Estrogen Priming

Estrogen priming is a protocol used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to facilitate a more gradual and coordinated growth of follicles in the ovary in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Estrogen is administered during the luteal phase of the previous menstrual cycle to "prime" the FSH receptors which enhances the response to FSH.

This helps to improve the outcome of the IVF cycle in patients who respond poorly to traditional IVF protocols. Estrogen priming also allows the patient and clinicians to schedule the ovarian stimulation cycle and the timing of egg retrieval.