In a Study of Patients Seeking Assisted Reproductive Technology, Researchers

Multiple Choice

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.
-Why would researchers working with assisted reproductive technology be particularly interested in levels of FSH as opposed to other hormones?

A) FSH is the hormone that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy.
B) FSH helps the secondary oocyte maneuver through the oviduct.
C) FSH is necessary for secondary oocytes to mature.
D) FSH levels are an indicator of a woman's general state of health.