mock cycle
Practice cycle using hormone replacement to assess endometrial response before frozen embryo transfer.
Full Definition
A mock cycle, also known as a trial cycle, is a hormone replacement therapy cycle performed without embryo transfer to evaluate a patient's endometrial response and optimize the protocol for subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET). During this cycle, estrogen and progesterone are administered according to the planned FET protocol, and endometrial thickness and pattern are monitored through ultrasound examinations. This approach allows clinicians to identify potential issues with endometrial development, adjust medication dosages, and determine optimal timing for progesterone start and embryo transfer in future treatment cycles.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from actual treatment cycles; note absence of embryo transfer.
In Context
- "A mock cycle revealed suboptimal endometrial development requiring protocol modification." — Treatment planning note
- "The mock cycle demonstrated appropriate endometrial thickness at 10.2 mm on cycle day 21." — Monitoring report