Comparison of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1/Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio in Infertile Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve Publisher



Asbagh FA ; Ebrahimi M ; Davaritanha F ; Sahraiyan G ; Feizabad E ; Mohammadkhani R ; Pourmand N ; Pourmand A
Source: International Journal of Women's Health and Reproduction Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to compare the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio between infertile women with DOR and those with usual ovarian reserve. Materials and Methods: This observational longitudinal study was conducted on 80 women scheduled for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in our infertility department. Each participant underwent blood sample testing for the measurement of FSH, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and IGF1 serum levels on the second day of the menstrual cycle. The infertile women were placed into two groups: Group I consisted of infertile women who were diagnosed with DOR according to the Bologna criteria, and group II included women with unexplained infertility and usual ovarian reserve. Results: The mean IGF-1 level was 113.72±45.37 ng/mL in group I, and 119.37±45.79 ng/mL in Group II, with no significant difference (P = 0.649). We found a significant positive correlation between AMH levels and IGF-1 (P = 0.005) and IGF/FSH ratio (P < 0.001) in DOR (group I) women. In contrast, this correlation was significant only for AMH levels and IGF/FSH ratio (P = 0.002) in group II. The IGF-1/FSH ratio was significantly less in group I versus group II (14.76±1.28 vs. 28.27±6.30; P = 0.001). The IGF1/E2 ratio was significantly less in group 1 versus group 2 (5.52±0.98 vs. 11.69±3.2; P = 0.029). Conclusions: Our results show that IGF1 and the IGF/FSH ratio are significantly positively correlated with ovarian reserve markers. Hence, this ratio may be used as a screening marker to predict ovarian reserve, independent of age. © 2026 The Author(s).