[Hormone profile and follicle development in ovarian stimulation treatment for in vitro fertilization. II. Prolactin, estradiol and progesterone profile]

Abstract

144 patients were treated by 5 different stimulation protocols in the IVF-program of the University Women's Hospital Rostock (Clomiphene/hCG, Clomiphene/Anthrogon/hCG, Pergonal/hCG, Anthrogon/hCG, Folistiman/hCG). Estradiol-17 beta and progesterone were determined during the follicular phase of 172 cycles by RIA. The results were compared between the treatment groups by means of Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's nonparametric test. Additionally, in 37 cycles prolactin was determined. The levels of estradiol-17 beta in all treated groups were higher as compared with spontaneous cycles. Between the groups statistically significant differences were found in start and velocity of E2-rise, in the average level of E2, and in the level of preovulatory peaks. The latent phase of stimulation was significantly longer in patients treated with pergonal than in Anthrogon treated patients. Moreover, in the Anthrogon group the rate of "high responder" was higher. On average, in patients with a very fast growth rate of estradiol-17 beta (greater than 1.9 nmol/l) during the late follicular phase the percentage of less mature oocytes was increased after follicular puncture. The levels of progesterone started to rise in all groups between day-2 and -1 (day 0: day of LH-peak). On day 0, patients with Pergonal and Anthrogon had the significantly highest level. Levels above the 1s-range occurred in 12 patients during the follicular phase. This elevation of progesterone took place in 3 patients without any rise of basal LH-levels. 80.4% of 37 patients investigated were found to have prolactin levels above 500 mE/l during the late follicular phase. This transient hyperprolactinemia correlated with the rise of estradiol levels and continued during the early and mid luteal phase. Hence preventive administration of bromocryptine appears to be advisable in cycles stimulated with gonadotropins.