In vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in women in overt menopause attempting to induce follicular maturation by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor down-regulation

To determine the frequency of ovulation induction, obtaining oocytes leading to embryos, and pregnancy rates per embryo transfer in women with premature menopause. Prospective observational study of women hoping to have in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with their own oocytes despite being in menopause. Ethinyl estradiol was used to lower follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and restore sensitivity of follicles to mild FSH stimulation. Three of five women had a live baby. Only one woman failed to induce ovulation and thus failed to have an embryo to transfer. One woman conceived two times and delivered a live healthy baby twice. The live delivered pregnancy rate per transfer was 20% (4/20) with generally one or occasionally two embryos transferred. The pregnancy rate per retrieval was 9.3% (4/43). These data can help other women in this circumstance to decide on IVF with their own eggs or switch to donor eggs.