Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Effects of transdermal testosterone application on the ovarian response to FSH in poor responders undergoing assisted
N Massin1, I Cedrin-Durnerin, C Coussieu
1Reproductive Medicine Unit, Jean Verdier Hospital, University Paris XIII, Bondy, France.
Background:
In primates, androgens can play a synergistic role with FSH in promoting the early follicular recruitment, which is critical in assisted reproduction technique programmes.
Objective:
To assess whether poor responders can benefit from androgen application.
Methods:
Inclusion criteria were a previous poor ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation and a decreased hormonal ovarian reserve. Selected women were randomized to receive either transdermal application of testosterone (n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) gel for 15 days before FSH treatment for a second IVF cycle. Similar GnRH analogue and equivalent FSH daily doses were used in both cycles. The primary outcome was the total number of oocytes retrieved.
Results:
Testosterone gel application resulted in a significant increase in plasma testosterone levels but did not significantly improve the antral follicle count. Furthermore, after gel application, the main parameters of the ovarian response (numbers of pre-ovulatory follicles, total and mature oocytes and embryos) did not significantly differ between testosterone and placebo-treated patients.
Conclusion:
No significant beneficial effects of androgen administration on the ovarian response to FSH could be demonstrated. However, subsequent clinical trials are needed to determine whether an optimal dose and/or a longer duration of testosterone administration may be helpful.
