Endogenous gonadotropin flare following microdose leuprolide (MDL) stimulation protocol does not correlate with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome.

Patients undergoing first IVF cycle using MDL from October 2005 to November 2008 had serum FSH, LH, and estradiol (E2) levels measured prior to and 2 days after initiation of MDL; and evidence of a follicular flare, defined as a doubling in endogenous gonadotropins, was evaluated and correlated with clinical pregnancy, cancellation, implantation, spontaneous abortion, and ongoing pregnancy rate as well as cycle parameters. Although there was no difference in IVF outcomes, higher doses of exogeneous gonadotropins as well as greater days of stimulation were observed in patients with a documented FSH or LH flare.