Infertility Treatments: Basic
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The classic presentation for women with PCOS is a difficulty in conceiving, because they have irregular menses and do not ovulate regularly. Often patients with PCOS are overweight. This causes an imbalance of hormones in the system, so that ovulation and menstruation do not happen regularly. Medications can be used to induce follicular development, including clomiphene citrate (oral medication) and injectable hormones(FSH).
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate, a sister medication to Tamoxifin) therapy is a safe and time tested therapy for infertility. It is best used on patients under the age of 38. Clomid works on the brain acting as an anti-estrogen, tricking the brain into thinking it does not have any estrogen so the brain makes FSH, hence stimulating the ovaries to develop follicles. Some women are resistant to Clomid and do not develop follicles on even high doses of clomid.
A recent study suggests that another medication Letrozole is also helpful in treating PCOS patients with infertility. The study makes clear that safety and teratogenic risks with letrozole relative to those other infertility therapies needs further study. (Legro, RS NEJM 2014)
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PCOS TREATMENTS
We can tell you if Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) treatment is appropriate for you. Make an appointment with our Honolulu office for a consultation to discuss the right path to your pregnancy. Contact us today.
Call (808) 949-6611 to Schedule Your Fertility Consultation or