Ovarian stimulation after dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in poor ovarian reserve: a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at improving fertility rates among infertile women with poor ovarian reserve. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. We recruited infertile women with poor ovarian reserve. The study population was divided into 2 groups, each of 25 participants. Both had induction of ovulation for three consecutive cycles. Study group took DHEA supplementation 25 mg/8 h for two consecutive cycles before induction of ovulation. Both groups were compared for outcomes of induction. Baseline ovarian reserve tests and antral follicle count (AFC) were done for both groups before induction of ovulation. The study group repeated these baseline tests after DHEA treatment to compare ovarian reserve before and after DHEA supplementation. Outcome measures were the number of mature follicles at the time of ovulation, the number of gonadotrophin ampoules needed for induction of ovulation, the duration of ovarian stimulation, E2 level at the day of HCG injection. RESULTS: The study group baseline investigations after DHEA treatment showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the control group. The outcomes of induction of ovulation in the study group showed a statistically better response than the control group. CONCLUSION: DHEA may help many poor responders so better considered for poor responder patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR201911829230395.