In vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in women in overt menopause attempting to induce follicular maturation by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor down-regulation.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of ovulation induction, obtaining oocytes leading to embryos, and pregnancy rates per embryo transfer in women with premature menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of women hoping to have in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with their own oocytes despite being in menopause. Ethinyl estradiol was used to lower follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and restore sensitivity of follicles to mild FSH stimulation. RESULTS: Three of five women had a live baby. Only one woman failed to induce ovulation and thus failed to have an embryo to transfer. One woman conceived two times and delivered a live healthy baby twice. The live delivered pregnancy rate per transfer was 20% (4/20) with generally one or occasionally two embryos transferred. The pregnancy rate per retrieval was 9.3% (4/43). CONCLUSIONS: These data can help other women in this circumstance to decide on IVF with their own eggs or switch to donor eggs.