Comparing hormone therapy and ovarian stimulation for preparing the uterus before embryo transfer

Hormone Replacement Therapy Versus Minimal Ovarian Stimulation for Endometrial Preparation Prior to Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer in Non Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients

PHASE4 · Mansoura University · NCT02330757

This study is testing whether hormone therapy or a mild ovarian stimulation method works better to prepare the uterus for women having a frozen embryo transfer.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 38 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMansoura University (other)
Locations2 sites (Mansourah, Dakahlia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02330757 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates two methods of endometrial preparation prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in women without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estradiol valerate or minimal ovarian stimulation (MOS) using clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins. The effectiveness of each method will be assessed by measuring endometrial thickness and quality before proceeding with embryo transfer. The study aims to determine which approach leads to better outcomes in infertility treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women without PCOS who have at least two cryopreserved good quality embryos.

Not a fit: Patients with PCOS, moderate to severe endometriosis, or uterine abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the success rates of embryo transfers in women without PCOS.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific comparison of HRT versus MOS in non-PCOS patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women without PCOS as defined by the Rotterdam criteria.
* Presence of at least 2 cryopreserved good quality cleavage-stage embryo (good quality cleavage-stage embryos display stage-specific cell division, have blastomeres of fairly equal size with few to no cytoplasmic fragments).

Exclusion Criteria:

* PCOS or polycystic ovary on ultrasound scan.
* Moderate or severe endometriosis.
* Hydrosalpinx.
* Uterine abnormalities or myoma.
* Previous uterine surgery.

Where this trial is running

Mansourah, Dakahlia and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Infertility, Frozen-thawed embryo transfer, FET protocols

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.