Penn Fertility Care | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)

What do I do with Unwanted Hair?

2013-06-09T10:56:00.000-04:00

Laser hair removal has become a common cosmetic procedure performed for women, as well as men, who have unwanted facial and body hair. Laser hair removal is commonly done on the upper lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarms, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini area, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.

The process involves using a focused beam of light of a specific wavelength designed to selectively target the pigment in the hair follicle. When the laser beam is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle heat is generated, and the ability of the follicle to produce a hair is disrupted. Because these lasers target pigment, traditionally, light skin and dark, coarse hair have been the ideal combination. Newer lasers are available for patients with skin of color. Its safety and effectiveness is highly dependent upon the skill and experience of the person operating the laser, along with the choice and availability of the appropriate laser equipment at the center, which is performing the procedure.

Tips for Healthful Dining

2013-06-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

There are many ways to watch calories. Here are a few that may work for you.

If you are going to dine at a restaurant or attending a party, have a healthful snack, such as a cup of light yogurt or a piece of fruit, before leaving home. If you are less hungry when you arrive at the restaurant/party, you are more likely to make careful choices.
Eat your calories, don't drink them. Choose low calorie beverages, such as sparkling water, diet soda, or sugar-free iced tea, rather than beer or mixed drinks with alcohol, which can have hundreds of calories per serving.
If there is a buffet, look over the entire buffet table. Consider all of your choices before making your selection.
Try the plate method of meal planning: half a plate of low calorie vegetables; one-fourth plate of lean protein foods (about the size of a deck of cards); and one-fourth plate of starchy foods (a cup--about the size of a woman's fist).
Eat mindfully. Enjoy your food slowly; savor the aromas, flavors, and textures of special treats.
If you are attending a party, rather than staying near the food, take a seat across the room and focus on the guests and the conversation.
When you are the hostess, provide a selection of healthful choices for your guests: vegetables, fruits, and lean protein foods. When you are the guest, ask the hostess if you can bring a healthy dish to share with the other guests.

Herb Dip with Raw Veggies

2012-08-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

Makes six servings. Each with: 70 calories, 2 grams fat,
225mg sodium, 11 grams carbohydrate
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
2 tsp dried dill weed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
6 cups raw carrots, bell peppers,
broccoli or cauliflower florets,
celery, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Whisk together all ingredients except veggies. Chill several hours to blend
flavors.

PCOS Summer 2010 Newsletter recipe

Fitness for Life

2012-08-23T16:19:00.000-04:00

Fitting fitness into your life will reward you in many ways. Weight loss, increased energy,strength and endurance and a decrease in risk for diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are just a few of the great benefits of taking the time to EXERCISE. There are 3 parts to every complete exercise program:

Cardiovascular training
Resistance training and
Flexibility exercises.

It is recommended that cardiovascular training be done for 30 minutes most daysof the week. Walking is
one of the easiest ways to get regular cardiovascular exercise. Just dress in layers and head out of the door!
Start with 15 minutes and work your way up to 30 minutes. Maintain a pace that allows you to complete
the time, and use the Talk Test to determine your intensity. If you can sing asong then you will need
to work harder. If you cannot hold a conversation, then decrease your intensity.

Resistance training may be done 2-3 times per week and exercises should cover all of the major muscle groups. Shallow squats over a chair, push ups on a kitchen counter, and some abdominal exercises on the floor or a plyo-ball will get you started and can be done in just a few minutes.

Flexibility exercises may be done daily and will help increase range of motion and decrease joint pain. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds or more. Put it all together by heading out for a walk, run through 1-2 sets of 10-15 repetitions of each resistance exercise then reward yourself with some relaxing stretching at the end. Getting started can be tough but with a little knowledge and patience you will be successful!

Set realistic expectations and create a plan to keep progressing at an appropriate pace. Start slowly and work your way up to longer workouts with increased intensity. You’ll feel better first and the results will soon follow. Enlist the help of a personal trainer or find a friend to partner up with and before you know it you will find yourself in the new habit of exercising regularly!

