#1 Cost efficient IVF service and education in U.S. Outpatient based IVF. Complete facilities include ultrasound suite,endocrine and andrology labs, and all IVF facilities. Located at new outpatient therapy center offering the latest in laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Accomodations for visitors are nearby, safe, and inexpensive.

PCOS and cardiovascular disease
Title: Do polycystic-appearing ovaries affect the risk of cardiovascular disease among women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Author: T. Loucks, et al.
Address: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Source: Fertility and Sterility 74:547-552 (September) 2000
Summary: Researchers conducted this study to determine if polycystic-appearing ovaries (PAO) are associated with differences in risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women with PCOS. Patients were 63 women with PCOS and 56 non-PCOS controls. Those with PCOS had higher androgen and fasting glucose levels, a more adverse lipid profile, greater waist-hip and LH/FSH ratios, and a larger ovarian volume than the non-PCO control group. Of the cases with PCOS, 33% showed PAO on ultrasound study compared with only 5% of the controls. PCOS cases with PAO had a higher LH/FSH ratio, increased levels of serum androstenedione and testosterone, and greater ovarian volume. It was concluded that women who have PCOS have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease. However, in PCOS patients the ultrasound appearance of polycystic ovaries did not seem to further increase the risk profile for cardiovascular disease.
Comment: One question surrounding PCOS is whether an association exists with cardiovascular disease. A large percentage of obese and thin PCOS patients that we have evaluated have altered lipid profiles. About 50% are insulin resistant. This mix, which comprises 2 of the 3 components of metabolic syndrome, would seem to predispose to the 4th, hypertension. Hypertension is not so common in our patients, but youth is on their side. It seems those with PCOS are at risk of cardiovascular disease, but proof is lacking. A British study suggested that PCOS might not be at risk. Is there something about PCOS that is protective against cardiovascular disease, or have we not asked the (right) questions? The above study has a very curious finding that many did not have ultrasound evidence of PCOS. Polycystic ovaries cannot be confirmed on ultrasound in all who have the signs, symptoms, and lab findings, but this number is relatively small in my experience. That only 1/3 of the PCOS patients showed PCO on ultrasound is most curious when this is a primary diagnostic finding and may bias their conclusions.