Hormonal problems Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Heterogenous endocrine pathology of unknown cause, characterised by chronic anovulation, amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism (hirsutism), infertility and recurrent miscarriage without specific underlying diseases of adrenal or pituitary glands Imbalance of LH:FSH-ratio Imbalance of LH:FSH-ratio FSH levels / LH levels E 2 secretion pattern testosterone ( %)
Hormonal problems Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, cont. Impaired LH:FSH ratio Continuous partial development of follicles Numerous follicular ovarian cysts, lined up like pearls on a chain (up to 6 mm in diameter) seen with ultrasound equipment Affected ovaries commonly double in size, surrounded with a smooth white capsule
IUI Intrauterine insemination
Key stages of the IVF cycle
Oocyte aspiration
ICSI
The long protocol