The Role of Hormones in IVF: How They Affect Fertility & Success
Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon
Introduction
Hormones play a critical role in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process, influencing egg development, ovulation, implantation, and overall pregnancy success. Understanding how hormones affect fertility and IVF outcomes can help couples make informed decisions and improve their chances of conception.
In this article, we will explore the key hormones involved in IVF, their functions, and how they impact success rates.
What Are Hormones & Why Are They Important in IVF?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the body to regulate reproduction, ovulation, and pregnancy. In IVF, doctors use hormonal medications to control and optimize the reproductive cycle, ensuring the best conditions for fertilization and implantation.
🔹 Hormones Help With:
- ✅ Stimulating multiple egg production
- ✅ Controlling ovulation timing
- ✅ Preparing the uterus for embryo implantation
- ✅ Supporting early pregnancy development
Key Hormones Involved in IVF & Their Functions
1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
🔹 Function: Stimulates the growth of multiple follicles (eggs) in the ovaries.
🔹 Role in IVF:
- FSH injections help produce more eggs for retrieval.
- Higher FSH doses may be needed for women with low ovarian reserve.
✅ Normal FSH Levels for IVF Success:
- Ideal Range: Below 10 mIU/mL
- High FSH (>15 mIU/mL) may indicate poor ovarian response.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
🔹 Function: Triggers ovulation and supports egg maturation.
🔹 Role in IVF:
- LH helps ensure egg quality and proper ovulation timing.
- Some protocols use LH supplements for women with low natural LH levels.
✅ Balanced FSH & LH levels are crucial for healthy follicle development.
3. Estrogen (Estradiol - E2)
🔹 Function: Thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) for embryo implantation.
🔹 Role in IVF:
- High estrogen levels indicate good follicle growth.
- Low estrogen can lead to implantation failure.
✅ Ideal Estradiol Levels in IVF:
- Before retrieval: 200-600 pg/mL per mature follicle.
🚨 Very high estrogen (>4000 pg/mL) may increase the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
4. Progesterone
🔹 Function: Prepares the uterus for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy.
🔹 Role in IVF:
- After egg retrieval, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining.
- Low progesterone can cause implantation failure or miscarriage.
✅ Ideal Progesterone Levels:
- >10 ng/mL on embryo transfer day indicates good uterine support.
🚨 Low progesterone may require supplements (pills, injections, or vaginal suppositories).
5. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
🔹 Function: Triggers final egg maturation and supports pregnancy.
🔹 Role in IVF:
- Used as a “trigger shot” before egg retrieval.
- Also tested in blood pregnancy tests after embryo transfer.
✅ hCG Injection Timing:
- Given 36 hours before egg retrieval for proper maturation.
🚨 hCG should not be taken too early, or eggs may be immature. Read More:– Beta HCG Test in Hindi: जानें इसका महत्व, प्रक्रिया
6. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
🔹 Function: Indicates ovarian reserve (egg supply).
🔹 Role in IVF:
- High AMH means more eggs can be retrieved.
- Low AMH may indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
✅ Ideal AMH Levels for IVF:
- 1.0 – 4.0 ng/mL is considered good.
- <1.0 ng/mL suggests low ovarian reserve.
📌 Women with low AMH may need higher doses of FSH to stimulate egg production.
How Hormone Imbalances Affect IVF Success
1. 🔴 High FSH Levels
- Suggests low ovarian reserve and may lead to poor egg quality.
- IVF success rates are lower if FSH > 15 mIU/mL.
2. 🔴 Low Estrogen (E2) Levels
- Can lead to thin uterine lining, making implantation difficult.
- May require estrogen supplements before embryo transfer.
3. 🔴 Low Progesterone Levels
- Can cause implantation failure or early miscarriage.
- Progesterone supplements are often prescribed after embryo transfer.
4. 🔴 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & High LH
- Women with PCOS may have high LH, affecting egg quality.
- Requires special hormone-balancing medications before IVF.
Tips to Balance Hormones & Improve IVF Success
✅ 1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Obesity or being underweight can disrupt hormone levels.
- Aim for a BMI between 18.5 – 24.9 before starting IVF.
✅ 2. Eat a Fertility-Boosting Diet
- Include protein-rich foods, leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3 fats.
- Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine.
✅ 3. Reduce Stress & Get Enough Sleep
- High cortisol (stress hormone) can negatively affect fertility hormones.
- Yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can help balance hormones.
✅ 4. Take Prenatal Vitamins & Supplements
- Folic acid, vitamin D, CoQ10, and omega-3 fatty acids improve egg quality.
✅ 5. Quit Smoking & Alcohol
- Smoking reduces AMH and estrogen, leading to poor IVF outcomes.
Conclusion
Hormones play a crucial role in IVF by controlling ovulation, egg quality, implantation, and pregnancy maintenance. Understanding how FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, hCG, and AMH affect fertility can help improve IVF success rates.
If you have hormonal imbalances, your doctor may adjust IVF medications or recommend lifestyle changes to optimize fertility. OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt
📌 Thinking about IVF? Consult a fertility specialist to check your hormone levels and prepare for a successful journey! 🚀
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