Effects of Low LH Serum Levels on Ovarian Pick-up Outcome

Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a key role for normal follicular development and oocyte maturation in controlled ovarian stimulation. In particular, LH stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of theca cells for the secretion of androgens, which synergistically increase the production of estrogen. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low LH concentrations on oocyte retrieval, fertilization and embryo development in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Patients undergoing IVF/ICSI were prospectively analyzed, subdividing them into three groups according to their age. Serum LH levels were evaluated at day 3, during stimulation (day 10) and before ovulation induction (day 12).

Inclusion Criteria:age between 18 and 40 years, body mass index 18-29 kg/m 2 , regular menstrual cycles, normal uterine cavity assess by hysteroscopy, normal uterus and ovaries at transvaginal sonography,Exclusion Criteria:abnormal cervical cytology, affected by any other endocrinological, metabolic, autoimmune, and gynecological disease.