QuestionDr Ramirez
Thanks for answering my previous question so quickly ! I'm writing again from Singapore. My doctor and I are considering whether to add growth hormone to my IVF protocol (which will be 300IU reducing to 250IU Puregon, +lupron long downregulation. HCG to trigger (they use luteal HCG support and a previous cycle with cetrotide went poorly).
I used GH last time (1IU daily for 3 months prior and 5IU during stims) with no obvious effect. My baseline GH levels are quite good (mid-upper average when tested on off-cycles) and I try and keep them up using resistance training. If someone is already OK for GH levels, is there any advantage in adding GH during a cycle ? I found one article suggesting it helps with uterine receptivity but have read other information that suggests adding GH when baseline levels are already OK can lead to higher levels of androgens than desirable (which affects egg quality adversely)
Any comments or experience about GH during cycles would be most welcome
Thanks
Alison
AnswerHello Alison,
There are no data to support the use of Growth Hormone with IVF. I know that physicians try everything that they can think of when previous cycles failed, but this is not one I can advocate.
The secondary effects of growth hormone are unpredictable, and I would surmise that it can have adverse effects on the hormonal balance, which is crucial in achieving pregnancy. All hormones are inter-related and can affect eachother.
Sorry for the limited answer, but that is all the information that I can provide on this subject because it is not actively in use in IVF programs, nor is even considered by most mainstream programs.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
