Washington Times Examines Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Leading Cause of Infertility in Women

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 02 Sep 2005 - 6:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The Washington Times on Tuesday examined polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal imbalance that affects approximately 5% to 10% of US women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of infertility in women. PCOS can cause a lack of ovulation, polycystic ovaries, irregular menstruation or missed periods, and clinical or biochemical evidence of high androgen levels -- such as facial hair or male pattern balding. Other symptoms include weight gain, insulin resistance and skin discoloration. The cause of PCOS is unknown, but some women might be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, according to Richard Blake, an associate professor in the OB/GYN department at Howard University. PCOS treatments include a low-sugar diet, medications to control blood sugar levels, exercise and birth control pills or ovulation-inducing medications to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility (Widhalm, Washington Times, 8/30).

"Reprinted with permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

• Additional
• References
• Citations