BMJ  2007;335:663-666 (29 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.39335.462303.80

Clinical Review

Managing anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome

Adam H Balen, professor of reproductive medicine and surgery, Anthony J Rutherford, consultant in reproductive medicine and surgery

Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS2 9NS

Correspondence to: A H Balen adam.balen@leedsth.nhs.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In this second overview of the current management of infertility we discuss anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. This syndrome (formerly known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome) is the most common hormonal disturbance in women—around one fifth of women in the United Kingdom are affected. It is also the most common reason for women not to ovulate, and the combination of being overweight and having polycystic ovary syndrome can have a profound effect on reproductive health.


  • Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine problem affecting women and the most common cause of anovulatory infertility
  • Oral clomifene citrate remains the first line treatment to induce ovulation
  • Gonadotrophin treatment needs careful monitoring to reduce risk of multiple pregnancy
  • Despite early promise, the role of metformin and insulin lowering agents is unclear in the management of anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome


We referred to the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, The National Institute for Health . . . [Full text of this article]


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This article has been cited by other articles:

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Management of anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome should include diagnosis and treatment of essential nutrient deficiencies.
Ellen C G Grant
bmj.com, 1 Oct 2007 [Full text]
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