Suppress the natural menstrual cycle is the first step in IVF treatment. This drug treatment continues for about two weeks. After the natural cycle has been suppressed, a type of fertility hormone known as a gonadotrophin releasing hormone will be given. Usually take this hormone as a daily injection for around 12 days. This hormone will stimulate the ovaries to release a greater number of mature eggs. Role of hormones in IVF treatment
Fertility drugs are used to make lots of eggs mature at the same time for collection. Need to take fertility drugs to stimulate ovaries to develop mature eggs ready for fertilization. These fertility drugs may have strong side effects. Your fertility doctor will closely monitor you to make sure that you are cared for if this happens.
Regular monitoring of hormonal tests and ultra sound scan will help to check the maturity of an egg.
These following hormones plays a key role in IVF treatment.
1. Luteinising hormone (LH)
Luteinising hormone plays an important role in male and female reproductive health. This hormone is released by gonadotropic cells found in the anterior pituitary gland. LH is an important sex hormone, IVF and fertility-challenged patients should not be too discouraged if their LH readings are out of the normal range. LH problem is one of several factors that may contribute to difficulties in conception. A too high or too low LH level does not, in itself, automatically exclude a successful conception. One study has suggested that a day-three LH test for IVF patients is not a reliable indicator of future IVF success.
2. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) :
FSH is the main hormone accountable for production of mature eggs in the ovaries. FSH is a key hormone responsible for inducing natural menstrual cycles and stimulate the ovaries through medications.
3. Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH):
AMH is a substance produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. High levels of AMH have increased chances of having successful IVF pregnancy. High AMH levels are associated with low cancellation rates, sufficient number of eggs retrieved, improved birth rates and a good chance of freezing residual embryos. Only, low AMH levels cannot estimate IVF success in women less than 35 years.
4. Progesterone
Progesterone is steroid hormone released by the corpus luteum that stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy. Progesterone prepares the endometrium lining to achieve a successful embryo implantation. It prevent early release of an egg. Women undergoing IVF treatments are administered with medications that prevent early release of egg, which affects progesterone hormone content in the body. This hormone helps in implantation and further development of the embryo.
5. Oestrogen
Oestrogen is a hormone it stimulate changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle and promote development of female secondary sexual characteristics. Oestrogen supplements will improve chances of having a success pregnancy since it helps in stabilizing the endometrial lining during IVF cycle.
6. Serum prolactin
Serum prolactin is another hormone plays an important role in IVF treatment. It is a multi-talented protein that performs function in every cell of the body. It is also called luteotropic hormone. High prolactin levels may interfere with the response of the uterine lining, growth and development of ovarian follicles. This may result in reduced fertility rates which may require use of prolactin suppressants. Serum prolactin levels are high in pregnant and breast feeding mothers.
7. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
TSH plays a significant role in having a good reproduction and pregnancy. Thyroid–stimulating hormone: a hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones interact with oestrogen and progesterone to avoid ovarian dysfunction.
