PCOS and pregnancy

PCOS message board chat

2005-10-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

Whether you are newly diagnosed and looking for answers or have struggled with PCOS for years, this active PCOS chat forum is for women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) seeking health and healing.

PCOS infertility in Atlanta

2005-10-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

Suffering from the symptoms of PCOS and live in the Atlanta area?

I just read this media release about a noted Atlanta-area infertility practice offering answers to commonly asked PCOS questions.

The November 8th and 9th free PCOS conference titled the "Syndrome O Survival Strategies" features PCOS experts like G. Wright Bates, Jr M and Lesa Childers, MSW, President and CEO of PCOStrategies.

If you go, I'd appreciate you leaving a comment here about your experience.

PCOS and cancer

2005-10-10T17:26:00.000-04:00

Is there really a link between PCOS and endometrial cancer?

According to this iVilliage article titled PCOS: Increased risk of cancer:

It has been demonstrated in numerous studies that women who have not achieved a pregnancy have two to three times the risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to women who have been pregnant.

Many women who are unable to achieve a pregnancy are anovulatory. Anovulatory cycles result in chronic estrogen exposure to the endometrial lining (the lining of the uterus) and an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of anovulation.

It has also been noted that women who are 21 to 50 pounds overweight have a three fold increase in the risk of endometrial cancer. And women who weigh more than 50 pounds over their recommended weight have a 10 fold increase in risk.

It is felt that the peripheral conversion of adrenal androstenedione (an androgenic male hormone) to estrone results in chronic exposure of the endometrium to increased circulating estrogen, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is often associated with weight problems. Estrogen producing ovarian tumors are also associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Women who do not undergo menopause until after 52 years of age are at a twofold increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Anovulatory cycles in the perimenopausal years (the years preceding the natural menopause) again result in a prolonged exposure of the endometrium to progesterone-deficient menstrual cycles, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer. Diabetes mellitus also increases a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer by greater than two fold. The menopausal use of estrogen replacement therapy without progestins increases the risk of endometrial cancer four to eight fold. Tamoxifen, the antiestrogen commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, is also associated with a two to three fold increased risk for the development of endometrial cancer.

Routine Pap smears are inadequate for screening purposes. Transvaginal ultrasound, as a screen for endometrial cancer, is also of questionable value in asymptomatic (no irregular bleeding) women. Endometrial biopsy or D&C are utilized to detect endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer and are performed in patients who are at significant risk or who have symptoms consistent with endometrial cancer (irregular bleeding).

Approximately 90 percent of women with endometrial cancer have vaginal bleeding or discharge as their only presenting complaint. Endometrial cancer most often occurs in women in the sixth and seventh decade of life. Those with abnormal perimenopausal or postmenopausal bleeding should always be investigated.

Your physician is practicing preventive medicine by informing you of your potential risks for endometrial cancer. Endometrial biopsies or a D&C may be indicated. Treatment of your particular condition (PCOS) may include inducing ovulation, periodic progestin administration or birth control pills. Continued followup will help to avoid the development of endometrial cancer.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

2005-10-06T19:39:00.000-04:00

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary syndrome?

According to this article about PCOS symptoms, it's much about weight.

Is weight just an easy PCOS excuse or is a quick and easy way of self screening?
(Just "Post a Comment" below... I can't "weight" to see your feedback.)

PCOS and infertility

2005-10-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

PCOS infertility causes a lack of ovulation polycystic ovaries, irregular menstruation or missed periods, and clinical or biochemical evidence of high androgen levels.

Yep, a recent Washington Times article about PCOS and infertility goes a bit more into detail.

Are these findings on the mark? What say you?
(Just "Post a Comment" below to join our discussion.)

Thanks: KaiserNetwork.org

PCOS test

2005-10-04T17:54:00.000-04:00

Do you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (a.k.a. PCOS)? Take this PCOS test to find out:

Take this fast and easy PCOS quiz and see if you suffer from the #1 cause of ...

Source: Children's Hospital Boston

Generic Glucophage

2005-10-03T08:35:00.000-04:00

Is Generic Glucophage ready to lower the price of of treating PCOS?

According to an Impax Laboratories September 14, 2005 press release, it received Food and Drug Administration approval to market a generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s Glucophage XR diabetes treatment.

Impax Laboratories received approval to market 750-milligram strength extended-release tablets of metformin hydrochloride, the active ingredient of Glucophage. The drug is approved to treat Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes.

Ironically, the announcement comes the same day Mylan Laboratories Inc. said it received FDA approval to market 500 milligram and 750 milligram tablets of the treatment.

What say you? Will this drastically reduce the costs of treatment (or are these drug makers simply grabbing their share of the pie?)

(Chime in by clicking on the "Post a Comment" below with your concerns and I'll invite officials of all of the Glucophage makers to post availability, insurance issues, and pricing in the comment's section.)

PCOS and pregnancy

2005-10-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

Over the last few years, I've had a tough time getting pregnant. My specialist mentioned the phrase, "PCOS and pregnancy."

Since then, I'd like to think I know a lot about PCOS and pregnancy. And that's why I've developed this blog about it.

Stay tuned as I find news, view, and review about PCOS and pregnancy -- I'll post everything I know here.

Cheers,
Jodi Jaffee

P.S. Help me kick off this PCOS and pregnancy blog with your thought by clicking the "Comments" link below.