Research about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Pregnancy
UMHS Researchers Investigate Options
Approximately one in ten women of childbearing age has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problems in women who have PCOS. Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System are studying two medications, Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole, to determine which is more likely to help women with PCOS get pregnant. This is the first time the drugs have been studied together to compare side effects, rate of twins, pregnancy outcomes, and the health of the babies.
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid), a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ovulation induction, is commonly used to help women with PCOS become pregnant. Letrozole is an FDA approved medication for the prevention of reoccurrence of breast cancer. It has been used in previous studies to induce ovulation, and the FDA has approved its use in this study.
Women may be eligible for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome II research study if:
- They are between 18 and 40 years old and trying to get pregnant.
- They do not ovulate normally or have 8 or fewer periods each year.
- They have elevated male hormone levels or excessive facial/body hair or polycystic ovaries seen by an ultrasound.
The study requires up to 12 visits at the U-M Center for Reproductive Medicine, physical examinations, and skin and body/facial hair assessments. Participants can expect periodic blood draws and vaginal ultrasounds. The women participating in the study are asked to keep a diary for 20 weeks while taking the study drug. The study will provide semen analysis for the male partners of the women who qualify for the study.
The Reproductive Medicine Network is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. For more information, please contact the study coordinator at 734-998-4973 or by e-mail: huaijing@umich.edu.
prepared for the Women's Health Progam web site 11/09