Vicki Amon is a degreed and nationally certified personal trainer with over 15 years of experience. She is the owner of Fit 4 You, Inc. Personal Training and strives to help her clients feel comfortable with their own individualized workouts while achieving great results!

www.fit-4-you.org
info@fit4youtraining.com

*PCOS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2010

Do You Know the Symptoms of PCOS?

2012-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, can be difficult to diagnose. It is not a disease but more a collection of symptoms that point to a common disorder. The symptoms vary in type and severity from one woman to another, but early diagnosis and treatment are important to control the symptoms that include:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Hypertension
Infertility
Insulin resistance/diabetes
Obesity

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD, director of the Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center, talks with FertilityAuthority.com about criteria for diagnosing PCOS and explains what the “cysts” really are.

Read the full article on diagnosing PCOS.

The Importance of Staying Fit When You Have PCOS

2012-02-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity can worsen the symptoms of PCOS, so is important for you to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep your weight in check.

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD, director of the Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center, discusses recent research findings about PCOS with FertilityAuthority.com and offers PCOS sufferers tips on what types of food to eat and suggestions for successful exercise routines.

Read the full article with Dr. Dokras http://www.fertilityauthority.com/articles/pcos-studies-highlight-diet-and-exercise

I was diagnosed with PCOS, what is the best fertility option and what are the success rates?

2010-10-26T21:59:00.002-04:00

Ian asks:
I am a 37-year-old woman that was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) about nine years ago. I already have had two children. My youngest is 10 and I have been having unprotected sex with the hopes of conceiving again, for about two years now. I was told by my doctors that I am no longer ovulating and I do not have regular cycles. What would be the best fertility option for me with having PCOS and what are the success rates for someone in my condition.

Richard Tureck, MD responds:
The first thing to do is obtain hormonal blood tests. Based on these blood tests, the proper medications can be prescribed. I advise that you see a fertility specialists if you are not currently seeing one. A fertility specialist will review your medical history and will prescribe a targeted course of action for your specific fertility-related condition.

I was diagnosed with PCOS and am being treated for infertility using Clomid, should I wait three more months before seeing an endocrinologist?

2010-10-26T21:58:00.002-04:00

Carrie asks:
I have been trying to conceive for 1-1/2 yrs. My ob/gyn diagnosed me with ploycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as my cause of infertility. Hormone ratio was 2-1/2:3. I also have the classic symptoms of PCOS (obesity, acne, excessive hair). HSG showed both tubes open. No male factor problem. I completed my first month on Clomid, which did not make me ovulate. Progesterone level was only 0.8; my doctor said it should be above 10. He recommends using the Clomid, until 200mg.

If still unsuccessful, he will refer me to a reproductive endocrinologist. I've decided I'd like to see Dr. Samantha Pfeifer. Should I wait three more unsuccessful months before seeing her? I feel like this treatment method is only treating my infertility, and not PCOS — which I'd really like under control. Please advise.

Richard Tureck, MD responds:
Unfortunately, without the results of your blood tests, I cannot comment appropriately. However, I suspect you had a fasting glucose and insulin drawn, as well as testosterone, prolactin, and 17 OH progesterone. It is recommended that you see a fertility specialist after trying to conceive for at least a year if you are under age 35 or after trying to conceive for at least six months if age 35 or older.

Samantha Pfeifer, MD is excellent in the specialty of PCOS and in infertility. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online.

I have PCOS and have been seeing a fertillity specialist since 1997, what am I doing wrong?

2010-10-26T21:56:00.007-04:00

Micky asks:
I am 37, pushing 38 real soon and anxious. We have been trying to become pregnant for over ten years. We have a wonderful 14 year-old already, conceived naturally, but I have PCOS and have been unable to get pregnant. I have been going to a fertillity specialist since 1997 with no luck. I had the HGC shots, Prometrium, Metformin, and so many others I can't remember. Am I not doing something right? This is my last year I will be trying...please help!

Richard Tureck, MD responds:
I would like to help you but unfortunately I cannot give you appropriate advice without knowing all the specifics of your infertility treatment. We would be happy to see you for a second opinion if you wish. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or schedule an appointment online.

Why should I have more hope in IVF than any other treatment we've been trying?

