Basal estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone predict fecundity in women of advanced reproductive age undergoing ovulation induction therapy.

Objective: To determine the prognostic value of single basal E2 and FSH levels as predictors of fecundity in women of advanced reproductive age who are undergoing ovulation induction with IUI therapy.

Design: Prospective, observational.

Setting: Fertility service of university medical center.

Patient(s): Infertile couples in which the female partner was > or = 38 years old.

Intervention(s): Single assessment of basal E2 and FSH levels and ovulation induction with IUI.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Cumulative and clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates.

Result(s): All live births occurred in patients with a basal E2 < or = 80 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671), a basal FSH < or = 13 mIU/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 1.00), and a chronological age < or = 42 years. In women 38 to 42 years of age, 10.3% had elevated basal E2 (> 80 pg/mL) in combination with normal basal FSH (< or = 13 mIU/mL), and no live births occurred in these couples. The cumulative live birth rate after four treatment cycles in women 38 to 42 years of age with both normal basal E2 (< or = 80 pg/mL) and FSH levels (< or = 13 mIU/mL) was 43.9%.

Conclusion(s): Basal E2 improves the ability to predict fertility potential compared with basal FSH and chronological age alone. Basal E2, in combination with basal FSH and chronological age, has useful prognostic value in prospectively counseling patients of advanced reproductive age who are considering ovulation induction and IUI therapy.