Cohort study, 2004
Does a premenstrual GnRH antagonist injection reduce variation in egg follicle sizes for fertility treatment?
Yes, in 25 women, a single premenstrual GnRH antagonist injection reduced the sizes of early egg follicles and the differences between them. This may help improve fertility treatment, though results are from a single center.
What they did
This study followed 25 women (50 cycles total) at a French university hospital. On cycle day 2, researchers measured early egg follicles by ultrasound and measured hormones. On day 25 of the cycle, women received a single injection of cetrorelix acetate (3 mg). On the following cycle day 2, measurements were repeated.
What they found
Follicle diameters were smaller (4.1 +/- 0.9 mm vs. 5.5 +/- 1.0 mm) and follicle-to-follicle size differences decreased with the antagonist. FSH was lower (4.5 +/- 1.9 vs. 6.7 +/- 2.4 mIU/mL), E2 was lower (23 +/- 13 vs. 46 +/- 26 pg/mL), and inhibin B was lower (52 +/- 30 vs. 76 +/- 33 pg/mL) with the antagonist.
What it means for you
A single injection of a GnRH antagonist given premenstrually may help standardize egg follicle development for fertility treatment. However, this is from a single center and needs confirmation in larger studies.
3 mg
Cetrorelix acetate dose
4.1 mm
Follicle diameter after antagonist
50 cycles
Total cycles studied
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist coordinates early antral follicle sizes and sets up the basis for an innovative concept of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
- Authors
- Fanchin R, Castelo Branco A, Kadoch IJ et al.
- Journal
- Fertility and sterility
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- Single premenstrual injection of cetrorelix acetate (GnRH antagonist), 3 mg
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.11.037