2010-10-26T21:56:00.006-04:00

Shane/Rudy asks:
I have been undergoing infertility treatments for over a year now, successful once on a Clomid cycle which ended in a chromosomal-related miscarriage. Since then we've done five unsuccessful IUI's on Clomid and one round of injectables. My husband's count is on the lower side of normal and I have PCOS but am oligo-ovulatory. We have decided to do IVF.

Why should I have more hope in IVF than any other treatment we've been trying? I have been
a great responder on all medications and have had a normal HSG.

Kurt Barnhart, MD, MSCE responds:
I am sorry to hear that you have not conceived as easily as your earlier treatments. IVF is the best and most aggressive treatment we have to assist couples. Because we get many eggs with IVF and choose the "best" embryos to transfer back to your uterus we are able to maximize your chance of getting pregnant.

In other words it is not that you have to have IVF to conceive, but IVF offers you the best (and fastest) way of achieving your goal. Of importance in IVF is the quality of the laboratory of the program. You should carefully evaluate the program's success rate and in your case the pregnancy rate using cryopreserved embryos. You are likely to have more embryos that you will transfer back, and those should be cryopreserved for future attempts.

The success rate at Penn Fertility Care is far higher than the national average. We would be happy to take care of you. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or schedule an appointment online.

With small follicles and a high estradiol level with only four days of follistim, will I eventually stimulate with this medicine?

2010-10-26T21:55:00.005-04:00

Michelle asks:
I am currently doing my first IVF cycle. I started taking my Follistim 300 units a day four days ago. I was told that my estradiol level was 734 and had many small follicles (I have PCOS). I was told to reduce my medication to 225 units a day.

With small follicles and a high estradiol level with only four days of follistim, will I eventually stimulate with this medicine? I did stimulate with 250 mg of clomid six out of eight times.

Steven Sondheimer, MD responds:
You have stimulated. That is, you have many follicles which have started to grow and which eventually could yield an oocyte (egg). The problem is that you are at high-risk of over stimulating, which can result in a number of potential problems some of which are potentially serious.

The risk of multiples in a pregnancy is not as great with in vitro fertilization (IVF) as intrauterine insemination because you can limit the number of embryos transferred. There is still a risk of the hyperstimulation syndrome which could require intense treatment and has a risk of serious consequences. Your doctor might decide to cancel this cycle in order to limit your risk and try a different stimulation protocol to see if the response can be reduced.

There are also other approaches to decrease your risks such as lowering the dose of gonadotropin which you are using. You should discus your concerns with your physician. I believe a fully informed patient is best able to participate in their care.

I have PCOS, but a good FSH level, do I have some good eggs left to be able to conceive?

2010-10-26T21:55:00.004-04:00

MMatash asks:
I am 28 years old and am trying IVF for the first time. I was diagnosed with PCOS and suffered two miscarriages. My FSH results on day three were 4.9, which I was told was good, according to my lab. Since I have PCOS, will I, with this FSH level, have some good eggs left to be able to conceive? I'm just worried because both miscarriages did not show any embryo tissue.

Steven Sondheimer, MD responds:
In general at your age and with your history you will possibly respond vigorously to the gonadotropin stimulation and could have many oocytes retrieved. One of the concerns will be that you might stimulate so much that you could be at an increased risk of the hyperstimulation syndrome.

Have you discussed with your doctors other alternatives? Metformin, a medication used to treat insulin resistance, often helps ovulation in young women with PCO. I know it is easy to get impatient but maybe there are alternatives to explore before starting an IVF cycle. At least consider discussing this with your doctor.

I want to test my pituitary gland & test for PCOS, what types of test should I ask for and what kind of results do either of these diagnosis produce?

2010-10-26T21:52:00.001-04:00

Gina asks:
After being diagnosed with endometriosis, about 10 years ago, I was treated with everything available prior to seeing a fertility specialist. My husband and I then saw a fertility specialist and for a year we went through the intrauterine injections with all the hormonal stimulation too! Now I am hearing that the pituitary gland and PCOS can be a cause of inability to concieve as well.

Also, about five years ago, I became pregnant, but for an unknown reason, the fetus stopped developing at about 20 weeks. Since then nothing. I am curious about the testing of the pituitary gland and for PCOS. What types of test should I ask for and what kind of results do either of these diagnosis produce?

