Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

04:49
A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2024
Ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome
Tannys D R Vause1, Anthony P Cheung2,
1Ottawa ON.
Summary
Lifestyle changes and clomiphene citrate are effective first-line treatments for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other options like metformin, gonadotropins, and surgical interventions exist for specific cases, with varying success rates and risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
- Ovulation induction is a key component in managing PCOS-related infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.
- To evaluate the efficacy, risks, and side effects of various treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
- Inclusion of grey literature from health technology assessment agencies and clinical trial registries.
- Evidence evaluation by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Committee.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise) are effective first-line options for overweight women with PCOS.
- Clomiphene citrate is a proven first-line pharmacologic therapy, with an increased risk of multiple pregnancies.
- Metformin may augment clomiphene citrate efficacy in specific patient groups.
- Gonadotropins, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are considered second-line or advanced therapies with associated risks and costs.
Conclusions:
- Weight loss and clomiphene citrate are recommended as initial treatments for ovulation induction in PCOS.
- Second-line and advanced therapies should be considered based on individual patient factors and treatment response.
- Comprehensive counseling regarding benefits, risks, and side effects is essential for all treatment options.
Related Concept Videos
Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Oogenesis
Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Infertility in Females
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

