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Ency. home > Disease > S > Stein-Leventhal syndrome

Stein-Leventhal syndrome    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Alternative names:

Polycystic ovaries; Sclerocystic ovarian disease; Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Treatment

Medications used to treat the symptoms of Stein-Leventhal syndrome include oral contraceptives, spironolactone, flutamide, and clomiphene citrate. Treatment with clomiphene induces the pituitary gland to produce more FSH, which in turn stimulates maturity and release of the ova. Occasionally, more potent ovulation induction agents (fertility drugs, human menopausal gonadotropins) are needed for pregnancy.

A "wedge resection" of the ovaries has been used in the past to remove cysts.

Finally, weight reduction, which may be very difficult, is also very important. Maintaining general good health and eliminating the complications of obesity are helpful.

Prognosis

Pregnancy may be achieved with appropriate medical intervention.

Complications

  • Sterility
  • Complications secondary to obesity
  • Self-image and social life may be affected by androgenic features, such as facial hair and small breast size
  • Diabetes
  • Complications secondary to oligo-ovulation, such as endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are experiencing the symptoms of this disorder.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Stein-Leventhal syndrome

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