Prospective, cohort study.
Three IVF programs in eastern Massachusetts.
Four hundred twenty-five regularly cycling women planning to undergo IVF. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulatory infertility, or irregular cycles were excluded from this study.
Collection of epidemiological data and baseline serum in women undergoing IVF.
Baseline serum total T, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and calculation of free androgen index.
Body mass index >26 kg/m2 was associated with a significant increase in serum T (P<.01) and free androgen index (P<.0001). Serum T decreased significantly throughout the fourth decade of life (P<.03). A history of cigarette smoking >10 pack years was associated with increased serum T (P<.01). A diagnosis of endometriosis was associated with decreased serum T. Serum T correlated positively with pre-hCG serum E2 and number of oocytes retrieved. However, serum T did not significantly influence fertilization or pregnancy rates.
In cycling infertile women, increasing BMI and cigarette smoking are associated with increased serum T. Advancing age and endometriosis are associated with decreased serum T.