Ovulation-Inducing Drugs & Cancer Risk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which often sparks concern for reproductive cancers as well. There has been some debate about the use of ovulation-inducing drugs and any significant correlation with ovarian cancer. Fortunately, recent data has been very reassuring.

Below is a summary of 10 studies, with the most recent study done in 2009. The data concludes that fertility drugs, even when used for prolonged periods, are not associated with an increase in ovarian cancer. For additional studies and information, visit our website: http://www.cincinnatifertility.com/infertility-treatment/ovulation-drugs/cancer-risks.

54,362 women with infertility problems referred to all Danish fertility clinics during 1963-98. The median age at first evaluation of infertility was 30 years (range 16-55 years), and the median age at the end of follow-up was 47 (range 18-81) years. Included in the analysis were 156 women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (cases) and 1241 sub-cohort members identified in the cohort during follow-up in 2006.

Analyses within cohort showed no overall increased risk of ovarian cancer after any use of gonadotrophins, clomifene, human chorionic gonadotrophin, or gonadotrophin releasing hormone. Furthermore, no associations were found between all four groups of fertility drugs and number of cycles of use, length of follow-up, or parity.

Conclusion: No convincing association was found between use of fertility drugs and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

New PCOS Treatment?

If you’ve struggled getting pregnant, then you may be all too familiar with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is estimated to affect 1 in 5 women, and is the leading cause of female infertility. PCOS is an endocrine disorder resulting from imbalanced hormone levels. The cause of PCOS has been tied to insulin resistance, which means insulin does not perform as it should to balance glucose levels, thus provoking the ovaries to secrete excess testosterone, and throw hormone levels out of balance. This results in cysts on the ovaries, and pesky symptoms such as acne, excess body hair, obesity, and irregular periods. In the world of infertility, it is a common obstacle we help patients tackle.

Typically Metformin has been prescribed to combat insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients.  However, there is a non-prescription dietary supplement that has demonstrated promising clinical results without the side effects typically experienced with Metformin. We aren't formally endorsing this product, but it is exciting to see a potential new treatment available for patients who want an alternative to prescription medication.

Pregnitude is a combination of folic acid and myo-inositol (a fancy name for a compound that accompanies B vitamins in foods such as grains and nuts).  Basically, it is a “helper” nutrient, which aids in insulin usage by cells in the pancreas.

Clinical trials have been promising so far, with results including:

--increased ovulation frequency

--improved menstrual regularity

--higher quality eggs and embryos in patients undergoing IVF

Pregnitude comes in a powder form, and is taken twice daily, mixed with water. It is available in most pharmacies, without a prescription, or at www.pregnitude.com. Incidence of side effects, or sensitivity to Pregnitude, have been low, but as always, talk to your doctor first about this, and any other treatment options.