Steven Sondheimer, MD responds:
Gina, endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility. How endometriosis interferes with conception is not totally understood. In some cases scarring from the condition makes it difficult for the sperm to find the egg. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is another cause of infertility. It interferes with fertility by preventing ovulation. Neither of these problems can explain your tragic loss of the pregnancy at 20 weeks.

To determine if a women has an ovulation problem such as PCO or a pituitary problem, a thorough history needs to completed especially concerning the regularity of your menses, the presence of symptoms such as increased facial hair, hair loss, acne, breast discharge or problems with obesity or weight loss. The doctor can order hormonal tests to confirm ovulation, evaluate androgen levels and pituitary hormone levels. These tests often need to be done at specific times in the menstrual cycle. A fertility specialist should be very familiar with this type of evaluation.

At what point should a 35-year-old anovulatory woman with PCOS seek treatment for infertility?

2010-10-26T21:51:00.001-04:00

June asks:
At what point should a 35-year-old anovulatory woman with PCOS seek treatment for infertility? I don't believe that waiting the standard 6 months to try to conceive on my own is appropriate since I don't know when I ovulate. But there are no other guidelines out there for a woman like me!

Steven Sondheimer, MD responds:
Ask your doctor to check if you are releasing an egg (ovulation). Keep an accurate bleeding calendar and begin keeping a basal body temperature chart. Check your temperature each morning before get out of bed. Bring that information to your doctor. Your doctor should want to do a progesterone level check about one week before your period starts to confirm ovulation.

If you are not ovulating then your doctor may want to begin giving you medication to help. Usually clomiphene citrate is used but he/she will take into consideration if you would benefit from the use of metformin (glucophage). As you have said, if you are not releasing an egg at all then beginning evaluation and treatment before 6 months is the right thing to do.

I had a cone procedure and a leep procedure and am bleeding very heavy, Is this bleeding normal? For how long? Will I ever be able to get pregnant?

2010-10-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

Dorianh11 asks:
In February 2007, I was diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) after having a leep surgery performed. A month later, I had a cold knife surgery performed.

It has been a month since the cone procedure, and two months since the leep procedure. I am bleeding very heavy with blood clots. My question is: Am I supposed to bleed this heavy, and if so, for how long? And will I ever be able to get pregnant, being that I have never been pregnant before.

Clarisa Gracia, MD, MSCE responds:
It is very difficult to answer these questions not knowing your entire history. However, the cold knife cone usually does not prevent pregnancy. If you do have PCOS, you may not be releasing an egg every month. This may be the cause of your infertility, and also your irregular heavy bleeding. I suggest you see a gynecologist to help sort these issues out.

I am 25 with PCOS and my RE suspects poor egg quality, is there any hope for me to have a healthy pregnancy using my own eggs?

2010-10-26T21:49:00.002-04:00

ShamoneE asks:
I am a 25 year-old woman who suffers from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and I haven't had a period on my own in about three years. Myself and my husband have gone through two failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, and after both we did not have any embryos left.

After a consultation with my reproductive endocrinologist (RE), she advised that she suspects poor egg quality. I find it very disturbing that I am only 25 and I may have to use donor eggs. Is there any hope for me to achieve a healthy pregnancy using my own eggs.

Clarisa Gracia, MD, MSCE responds:
It is very unusual to have to go through donor egg at age 25, unless you have premature ovarian failure. Usually PCOS is associated with a brisk response to injectable medications. I would suggest going for a second opinion.

Can you tell me what progesterone support is and if it is hCG? Also, when and how much hCG or progesterone support should I take?

2010-10-26T21:48:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Dennis266 asks:
I have been diagnosed with PCOS. I have been trying to getpregnant for 2 1/2 yrs. I have been taking clomid for 3 cycles and I am not pregnant yet. Can you tell me what progesterone support is and if it is hCG? Also can you tell me when I am supposed to take hCG or progesterone support and how much I should take?

Christos Coutifaris, MD, PhD responds:
The question is whether you are ovulating on clomid or not and at what dose. Frequently, the luteal phase (the two weeks after ovulation) needs to be evaluated to decide whether progesterone is needed or not. Usually, if follicular development is good with good size follicles, there is no need for progesterone.

