UnknownPhase 3

DHEA Versus Placebo in Women With Poor Ovarian Response

Egypt440 participantsStarted 2015-10

Plain-language summary

440 women with expected poor ovarian response undergoing IVF/ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) will be randomly divided into 2 groups using computer generated random numbers . Group 1 ( study group) will receive Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 25 mg ( DHEA 25mg, Natrol , USA) t.d.s daily for 12 weeks before starting IVF/ICSI cycle. Group 2 ( control group) will receive a placebo. Patients included in the study will be subjected to full history taking and clinical examination. On the second day of menstruation serum FSH, LH, Prolactin and Oestradiol will be assessed and the antral follicular count (AFC) will be assessed using a vaginal ultrasound scan. AFC will be defined as the number of follicles measuring 3-10mm. All patients will have gonadotropin antagonist protocol with Human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) stimulation until the day of (Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. On the day of HCG administration, ovarian ultrasound scan will be performed using a transvaginal probe. Oocytes will be aspirated 34-36 hours after HCG administration. Oocytes will be fertilized and embryos will be transferred. Both groups will be compared regarding the proportion of pregnancy.

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 43 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment with expected poor ovarian response according to the Bologna criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Women with BMI \>35 Kg/m2 * Women with a single ovary * Known allergy to DHEA * Diabetic women on insulin as insulin lowers DHEA levels and might reduce the effectiveness of DHEA supplements

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Ongoing pregnancy rate

Timeframe: 12 weeks after embryo transfer

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02561793

SponsorCairo University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Subfertility trials