Frontiers in Endocrinology (Nov 2023)

Real-world practices of hormone monitoring during ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology: a global online survey

  • Noemie Sachs-Guedj,
  • Noemie Sachs-Guedj,
  • Roger Hart,
  • Antonio Requena,
  • Vanessa Vergara,
  • Nikolaos P. Polyzos,
  • Nikolaos P. Polyzos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1260783
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to understand the global practice of routine hormonal monitoring (HM) during ovarian stimulation (OS) in the context of assisted reproductive technique (ART) treatment.MethodsAn open-access questionnaire was available to 3,845 members of IVF-Worldwide.com from September 8 to October 13, 2021. The survey comprised 25 multiple-choice questions on when and how ultrasound (US) and hormone tests were conducted during ovarian stimulation OS. For most questions, respondents were required to select a single option. Some questions allowed the selection of multiple options.ResultsIn all, 528 (13.7%) members from 88 countries responded to the questionnaire. Most respondents (98.9%) reported using US to monitor OS cycles. HM was used by 79.5% of respondents during any of the cycle monitoring visits and was most commonly performed on the day of, or a day prior to final oocyte maturation. Overall, 87% of respondents claimed adjusting the dose of gonadotropin during OS, with 61.7% adjusting the dose based on hormonal levels. Oestradiol (E2) was the most frequently monitored hormone during all visits and was used by 74% of respondents for the prediction of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). On or a day prior to ovulation triggering (OT), the number of respondents who measured progesterone increased from 34.3% in the second/third visit to 67.7%. Approximately one-third of respondents measured luteinizing hormone during all visits.ConclusionGlobally, most ART specialists (~80%) use HM, along with US, for monitoring OS, especially for the prevention of OHSS.

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