[Prognostic value of high FSH concentrations].

Ovarian age is a major determinant of success in assisted reproductive technologies. The number and quality of oocytes retrieved directly depend upon the ovarian reserve. The evaluation of FSH concentration during the first days of the menstrual cycle provides a simple and accurate means of assessing ovarian reserve. Plasma FSH value is correlated with cancellation rate, peak estradiol, number of oocytes retrieved and of the resulting embryos, pregnancy rate, outcome of cryopreservation. However, a poor response to the stimulation treatment is unpredictable in a subgroup of women whose FSH concentration remain within the normal range. Ovarian aging begins several years before any clinical or endocrinological modification. Recurrent FSH determinations may help in predicting a poor response, as a large intercycle FSH variability is correlated with ovarian failure. The value of ovarian reserve tests is presently not fully established.