The influence of obesity on hyperandrogenism and infertility in the female

  • Dr MT van der Merwe University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common causes of ovulatory infertility, affects 5-10% of women. Over the years, after the initial description by Stein and Leventhal in 1935, this syndrome has been defined in different ways. Finally, in 1990. the NIH established new diagnostic criteria for this disorder which are based on the presence of hyperandrogenaemia and chronic oligo- anovulation. with the exclusion of other possible causes such as adult onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hyperprolactenaemia.

Author Biography

Dr MT van der Merwe, University of the Witwatersrand
Senior Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg Hospital
Issue
Vol 45 No 4 (2003)
Section
CPD
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