Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist further increases the prolactin rise accompanying ovarian stimulation.
Design
Serum prolactin concentrations were compared between cycles with and cycles without the use of leuprolide acetate (LA) matched for estradiol levels. Relationships of prolactin levels to cycle outcomes were examined.
Setting
The study took place at a private fertility center.
Patients
Patients were women receiving stimulation for oocyte retrieval using human menopausal gonadotropins.
Interventions
No interventions were used.
Main Outcome Measures
Serum prolactin level, fertilization rate, embryo quality, and pregnancy were the main outcome measures.
Results
Higher serum prolactin was associated with both higher estradiol levels and use of LA but did not have any effects on fertilization rate, embryo quality, or occurrence of pregnancy.
Conclusion
LA stimulates prolactin release during ovarian stimulation but without apparent consequence.
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Meldrum, D.R., Cedars, M.I., Hamilton, F. et al. Leuprolide acetate elevates prolactin during ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. J Assist Reprod Genet 9, 251–253 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203823
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203823