In a study of patients seeking assisted reproductive technology, researchers examined the level of FSH in each patient as well as the average number of oocytes they were able to retrieve. Here is an approximation of the data.
$$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | l | }
\hline && \text { Older than 33 but } & \text { Older than } 38 \text { but } & \
& \text { Younger than 33 } & \text { younger than } 37 & \text { younger than } 41 & \text { Older than } 41 \
\hline \text { FSH levels } & \text { paseline } = 100 \% & 112 \% & 117 \% & 122 \% \
\hline \text { Oocytes retrieved } & 8.8 & 7.5 & 4.7 & 3.2 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Source: Adapted from Barad, D. H., Weghofer, A., and Gleicher, N. (2007). Age-specific levels for basal follicle-stimulating hormone assessment of ovarian function. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 109(6): 1404-1410.
-Based on these data what levels of FSH and oocytes retrieved would you predict for a woman who is postmenopausal?
A) 150% FSH and 5 oocytes
B) varying levels of FSH possible but no oocytes
C) no FSH and many oocytes

Question

In a study of patients seeking assisted reproductive technology, researchers examined the level of FSH in each patient as well as the average number of oocytes they were able to retrieve. Here is an approximation of the data.
 $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | l | } 
\hline && \text { Older than 33 but } & \text { Older than } 38 \text { but } & \
& \text { Younger than 33 } & \text { younger than } 37 & \text { younger than } 41 & \text { Older than } 41 \
\hline \text { FSH levels } & \text { paseline } = 100 \% & 112 \% & 117 \% & 122 \% \
\hline \text { Oocytes retrieved } & 8.8 & 7.5 & 4.7 & 3.2 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Source: Adapted from Barad, D. H., Weghofer, A., and Gleicher, N. (2007). Age-specific levels for basal follicle-stimulating hormone assessment of ovarian function. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 109(6): 1404-1410.
-Based on these data what levels of FSH and oocytes retrieved would you predict for a woman who is postmenopausal?
A) 150% FSH and 5 oocytes
B) varying levels of FSH possible but no oocytes
C) no FSH and many oocytes

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data shows a trend of increasing FSH levels and decreasing oocytes retrieved with age. Postmenopausal women, being beyond the reproductive age, would likely have high FSH levels due to the lack of ovarian response but no oocytes, as their ovaries no longer produce eggs.

In a Study of Patients Seeking Assisted Reproductive Technology, Researchers