For some time, Reproductive endocrinologists have believed that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has psychological consequences on its sufferers.  This general opinion was affirmed in the most recent edition of Human Reproduction (2011: 26: 1399). Deeks et al reported on a study involving 177 women with the diagnosis of PCOS. The authors tested the participants with a number of psychological tests designed to diagnose anxiety and/or depression. Women with PCOS were more likely to have problems with self-worth and body image. Women with PCOS also had higher levels of anxiety and depression. The problems with depression and anxiety occurred independent from weight and seemed to be related to the PCOS itself.

So much can be, and is, said about the best means to conceive a child in the shortest duration possible.

There is little doubt that when looking at ‘The Women most likely to…”, age plays a significant factor.

While earlier studies seem to point to women maintaining optimal fertility through the age of 35, 40 and beyond; recent evidence has demonstrated that a woman’s fertility peaks at @ 28 years of age and then begins a steady decline, with significant acceleration after the age of 35.

The story on RMI patient Sara Connell that ran in The Chicago Tribune and on The Oprah Winfrey Show highlights an interesting case of Gestational Surrogacy as a treatment for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, as suffered by the patient described.  And while the family and age related details of this case drew the attention of the media, it is the diagnosis and means of addressing this in order to ‘deliver’ a healthy pregnancy and baby, that is foremost to us at Reproductive Medicine Institute.

Hormones and hormonal therapy for women are frequently discussed by the media yet there is a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding on the subject among the general public. Based on my knowledge of female physiology, steroid hormone biochemisty, and more than 40 years experience in the management of hormone deficient states, I am hoping to shed additional light on this important issue for patients and physicians.