Luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing physiology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical practice without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 38110672 · doi:10.1038/s41574-023-00921-5
What was done
This narrative review synthesized evidence on luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology (IVF). The authors outlined normal luteal phase physiology and how supraphysiological ovarian stimulation disrupts it, evaluated the impact of different oocyte maturation triggers, reviewed endometrial receptivity and histological changes, and examined progesterone receptor signaling alongside the pharmacokinetics of available progesterone formulations.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings or statistical measures. It notes that controlled ovarian stimulation induces a dysfunctional luteal phase insufficient for implantation and pregnancy maintenance, necessitating exogenous progesterone supplementation. However, clinical protocols regarding the optimal timing, dosing, route of administration, and duration of luteal support remain poorly standardized.
Why it matters
Provides a comprehensive mechanistic and clinical overview of progesterone supplementation in IVF, highlighting key knowledge gaps in optimizing individual luteal support protocols.
Limits
The paper is a narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis. The abstract provides no primary data, search criteria, study counts, or quantitative pooled estimates.
Cited by
- supports Following ovulation, the ovarian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to thicken the endometrial lining.