Impact of trigger-day serum luteinizing hormone levels on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in overweight and obese women undergoing GnRH antagonist protocols: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Impact of trigger-day serum luteinizing hormone levels on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in overweight and obese women undergoing GnRH antagonist protocols: a retrospective cohort study

  • By

  • Danping Li

  • Wenhan Ju

  • Xina Zhen

  • Demin Lv

  • Wenli Yang

  • Shan Xiang

  • Fangting Duan

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Influence of Serum Luteinizing Hormone Levels on Embryo Quality

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between trigger-day serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and IVF outcomes in overweight and obese women. Elevated LH levels were found to correlate with poorer ovarian response and embryo quality, but did not significantly affect pregnancy outcomes.

Background

Infertility is a growing concern, particularly among overweight and obese women, who face unique challenges during in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to impaired ovarian function and hormonal dysregulation. Understanding the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in this population is crucial for optimizing IVF protocols and improving reproductive outcomes. This study aims to clarify the impact of serum LH levels on embryo quality and pregnancy success in this demographic.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'Group 1 (< P25)': {'Follicles ≥14 mm': 'Provide specific number', 'Retrieved Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Mature Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Fertilized Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'High-Quality Embryos': 'Provide specific number'}, 'Group 2 (P25–P75)': {'Follicles ≥14 mm': 'Provide specific number', 'Retrieved Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Mature Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Fertilized Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'High-Quality Embryos': 'Provide specific number'}, 'Group 3 (> P75)': {'Follicles ≥14 mm': 'Provide specific number', 'Retrieved Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Mature Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'Fertilized Oocytes': 'Provide specific number', 'High-Quality Embryos': 'Provide specific number'}}}

Key Findings

  • Group 1 (< P25 LH) had significantly better ovarian response indicators compared to Groups 2 and 3.
  • Higher LH levels were negatively correlated with the number of follicles, retrieved oocytes, and embryo quality.
  • No significant differences in clinical pregnancy or live birth rates were observed across the LH groups.
  • Trigger-day LH levels did not independently predict clinical pregnancy rates after adjusting for confounders.
  • Findings suggest that elevated LH may impair embryo quality without affecting pregnancy outcomes in overweight and obese women.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the implications of elevated LH levels in overweight and obese women undergoing IVF, as these levels may indicate poorer ovarian response and embryo quality. However, the lack of association with pregnancy outcomes suggests that other factors may play a more significant role in IVF success in this population.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complex relationship between serum LH levels and IVF outcomes in overweight and obese women, indicating that while elevated LH correlates with poorer embryo quality, it does not serve as an independent predictor of pregnancy success.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Comparison of euploidy rates between progestin-primed ovarian stimulation and GnRH antagonist protocols
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Evaluation of Cumulative Live Birth Rates in Preimplantation Genetic Testing Cycles
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Oral Elagolix Offers a More Cost-Effective and Less Invasive Alternative to Injectable GnRH Antagonists
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Preconception and Ongoing Lifestyle Modifications in Overweight or Obese Women with PCOS Undergoing Fertility Treatment
  5. American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2023 -- Prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline
  6. Frontiers, 2024 -- Luteinizing hormone profiles during ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive treatment
  7. Endocrine Reviews, 2023 -- Obesity-Related Hypogonadism in Women
  8. Prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline (2023) - practice guidance | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
  9. Frontiers | Luteinizing hormone profiles during ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive treatment
  10. Obesity-Related Hypogonadism in Women | Endocrine Reviews | Oxford Academic

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