Effect of estradiol on oocyte development

Objective

To determine whether elevated serum estradiol (E₂) concentrations in oocyte donors affect assisted reproduction outcome.

Method

In a retrospective cohort study of 58 consecutive oocyte donation cycles, donors were stratified into 2 groups according to E₂ concentration, group 1 (n = 32; E₂ ≤ 2000 pg/mL range 456-2000 pg/mL]) and group 2 (n = 27; E₂ > 2000 pg/mL range, 2062-6957 pg/mL]). Data were analyzed using the t test and χ² test.

Results

Donors in group 1 produced significantly less oocytes than donors in group 2 (19.3 ± 1.7 vs 12.0 ± 1.4; P < 0.001), and recipients of oocytes from group 1 had significantly fewer numbers of embryos available for transfer (10.4 ± 1.1 vs 6.4 ± 0.8; P = 0.003). However, the mean number (3.3) of embryos transferred and the pregnancy rate were the same in both groups.

Conclusion

Elevated estradiol concentration in oocyte donors did not affect pregnancy outcome, suggesting that estradiol levels in donors do not affect oocyte development.