Effect of high-dose estrogen in luteal phase support on live birth rates after assisted reproduction treatment cycles

Abstract

Objective: The role of estrogen administration for luteal phase support (LPS) after assisted reproductive technologies treatment is not well established. While most studies report ineffectiveness of doses up to 4 mg/day, a small randomized, controlled trial suggested improved clinical outcome with higher dosage of 6 mg/day. The present pilot trial assessed effectiveness of 6 mg/day estrogen in addition to progesterone administration for LPS.

Study design: Randomized, controlled trial. Sixty women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment were randomly allocated to receive progesterone vaginal gel with or without 6 mg/day 17beta-estradiol (E2) orally starting from the embryo transfer day.

Results: Embryo implantation rates were 33.33% and 28.9% in the control and E2 groups, respectively (p = 0.64). There were 11 (36.7%) live births in the control group, while there were 10 (33.3%) live births in the E2 group (p = 0.79).

Conclusion: Our results do not suggest a beneficial effect of orally administered estrogen as adjuncts to progesterone for luteal support when administered to all patients in an unselective manner, even in a dose of 6 mg/day.