Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women, affecting an estimated five to ten million women of reproductive age. For women trying to conceive a child, PCOS is a serious, common cause of infertility - nearly half of all female factor infertility cases can be traced to PCOS. New medical insight into the disease has led to treatment options, including insulin-reducing ovulation medication (clomiphene, glucophage, Metformin), dietary changes (low glycemic diet) and surgery (ovarian drilling), which have proven successful and allow many women to overcome PCOS and conceive a child naturally, while reducing the risk of miscarriage. Women who undergo treatment for PCOS but are still unable to conceive naturally often turn to assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, and experience high pregnancy success rates.

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome can be overwhelming and confusing for many women. The physicians at Embio are committed to working through the diagnosis and treatment plan step by step with each patient to put her mind at ease. However, we realize that sometimes it helps to talk to other women who are going through the same thing you are.

Useful Links:

Ovulation Induction

IVM for women with PCO

Polycystic ovaries

Do you have any PCOS patients on Metformin? Do you think this is a good treatment for someone who took metformin but couldn't continue because of severe side effects?

The use of insulin-sensitizing or insulin-lowering medications offers new hope to women with PCOS. Metformin can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce hypoglycemic episodes, bring about weight loss and often result in pregnancy where traditional ovulation treatment had failed or was associated with severe complications. By six months of therapy, studies have shown that up to 90 percent of women treated with metformin 850mg twice daily will have ovulatory menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, 25 percent of women will not be able to tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects of this medication.

Metformin reduces insulin resistance. This means that the body will require less insulin to control blood sugar. Previous studies have shown that Metformin is an effective tool to manage insulin resistance associated with PCOS. Metformin, stimulates the PPAR gamma receptor. Although these newer medications have not been shown to cause liver damage, we recommend checking ALT levels (a liver function test) every other month to avoid potential problems should they be discovered in the future.