Chronic low dose FSH in polycystic ovarian syndrome and related anovulatory states

Abstract

Objective: To compare the response to gonadotrophin therapy in patients having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with those having a similar syndrome (PCOS like). Design: prospective cohort study. Setting: National University Hospital, Singapore. Patients: PCOS subjects (n=25, 51 cycles) having infertility , amnorrhoealoligomenorrhoea, ultra- sound evidence of PCOS, reversed LH: FSH and high serum testosterone. PCOS like subjects (n=40, 59 cycles) having at least one but not all the fea- tures of PCOS. Intervention: Chronic low dose intramuscular (im) follicular stimulating Hormone (FSH) Mean outcome measures: Total dose of FSH used, number of days of the stimulation, peak oestradiol (EJ levels, number of mature (17mm) and intermediate (10-16 mm) follicles, hyperstimulation, premature ovulation, miscarriage and pregnancy rates. Results: PCOS subjects required higher doses of FSH X=29 sd 17 V s X=21. 8 se 20.2 ampoules, p0.05 and longer duration of therapy X