Low-dose follicle stimulating hormone for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome.

In 20 patients with clinically, sonographically and endocrinologically proven polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation induction with low doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was attempted by administration for 27 menstrual cycles. One ampule FSH was administered from day 3 onwards. If the ovarian response was inadequate after days 10-12, the daily FSH dose was increased by half an ampule until ovulation induction. Of the cycles, 55.5% were monofollicular, whereas 4 cycles had to be cancelled due to a multifollicular response or failure of ovarian stimulation. On average, 14.4 ampules was used, and human chorionic gonadotropin was given on day 16. Seven pregnancies were established, with all of them ongoing at this writing. One twin pregnancy and one triplet pregnancy occurred. Even in polycystic ovary syndrome patients, low-dose administration of FSH allows safe stimulation, with a low incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation, a high pregnancy rate and an acceptably low risk of multiple pregnancies.