What is the effect of the early follicular phase FSH/LH ratio on the number of mature oocytes and embryo development?

OBJECTIVE: The basal level of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and antral follicle count are used as predictors of ovarian reserve before starting ovulation induction. We investigated the predictor potential of early follicular phase FSH/LH ratio in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation?intracytoplasmic sperm injection (COH-ICSI) cycle outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted with 648 COH-ICSI cycles performed between 2012 and 2014. The cycles were classified according to their basal FSH/LH ratio, group 1 (G1) = FSH/LH ratio < 2, N=473 and group 2 (G2) = FSH/LH ratio ? 2, N = 175. The retrieved total oocyte count (TOC), mature oocyte count (MOC), transferred embryo number, and pregnancy results were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: The TOC and MOC of G1 were significantly higher than those of G2. The total gonadotrophin doses of G2 was significantly higher than those of G1. No significant difference was found between the groups in the transferred embryo number. The pregnancy and live birth rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In our population, an increased FSH/LH ratio did not negatively affect the pregnancy and live birth rates.