Melatonin and Dehydroepiandrosterone: An Observation vis-à-vis Infertility

Abstract Background: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is interconnected with female childlessness and inadequate backlash observed to ovarian stimulation. Objective: The study aimed to compare the effects of melatonin (MT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on ovarian reserve markers among women unable to get pregnant having receded ovarian stockpile. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from January 2022 to June 2023. Altogether, 52 subfertile women were included in this study and allocated into two groups. Group A received the tablet MT 3 mg at night and Group B received the tablet DHEA 25 mg thrice daily for 12 weeks. Early follicular phase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerin hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) were measured at the beginning of treatment and the end of 12 weeks. Mean differences in serum FSH, AMH and AFC betwixt the MT and DHEA treatment groups were evaluated using an independent sample t -test. However, no significant differences were noted. Repeated measure analysis of covariance assessed within-group associations between baseline and post-treatment follow-up. Results: The current study participant age range 28–31 (34.6% ) and 32–35 years (40.4%). Within the group difference between baseline and post-treatment follow-up, serum FSH significantly declines ( P < 0.001) in both the MT and DHEA groups. The serum AMH and AFC significantly increased ( P < 0.001) in the post-treatment group from baseline in both treatment clusters. Conclusion: MT is as effective as DHEA in improving ovarian reserve markers in DOR.