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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 3/2018

01-03-2018 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Estrogen treatment in infertile women with premature ovarian insufficiency in transitional phase: a retrospective analysis

Authors: Sara Pinelli, Paolo Giovanni Artini, Stefano Basile, Maria Elena Rosa Obino, Claudia Sergiampietri, Diana Giannarelli, Giovanna Simi, Vito Cela

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

During the transitional phase of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), sporadic resumption of ovulation is possible because of fluctuation of hormonal levels but the chance of spontaneous pregnancy is low, and the main perspective of childbearing in these women is egg donation or adoption. The purpose of the study was to verify whether treatment with estrogens in POI patients in transitional phase could reduce FSH levels and to evaluate if this pre-treatment could improve reproductive outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Study patients (26) were administered with valerate estradiol 2 mg daily adding dihydrogesterone 10 mg daily during luteal phase for 3 months before IVF. Control group (26 patients) did not receive any pre-treatment. Ovarian stimulation was conducted in both groups with the same short GnRH-antagonist protocol. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In the study group, 4/26 POI patients became spontaneously pregnant during pre-treatment. In the remaining patients, the mean level of FSH after the pre-treatment was significantly reduced compared with baseline. Levels of circulating estradiol on the day of hCG administration were significantly higher in the study group. The total number of MII oocytes retrieved and fertilized oocytes was significantly higher in the study group, as well as the number of embryos transferred for pickup and clinical pregnancy rate.

Conclusions

Treatment with estrogens in infertile POI patients in transitional phase reduces circulating FSH levels, hence causing potential spontaneous conception. Moreover, in these patients, estrogen pre-treatment seems to improve IVF outcomes in a GnRH-antagonist short protocol compared to no pre-treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Estrogen treatment in infertile women with premature ovarian insufficiency in transitional phase: a retrospective analysis
Authors
Sara Pinelli
Paolo Giovanni Artini
Stefano Basile
Maria Elena Rosa Obino
Claudia Sergiampietri
Diana Giannarelli
Giovanna Simi
Vito Cela
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1096-y

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