cetrorelix + anastrozole + human chorionic gonadotropin

This investigational combination treatment protocol was developed and studied at Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Denmark, for the treatment of infertility in women undergoing IVF or ICSI. The protocol utilizes a strategy of short-term androgen priming to improve follicular responsiveness. It consists of three components: **anastrozole** (an aromatase inhibitor that prevents the conversion of androgens to estrogens), **human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)** (which stimulates androgen synthesis via LH receptors on theca cells), and **cetrorelix** (a GnRH antagonist used for pituitary downregulation). By temporarily increasing intraovarian androgen levels before controlled ovarian stimulation, the treatment aimed to increase the number of top-quality embryos. However, clinical trials, including NCT00286364, indicated that while follicular fluid testosterone levels increased, the protocol did not significantly improve embryo quality compared to standard antagonist protocols.

Other names

Short-Term Androgen Priming in IVFGnRH antagonist + aromatase inhibitor + hCG protocol