Age, follicle-stimulating hormone, or estradiol: Which is a better predictor of ovarian response in in vitro fertilization?

Objective: To review parameters widely used for assessing ovarian reserve to predict ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation and in vitro fertilization outcome. Method: A Medline search was conducted. Results: The efficacy of the screening tests for ovarian reserve are discussed with respect to maternal age, basal cycle day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol, and provocative tests, such as the clomiphene challenge test and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonist stimulation test. Conclusions: Accurate qualitative tools for correct assessment of ovarian reserve are crucial for predicting the outcome of in vitro fertilization treatment and to enable meaningful pretreatment counseling for patients.