Associations between antral ovarian follicle dynamics and hormone production throughout the menstrual cycle as women age

Abstract

Background: The physiological origins of age-related changes in hormone production during the menstrual cycle are uncertain. Objective: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that changes in antral follicle dynamics are associated with changes in hormone production as women age. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in ovulatory women of midreproductive age (MRA; 18-35 y; n = 10) and advanced reproductive age (ARA; 45-55 y; n = 20). The numbers and diameters of all follicles of 2 mm or greater were quantified ultrasonographically every 1-3 days foroneinterovulatory interval; thegrowthprofiles of individually identified follicles of 4 mm or greater were tabulated. Blood samples were assayed for FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, inhibin A and B, and anti-Mullerian hormone. Results: Fifty percent of women in both the MRA and ARA groups developed one to two lutealphase dominant follicles (LPDFs). MRA women with typical LPDFs had greater luteal-phase inhibin B (44.2 vs 17.0 ng/L) and estradiol (91.3 vs 51.7 ng/L) compared with those without LPDFs (P