No, hCG is not progesterone. hCG can be used to help with the actual expulsion of the egg from a mature follicle if your own body does not trigger this process with a hormone called LH. Your fertility physician should be the one to decide whether you need hCG and/or progesterone based on the monitoring of your cycle.

You should address these questions to your physician. If you are not seeing an endocrinologist and infertility specialist, it would be a good idea to make an appointment with one. We, at Penn Fertility Care specialize in treating patients with PCOS and we would be happy to see you.

Is it possible that a person who has been able to get pregnant (but miscarry) is able to have a successful pregnancy with fertility shots?

2010-10-26T21:47:00.001-04:00

MM asks:
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 24. I have all of the symptoms (acne, excessive hair on face, overweight, etc.). I have had two miscarriages in a time span of one and a half years, with the use of Clomid during a four-year time period. I recently lost 35 pounds and ovulated on my own for the first time. This month I did not ovulate so my doctor suggests that I go onto fertility shots (FSH/LH).

My question is, is it possible that a person who has been able to get pregnant (but have those pregnancies fail) be able to get pregnant with these fertility shots, and have a successful one at that? Thank you.

Kurt Barnhart, MD responds:
I am sorry to hear about the difficulties that you are having in conceiving. I am sure it is frustrating for you. However, congratulations on taking control and losing the weight. That will help all aspects of your care.

It is certainly possible for you to get pregnant, and keep it, with the shots that you mentioned. The decision to use them is a complicated one, however. The idea is that they will help you get pregnant "sooner." However, the drawbacks are that you will need more visits, and have higher risks of multiple birth.

I would recommend a consultation with a fertility specialist about all of your options. That way you can make an informed choice.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Penn Fertility Care specialist, please contact 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online.

What birth control method do you recommend for someone with PCOS after childbirth?

2010-10-26T21:46:00.002-04:00

Mary asks:
What birth control method do you recommend for someone with PCOS after childbirth?

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD responds:
Birth control pills are my first preference as they have several advantages. They make menses regular, less painful and lighter, decrease the risk of cancer of the uterus, decrease acne and decrease hair growth.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Penn Fertility Care specialist, please call 800-789-PENN (7366). You can also request an appointment online.

What are the success rates of patients with PCOS and Clomid?

2010-10-26T21:45:00.001-04:00

Katy asks:
I stopped taking the pill in April of this year. I had a period in May but none since. I have been given Prometrium, but my body does not get a period on its own. My gynecologist ordered tests and suggested I see a fertility specialist. I went to a new gynecologist who could find no reasons for the missed periods based on the tests the other doctor had ordered.

He ordered two more tests: LH and FSH. The results of these indicate PCOS. Since my other tests didn't seem to suggest PCOS, is it possible that I have a mild form of PCOS? I made an appointment with Dr. Gracia for next month to start Clomid. What are the success rates of patients with PCOS and Clomid? I'm 31 years old.

Response:
You may be right. You may have a mild form of PCOS. The problem sometimes is also with the testing of the male hormones. The laboratory assays are not calibrated well for women's low levels and thus the results come back as normal. Usually, between the patient's history, lab results and ultrasound of the ovaries a diagnosis can be made.

Clomid, although not always successful, is an excellent first line drug to which most of the patients respond. The important thing to know is that there are many approaches that usually end up with success. I am sure Dr. Gracia has already reviewed all this with you. For more information, please take a look at this encyclopedia article.

Would an embryo with a beta of 33 result in a miscarriage?

2010-10-26T21:44:00.001-04:00

Woman in Waiting asks:
I'm in my 2nd injectables cycle 13 dpiui right now. Diagnosis is PCOS, I'm 25 y/o. This was my first ovulatory cycle since ttc in sept 02. (1st cycle was cancelled). I got a + hpt at 12dpiui and temps went triphasic at 11-12dpiui. I had a beta done yesterday (12dpiui) and it was only 33, which I was told was + and indicative of early pregnancy.

From everything I've read, the beta should be 50 by 12dpiui. I know all I can do is wait for a 2nd beta but the office wouldn't schedule me to come in until 16dpiui because 14 days falls on a weekend. I know it is possible that this could go on to be a viable pregnancy, but in most instances, would an embryo with a beta this low result in m/c?

