AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
Thanks for answering my previous question so quickly ! I'm writing again from Singapore. My doctor and I are considering whether to add growth hormone to my IVF protocol (which will be 300IU reducing to 250IU Puregon, +lupron long downregulation. HCG to trigger (they use luteal HCG support and a previous cycle with cetrotide went poorly).
I used GH last time (1IU daily for 3 months prior and 5IU during stims) with no obvious effect. My baseline GH levels are quite good (mid-upper average when tested on off-cycles) and I try and keep them up using resistance training. If someone is already OK for GH levels, is there any advantage in adding GH during a cycle ? I found one article suggesting it helps with uterine receptivity but have read other information that suggests adding GH when baseline levels are already OK can lead to higher levels of androgens than desirable (which affects egg quality adversely)
Any comments or experience about GH during cycles would be most welcome
Thanks
Alison
Answer Hello Alison,
There are no data to support the use of Growth Hormone with IVF. I know that physicians try everything that they can think of when previous cycles failed, but this is not one I can advocate.
The secondary effects of growth hormone are unpredictable, and I would surmise that it can have adverse effects on the hormonal balance, which is crucial in achieving pregnancy. All hormones are inter-related and can affect eachother.
Sorry for the limited answer, but that is all the information that I can provide on this subject because it is not actively in use in IVF programs, nor is even considered by most mainstream programs.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
