Associations between antral ovarian follicle dynamics and hormone production throughout the menstrual cycle as women age

Heidi Katherina Vanden Brink, David Robertson, Hyun Ja Lim, Chel Hee Lee, Donna R Chizen, Guy Harris, Georgina E Hale, Henry G Burger, Angela Baerwald

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25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The physiologic origins of age-related changes in hormone production during the menstrual cycle are uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that changes in antral follicle dynamics are associated with changes in hormone production as women age. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted in ovulatory women of Mid-Reproductive Age (MRA; 18-35 years; n=10) and Advanced Reproductive Age (ARA; 45-55 years; n=20). The numbers and diameters of all follicles >/=2 mm were quantified ultrasonographically every 1-3 days for one interovulatory interval; the growth profiles of individually identified follicles >/= 4 mm were tabulated. Blood samples were assayed for FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, inhibin A and B, and AMH. RESULTS: 50 of women in both MRA and ARA groups developed 1-2 luteal phase dominant follicles (LPDFs). MRA women with typical LPDFs had greater luteal phase inhibin B (44.2 vs 17.0 ng/L) and estradiol (91.3 vs 51.7 ng/L) compared to those without LPDFs (p
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4553 - 4562
Number of pages10
JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Volume100
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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