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

Clinical Review

Managing anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome

Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS2 9NS

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.

Summary points 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

Sources and selection criteria

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

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

How does obesity interact with polycystic ovary syndrome?

How do we help women with the syndrome to ovulate?

Does metformin have a role in fertility treatment?

What are the outcomes of the induction of ovulation?

What are the other causes of anovulation?

Ongoing research questions
Additional educational resources
Information resources for health professionals
Information resources for patients

Conclusions

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Articles

Management of infertility

Adam H Balen and Anthony J Rutherford
BMJ 2007 335: 608-611. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Effect of clomifene citrate plus metformin and clomifene citrate plus placebo on induction of ovulation in women with newly diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome: randomised double blind clinical trial

Etelka Moll, Patrick M M Bossuyt, Johanna C Korevaar, Cornelis B Lambalk, and Fulco van der Veen
BMJ 2006 332: 1485. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Should obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome receive treatment for infertility?

Adam H Balen, Martin Dresner, Eleanor M Scott, and James O Drife
BMJ 2006 332: 434-435. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Using an electrocautery strategy or recombinant follicle stimulating hormone to induce ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome: randomised controlled trial

Neriman Bayram, Madelon van Wely, Eugenie M Kaaijk, Patrick M M Bossuyt, and Fulco van der Veen
BMJ 2004 328: 192. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

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]