The efficacy of tamoxifen in the treatment of thin endometrium in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle

Abstract Background: Thin endometrium is known to adversely affect reproductive performance. There is no agreement about a consensus treatment on thin endometrium. Tamoxifen(TAM) has a positive effect on endometrium when used as ovulation induction agent. Little information is available regarding its use in patients with thin endometrium during frozen-thaw embryo transfer (FET) cycles. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of TAM on women with thin endometrium in frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycles. Methods: A total of 345 thin endometrium women were retrospectively analyzed during their FET cycles. Among them 190 received TAM protocol (TAM 20 mg per day for 5 days) and 155 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol (estradiol val­erate 6 mg/d for 14 to 21days). Endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcome were compared between the two groups. Result(s): The endometrial thickness in TAM group was significantly higher compared with HRT group. The clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate were significantly higher in TAM group than HRT group. Conclusion(s): In patients of recurrent thin endometrium, tamoxifen treatment in endometrium preparation may be a successful alternative approach