Evaluating whether administration of growth hormone improves endometrial function and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing undergoing in vitro fertilization.

This study evaluated whether the administration of growth hormone (GH) improves endometrial function and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The data showed that GH administration significantly improved endometrial function and increased the live birth and clinical pregnancy rate in these patients.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common infertility treatment. It involves transferring embryo(s) grown in the laboratory into the uterus. To establish a pregnancy, the embryo needs to implant in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is necessary for the endometrium to stay thick during the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle) when the embryo is implanting. Endometrial thickness (ET) is an important factor for IVF success. The endometrium supplies growth factors and hormones that support the developing embryo. During IVF patients are routinely administered a hormone called progesterone, to improve the chances of the fertilized embryo becoming implanted in the endometrium.

Another potential treatment is GH stimulation. GH can help stimulate the release of mature oocytes from the ovary. GH stimulation may also support embryonic development and the uterine lining. Some studies suggest that GH stimulation can improve fertility outcomes. Other studies have shown no effect on fertility outcomes. However, it is still unclear whether the administration of GH improves endometrial function and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing IVF cycles.

This study analyzed 25 other studies involving 2424 women undergoing IVF cycles. Patients were administered GH for treatment.

GH administration significantly increased the ET and improved the live birth rate (by 67%) and clinical pregnancy rate (by 97%).

Administration of GH daily from the follicular phase (the first part of the menstrual cycle that starts in the first day of the period) of the previous cycle until the human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; fertility hormone) hormone trigger with less than 5 IU/day led to a thicker endometrium and a greater chance of becoming pregnant. Administration of GH from the luteal phase of the previous cycle until the hCG trigger with 5-10 IU/day resulted in a higher oocyte (egg) and embryo quality.

This study concluded that growth hormone administration significantly improved endometrial function and increased the live birth and clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF cycles. The authors suggested that women with a thin endometrium may benefit the most from GH supplementation.

The number of studies analyzed was small. This study did not evaluate the side effects of growth hormone administration. More studies are needed to confirm the findings.