Comparison of androgen levels in conception vs. non-conception cycles following controlled ovarian stimulation using the luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol.

Serum concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone and dehypdroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) as well as estradiol and progesterone were measured throughout the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and compared by conception outcome to try to determine if differing levels of androgens could help elucidate the endocrine environment conducive to successful IVF cycles. The luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol was used for ovarian stimulation. of the 46 women enrolled in the study, 11 conceived and 35 did not conceive. Throughout the follicular phase, levels of androstenedione and DHEAS were found to rise but the same pattern of increase was found in both conception and non-conception cycles. The pattern of testosterone increase in non-conception cycles was faster than that in conception cycles. Differences in mean levels of androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone by conception outcome in the late luteal phase can be attributed to secretion by the corpus luteum. It is possible that those women having multiple failed cycles with rapidly rising serum testosterone levels should be considered for longer use of the GnRH-a. Differences in the pattern of testosterone rise should be monitored.