Non-linear saturation threshold of gonadotropin dose on cumulative live birth rates in advanced-age women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Non-linear saturation threshold of gonadotropin dose on cumulative live birth rates in advanced-age women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

  • By

  • Yusi Han

  • Chunxiao Wei

  • Xinhua Wang

  • Jianwei Zhang

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Threshold Effects of Gonadotropin Dosing on Cumulative Live Birth Rates in Older Women with PCOS

Overview

This study investigates the non-linear relationship between total gonadotropin dose and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) in older women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It identifies a threshold of 1,600 IU above which increased gonadotropin dosing does not enhance CLBR, emphasizing the importance of endometrial thickness in reproductive outcomes.

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent cause of anovulatory infertility, particularly affecting women of advanced reproductive age. Despite a high antral follicle count, older PCOS patients often face significant declines in reproductive success, necessitating a better understanding of gonadotropin dosing strategies. This study aims to clarify the dose-response relationship between gonadotropin administration and CLBR, which is critical for optimizing assisted reproductive technology outcomes in this population.

Data Highlights

Age GroupCumulative Live Birth Rate (CLBR)
Advanced Age (≥35 years)44.40%
Younger Cohorts63.90%–69.40%

Key Findings

  • CLBR was significantly lower in the advanced-age group (44.40%) compared to younger cohorts (63.90%–69.40%, P < 0.001).
  • A non-linear dose-response relationship was observed for total gonadotropin dose (P = 0.019), with a saturation threshold at 1,600 IU.
  • Below the threshold of 1,600 IU, each 100-IU increase in gonadotropin was associated with higher odds of CLBR (aOR: 1.059, P = 0.034).
  • Endometrial thickness (EMT) positively correlated with CLBR, with predicted rates increasing from 32.5% at 6 mm to 66.1% at 22 mm (aOR: 1.088, P = 0.016).
  • The predictive nomogram demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC = 0.74) and adequate calibration (P = 0.108).

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider a gonadotropin dosing strategy that does not exceed the identified threshold of 1,600 IU to optimize CLBR in older PCOS patients. Additionally, attention to endometrial thickness is crucial, as it independently predicts reproductive success.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of individualized gonadotropin dosing and endometrial assessment in enhancing reproductive outcomes for older women with PCOS undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Evaluation of Cumulative Live Birth Rates in Preimplantation Genetic Testing Cycles: Progestin Versus GnRH Analogues
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 -- Impact of GnRH Antagonist Protocols versus Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation on Reproductive Outcomes in Advanced Reproductive Age Women
  3. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 -- Comparison of euploidy rates between progestin-primed ovarian stimulation and GnRH antagonist protocols
  4. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2023 -- Comparison of IVF/ICSI outcomes in advanced reproductive age patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
  5. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: an update in 2025, Human Reproduction
  6. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Successful ovulation and pregnancy with pulsatile GnRH pump therapy in a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patient: a case report
  7. Clinical context and why dose matters in older PCOS
  8. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: an update in 2025‡ | Human Reproduction | Oxford Academic
  9. randomized controlled trial of AMH-based individualized FSH dosing in a GnRH antagonist protocol for IVF | Human Reproduction Open | Oxford Academic

Original Source(s)

Related Content