The luteal phase of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone/gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in vitro fertilization cycles during supplementation with progesterone or progesterone and estradiol

Objective: To explore luteal phase hormone profiles in patients stimulated with recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonist for IVF under two different modes of luteal support: P and P with E-2. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Patients in an academic reproductive medicine unit. Patient(s): One hundred and three patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with a fixed dose of 200 IU recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonist. Intervention(s): Patients were randomized to receive luteal phase supplementation, either P vaginally (n = 49) or P and 4 mg E-2 orally (n = 54). Main Outcome Measure(s): Hormonal assessment during the luteal phase on days 1, 4, 7, and 10 after the administration of hCG. Result(s): Hormone levels did not differ during the luteal phase between the two groups with the exception of E-2 concentration on day 10 after hCG, which was significantly higher in the E-2-supplemented group compared with the P group (median 760 pg/mL, range 2,496 vs. median 589.50 pg/mL, range 2,098). Conclusion(s): Addition of 4 mg E, for luteal support after stimulation with recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonist does not alter significantly the endocrine profile of the luteal phase until day 7 after hCG. At day 10 after hCG, the E-2 levels are significantly higher in the E-2-supplemented group. (Fertil Steril (R) 2007;87:504-8. (c) 2007 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)