebo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DHEA for 12 weeks prior to IVF treatment in anticipated normal responders leads to significantly higher serum and follicular DHEA-S and testosterone relative to placebo. However, no significant differences in AFC, AMH and FSH, ovarian response to standard-dose ovarian stimulation and IVF cycle outcomes can be detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No significant differences in AFC, ovarian response to a standard low dose of gonadotrophin stimulation and number of oocytes obtained were detected in anticipated normal responders receiving 12 weeks of DHEA prior to IVF treatment relative to placebo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No difference in ovarian response markers in normal responders receiving 12 weeks of DHEA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Twy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Rhw
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Vcy
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Ehy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects; D065851:Ovarian Reserve / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D013739:Testosterone; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D008596:Menotropins; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone
keywords: DHEA; in vitro fertilisation; normal ovarian responders