Management of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome : a practical guide

Treat Endocrinol. 2005;4(5):279-92. doi: 10.2165/00024677-200504050-00002.

Abstract

The management of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) centers around options for inducing ovulation. This is an evidence-based review of the management of PCOS, which includes a MEDLINE search of publications between 1986 and May 2005 and a search of the Cochrane Database. Weight loss, exercise, and metformin will induce ovulation in many insulin-resistant women and obese women with PCOS, and should always be the first-line treatment. Ovulation induction has been performed with clomiphene citrate (clomifene) as the first-line treatment, but the use of aromatase inhibitors has been shown to be as successful. The strategies for reducing the risks of gonadotropin therapy such as low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation and the addition of metformin are discussed. Both gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonists and antagonists are equally effective in in vitro fertilization stimulation in conjunction with FSH therapy. Metformin may have a benefit in pregnancy in reducing the risks of miscarriage and diabetes mellitus; however, prospective trials are still lacking.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / complications
  • Infertility, Female / therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Treatment Outcome