Growth hormone versus DHEA to boost follicle response in IVF for poor ovarian responders
Official title: Growth Hormone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Effect on Poor Ovarian Reserve Patients During in Vitro Fertilization
Run by Beni-Suef University · NCT07323329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding growth hormone or DHEA helps women with poor ovarian reserve produce more and larger follicles during ICSI.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 165 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beni-Suef University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Banī Suwayf, Beni Suweif Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 12, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07323329 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with poor ovarian response—typically advanced maternal age or a history of ≤3 oocytes in prior cycles or low AFC/AMH—who do not have endocrine/metabolic disease, pelvic pathology, or severe male-factor infertility are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active endocrine or metabolic disorders, uterine or tubal pathology (e.g., hydrosalpinx), severe male-factor infertility, or those with normal ovarian reserve are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Women identified as poor ovarian responders are assigned to receive somatropin (4 IU daily for 1 month) plus folic acid, DHEA plus folic acid for 12 weeks, or control care before undergoing an ICSI cycle. The study compares number and size of ovarian follicles and ICSI outcomes between the three groups. Participants are followed one month before stimulation in the growth hormone arm, 12 weeks in the DHEA arm, and through the ICSI cycle. Eligibility requires at least two poor-responder criteria (advanced maternal age or other risk factor, prior ≤3 oocytes, or low AFC/AMH) and excludes significant endocrine, pelvic, or severe male-factor causes of infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could increase follicle number and size and potentially improve egg yield and ICSI success for women with poor ovarian reserve.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and meta-analyses have shown mixed results, with some suggesting modest benefit from GH or DHEA in poor responders but overall evidence remains inconsistent and not definitive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: At least two of the following three criteria had to be present after maximal stimulation: 1. Advanced maternal age (\>40 years) or any other risk factor for Poor Ovarian Response (POR). 2. ≤3 oocytes with a conventional stimulation protocol). 3. An abnormal ovarian reserve test \[i.e. antral follicle count (AFC) less than 5-7 follicles or anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) below 0.5-1.1 ng/ml\]. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any endocrine or metabolic disorder such as hyperprolactinemia, diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. 2. Any pelvic pathology such as hydrosalpinx, uterine anomaly. 3. Any male factor infertility such as Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia (OAT) or azoospermia
Where it's running
-
Beni-Suef University Hospital
Banī Suwayf, Beni Suweif Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.