It is estimated that up to 10 percent of women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome, the leading cause of infertility in women, according to the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. Although the disease has been identifiable for 75 years, the cause is still unknown and the only symptom that women might notice is irregular periods. Most women don’t even know they have it.
Researchers at the Health Science Center are currently seeking participants for a study that will examine the causes and effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
The study, “The Effects of Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole on Endometrial Hormone Receptors, Ovulation Rates and Pregnancy Rates in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” is known as the ECHO study.
“This would be a tremendous opportunity for women in our community who would otherwise not receive access to fertility care,” said Anitha Nair, M.D., principal investigator of the ECHO study. “The other benefit of this study is that all patients will be receiving proven fertility drugs because there is no placebo arm for the study.”
Qualified women should:
• be between 18 and 39 years old and desiring pregnancy,
• have the existing diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed by their primary doctor,
• suffer from infertility.
Up to $10,000 of free fertility care could be available to study participants. This includes free fertility medications for six months, free ovulation-monitoring ultrasounds conducted by a fertility specialist and a free meal with each visit.
Other aspects of the study include diabetes and depression screenings, as well as blood samples to examine the genetic inheritance of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is treatable but not curable. The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association reports that symptoms of the disease often include irregular or absent menses, cysts on ovaries, high blood pressure, acne, excess hair on the face and body, and elevated insulin levels.
For more information about the study, please call (210) 567-6245. Those interested are encouraged to contact the study staff immediately because enrollment is limited and only 25 women are needed.
Contact:
Jacquelyn SprucePhone: (210) 567-0414
E-mail:
sprucej@uthscsa.edu
