Infertility

Well my story started 11 years ago when I was married and decided to try to have a baby. I had noticed a few years before that, that my cycles were not what you would call normal. I always figured that it was not a big deal and I never thought that it would cause any problems as far as fertility was concerned.

My PCOS story really began in January of 1993, after discontinuing the use of birth control pills. I was 19 years old when I stopped taking the pill, I had with my high school sweetheart since I was 15 years old, and on the pill since I was 16.

The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association (PCOSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the syndrome for which it is named, today announced they will host the PCOSA Online Auction for Aid, Awareness & Advancement.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by anovulation (irregular or absent menstrual periods) and hyperandrogenism (elevated serum testosterone and androstenedione).

Ovulation assessment is an important part of every infertile couple's evaluation. A complete history and physical by your physician can often uncover obvious concerns.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by anovulation (irregular or absent menstrual periods) and hyperandrogenism (elevated serum testosterone and androstenedione).

PCOStrategies is sponsoring a participant survey that will be used in research regarding the partnerships between the medical community and non-profits and our combined efforts to educate and raise public awareness about PCOS and Syndrome O.

PCOStrategies of WNC recently held another session of the Syndrome O Survival (SOS) Strategies in November. Some very motivated participants drove two hours into Asheville to join us.

WNC PCOSupport member Lesa Childers (left) and Dr. Stephen Sawin (right)of the Center for Applied Reproductive Science chat during a PCOS lecture atMission St. Joseph's Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.

PCOS is a genetic hormone disorder which is related to diabetes. PCOS is something you are born with. Symptoms typically usually start appearing after puberty and in a few cases sometimes not until your 20's or early 30's.

It is the most common endocrine disorder in women, the leading cause of infertility, and the most under diagnosed women's disease in the United States.

I am excited to have the opportunity to speak with Lisa Marasco, IBCLC about her research regarding a possible link between PCOS and Breastfeeding difficulties.

The results of ovarian reserve testing are often viewed by patients as either good news or bad. The bad news is that, for patients with low ovarian reserve, implantation rates are generally poor and the possibility of successful pregnancy is very limited.

By Samuel S. Thatcher, M.D.

A Fact Sheet From The Center For Applied Reproductive Science

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries accumulate tiny "cysts" (actually little follicles, two to five millimeters in diameter, each of which contains an egg)

Many women present with significant ovulation problems that may indicate an underlying issue with their metabolism and nutrition.

What exactly is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Physicians are taught that the syndrome is best described as "hyperandrogenic anovulation."

Benjamin Franklin's words "God helps those who help themselves" were echoed as a motivational battle cry by Medical Chair Dr. Ron Feinberg in a June 8 keynote address to an audience of 250 at the international conference of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Association.

To the doctors, it seemed more than coincidental that these women manifested absent menstrual periods, hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, and thighs), and enlarged ovaries.

U.S. Surgeon General Michaela Smith announced today that a major health and reproductive problem afflicting millions of women for over a century has effectively been eradicated.

The Role of Practical Lifestyle Changes

Women with Chronic Inflammatory Disease are at a Higher Risk for Premature Ovarian Failure and Early Menopause.

Remember that PCOS cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. PCOS is a very complicated endocrine disorder.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal diseases affecting reproductive-aged women. In actuality, PCOS includes a spectrum of disorders rather than a single, discrete disease.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (also correctly called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a complex, broad-spectrum hormonal disturbance affecting the entire body with numerous implications for a woman's long-term health and quality of life.

As the use of assisted reproductive technologies has increased, so, too, has the concern over its effects on the female reproductive system. Specifically, the increased gonadotrophin levels in ovarian cancer pathogenesis coupled with the multiple ovarian punctures and repeated ovarian stimulation associated with in vitro fertilization have raised concerns that IVF may increase the risk of ovarian malignancies.

PCOS is a metabolic disorder that affects 5 – 7.5% of all women. It is the number one cause of infertility and if left untreated, can increase risk of endometrial cancer. In addition, women with PCOS are at a greater risk for heart disease and diabetes.

by Toni Weschler

By John C. Jarrett, M.D. and Deidra T. Rausch, Ph.D.