Richard Tureck, MD responds:
What is most important is the repeat HCG - it should approximately double in 48 hours. I wish you luck.

I have PCOS and ovulated each month on clomid but had low progesterone. Can I take something along with fertility meds to increase progesterone?

2010-10-26T21:42:00.001-04:00

Alyssa asks:
I am a 25-year-old woman who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS.) I was taking clomid for three months, with my reproductive endocrinologist (RE) increasing my dosage each month. I conceived in the third month, taking 3-50 mg tablets a day, but miscarried at six weeks. My doctors are frustrating me with unanswered questions.

They terminated the pregnancy by giving me a shot without doing an ultrasound, speculating an ectopic pregnancy because of my slow-growing human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) levels. No other testing was done. What would you recommend my next course of action be to get pregnant again? I also ovulated each month on clomid, but my progesterone was extremely low. Is there anything thing that I can take along with the fertility medicatons to increase progesterone?

Samantha Butts, MD, MSCE responds:
If you have not done so already, I would recommend have an extensive conversation with your physician about the recent pregnancy and plans for moving forward. If it is believed that you had an ectopic pregnancy, your fallopian tubes may be damaged, and doing additional cycles of clomid/intrauterine insemination (IUI) may not be appropriate until that is formally evaluated.
If you are not getting satisfactory answers from your physician, you may want to seek out a second opinion.

I have PCOS and have tried Clomid, Met, Gonal-F and now Menopur. Should I continue with Menopur, go to IVF, or try ovarian drilling?

2010-10-26T21:41:00.003-04:00

Jo asks:
I am twenty-seven, and I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). My husband and I have been trying to conceive since December, 2003. I have had two intrauterine inseminations (IUI's) with Clomid (I do not know why these were done when I did not ovulate on Clomid). I have tried Clomid and Met, as well as one cycle of Gonal-F, and now I am on my first cycle of Menopur (I just went to 225 iu's/day). My reproductive endocrinologist wants to stop after this and send me for in vitro fertilization (IVF), as I have not responded at all to the medications.

What would you recommend to a patient in this situation? Continue with Menopur and move up, or go to IVF? Or would you recommend ovarian Drilling (which I am terrified of)?

Steven Sondheimer, MD responds:
If you have not ovulated on any of these medications, then the first goal is to help you to ovulate. Each reproductive endocrinologist has their own recipe or plan in this type of situation. If you are overweight, you should work hard to follow a weight-loss diet, similar to that recommended for an overweight adult-onset diabetic person, and include a daily walk of 30 minutes.

I usually monitor follicle growth by ultrasound and blood estrogen levels, increasing the dose of clomiphene citrate (even up to five pills a day), and then use human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to induce egg release if one or two of the follicles achieve adequate size. Good luck.

I am on Metformin but have heard so many people are on Clomid. Is this the right drug for me?

2010-10-26T21:40:00.005-04:00

Aurban asks:
I recently was diagnosed with PCOS. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant and my Ob/Gyn has put me on Metformin. I am hearing that so many people are on Clomid to try to get pregnant. Is this the right drug for me?

Kurt Barnhart, MD, MSCE responds:
Recent evidence-based information has demonstrated that the best treatment for someone with PCOS who is trying to get pregnant is Clomid, not metformin. Additionally, one should never make assumptions that there is not a secondary cause contributing to your difficulty. You should get a complete work up by a subspecialist like those at Penn Fertility Care. Good luck, and I hope you are able to start your family soon.

My PCOS test came back normal, is there something else I should be tested for with similar symptoms to help us know the best route to conceive?

2010-10-26T21:40:00.004-04:00

Kristy asks:
My husband and I have been trying with no luck for eight months. Recently we thought I had PCOS but blood tests came back normal. Is there something else I should be tested for, that has all the similar symptoms of PCOS that would help us know the best route for us to conceive?

Samantha Butts, MD responds:
The first thing I would recommend is having your case reviewed by an infertility specialist. While PCOS is a common condition that causes irregular periods and irregular ovulation there are other hormonal conditions that can mimic it and should be ruled out if appropriate. Based on the complete evaluation of both you and your husband an appropriate treatment protocol may be devised to help you conceive.