Reproductive Endocrinology, An Issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics

Book excerpt: This issue will focus on the most common reproductive endocrine conditions encountered by healthcare providers. This series is timely and will be of interest to readers as there are many recent updates to the recommendations for appropriate evaluation and treatment of several reproductive conditions. Each chapter will address specific anatomic and hormonal conditions and will examine reproductive function from puberty to menopause. A thorough summary of abnormal uterine bleeding including recent 2012 updates for evaluation and management will be emphasized. Individual chapters on anatomic causes of bleeding, such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, will be included with a focus on new treatment options. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal cause of irregular bleeding and infertility, will also be reviewed. Recent studies provide insight into new fertility treatments for patients with PCOS including the use of aromatase inhibitors for ovulation induction. Other fertility related chapters include the evaluation of the infertile woman, ovulation induction, recurrent pregnancy loss, and age-related infertility. Finally, a transition to premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause will be provided. The Women’s Health Initiative publication in 2002 reported an association between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. There are several updates since this controversial publication and recent literature will be summarized. Attention will focus on appropriate evaluation and management of these common reproductive endocrine topics reviewing recent recommendations on best practices for clinicians.