The Egg Whisperer Show

I'm 40. Did 5 IVF Cycles, Got Dozens of Eggs, But Not a Single Normal Embryo. What Should I Do Next? (Ask The Egg Whisperer with guest Dr. Steven Palter)

Mar 18, 2026
Dr. Steven Palter, medical and scientific director at Gold Coast IVF and creator of the PCOS to Pregnancy Protocol, brings metabolic and personalized approaches to fertility. He critiques DHEA/testosterone priming, evaluates mitochondrial replacement, and explains why stimulation protocol or early triggers cause immature eggs. He also covers PGTA value, insulin resistance in PCOS, and strategies for endometriosis and lab/sperm checks.
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INSIGHT

AMH Predicts Number Not Quality

  • AMH predicts egg quantity, not egg quality, so a low AMH doesn't mean you can't have good eggs.
  • Dr. Steven Palter emphasizes recent research and warns patients not to conflate reserve (AMH) with embryo competence.
ADVICE

Measure Androgens Before Using DHEA Or Testosterone

  • Avoid routine testosterone/DHEA priming without measured levels because indiscriminate use can raise androgens too high and harm eggs.
  • Dr. Steven Palter measures DHEA and testosterone and cites a large randomized trial showing no benefit for testosterone priming.
INSIGHT

Mitochondrial Replacement Is Still Experimental For Age

  • Mitochondrial replacement therapy (three-parent IVF) remains experimental and unproven for age-related aneuploidy.
  • Trials were mixed, FDA bans it in the U.S., and outside centers vary widely in oversight and outcomes.
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