Ovulation induction management of PCOS

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Mar;50(1):255-67. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e31802f361e.

Abstract

Ovulation induction is the principal infertility treatment for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Among PCOS patients who are overweight or obese, weight loss is the most physiologic method of inducing ovulation. For women in whom weight loss is not possible, or for lean women with PCOS, clomiphene citrate is an effective first-line method of ovulation induction. In clomiphene-resistant women, alternative treatments include adjunctive metformin or dexamethasone, aromatase inhibitors, or ovarian drilling. If there is no pregnancy despite several cycles of successful ovulation induction, gonadotropin treatment should be considered, in which case in vitro fertilization is recommended as the safest and most effective strategy.

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Clomiphene / therapeutic use
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / etiology
  • Female
  • Fertility Agents, Female / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Gonadotropins / therapeutic use
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / etiology*
  • Metformin / therapeutic use
  • Obesity / complications
  • Ovary / surgery
  • Ovulation Induction / methods*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Fertility Agents, Female
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Gonadotropins
  • Clomiphene
  • Metformin