Ovulation induction with low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1993 Jan;72(1):43-6. doi: 10.3109/00016349309013348.

Abstract

Fifty infertile women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were treated for 66 cycles with low-dose FSH stimulation starting with 75 IU FSH for two weeks before eventual stepwise increases in the gonadotropin dose occurred. An unifollicular response was observed in 35 (53%) cycles and in 20 (30%) cycles there were two-three mature follicles. A multifollicular response (> 3 mature follicles) resulted in 11 (17%) cycles. One of the 66 cycles was complicated with the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Twelve (22%) pregnancies were obtained following 55 completed cycles. All ongoing pregnancies were singleton gestations. The obese PCOS women required a longer period of stimulation and a higher amount of gonadotropin to achieve follicular maturation. However, there was no difference in cycle cancellation or pregnancy rate between obese and non-obese PCOS women. Thus low-dose FSH administration seems a safe stimulation regimen with a satisfactory conception rate in PCOS women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / administration & dosage*
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / drug therapy*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Ovulation Induction / methods*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone