Effect of estradiol on oocyte development

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether elevated serum estradiol (E(2)) concentrations in oocyte donors affect assisted reproduction outcome. METHOD: In a retrospective cohort study of 58 consecutive oocyte donation cycles, donors were stratified into 2 groups according to E(2) concentration, group 1 (n=32; E(2) 2000 pg/mL [range, 2062-6957 pg/mL]). Data were analyzed using the t test and chi(2) test. RESULTS: Donors in group 1 produced significantly less oocytes than donors in group 2 (19.3+/-1.7 vs 12.0+/-1.4; P<0.001), and recipients of oocytes from group 1 had significantly fewer numbers of embryos available for transfer (10.4+/-1.1 vs 6.4+/-0.8; P=0.003). However, the mean number (3.3) of embryos transferred and the pregnancy rate were the same in both groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated estradiol concentration in oocyte donors did not affect pregnancy outcome, suggesting that estradiol levels in donors do not affect oocyte development.