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Doppler Ultrasonography for Live Imaging and Quantification of Ovarian Vascular Function in Mice
Published on: November 14, 2025
Cerebral blood flow is increased during controlled ovarian stimulation
Ori Nevo1, Jean F Soustiel, Israel Thaler
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel 31096.
American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|October 30, 2007
Summary
Estrogen significantly increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) during ovarian stimulation. This study found higher blood flow and lower vascular resistance linked to rising estrogen levels in women undergoing IVF.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Neurovascular Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Estrogen is known to influence cerebral blood flow (CBF).
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, menopause, and hormone therapies affect CBF.
- Previous research indicates a link between altered hormonal levels and CBF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between controlled ovarian stimulation and CBF in vivo.
- To measure internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow during different phases of ovarian stimulation in women undergoing IVF.
Main Methods:
- Utilized angle-independent dual-beam ultrasound Doppler to measure ICA volume flows.
- Studied 12 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF.
- Measurements were taken during pituitary/ovarian suppression, late follicular phase, and midluteal phase.
Main Results:
- ICA blood flow increased by 22.2% (late follicular) and 32% (midluteal) compared to suppression.
- Significant positive correlation between estrogen levels and CBF increments (r=0.8, P<0.001).
- Increased blood flow velocity and decreased cerebral vascular resistance were observed during stimulation phases.
Conclusions:
- Controlled ovarian stimulation leads to significant increases in CBF.
- Elevated estrogen levels during stimulation are strongly correlated with enhanced CBF.
- Findings suggest sex hormone-induced intracranial vasodilation increases CBF during ovarian stimulation.
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