Luteal Phase Versus Follicular Phase Administration of Clomiphene Citrate in PCOS, A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders (Fauser et al., 2011). It is a complex, heterogeneous disorder of uncertain aetiology, but there is strong evidence that it can, to a large degree, be classified as a genetic disease (Fauser et al., 2011). Genetic and environmental contributors to hormonal disturbances combine with other factors, including obesity (Diamanti-Kandarakis et al., 2006). Ovarian dysfunction and hypothalamic pituitary abnormalities contribute to the etiology of PCOS (Doi et al., 2005).

It produces symptoms in approximately 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age (12-45 years old). It is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility (Goldenberg and Glueck, 2008).

Its prevalence has increased with the use of different diagnostic criteria and has recently been shown to be 18% (17.8 ± 2.8%) in the first community-based prevalence study based on current Rotterdam diagnostic criteria (March et al., 2010).

AIM OF THE WORK The study will compare the luteal phase (early) administration of clomiphene citrate to the conventional (late) administration of the same drug in the follicular phase as regards ovarian response in PCOS.

Research Question What is the difference between administration of clomiphene citrate in the luteal phase and the follicular phase for ovulation induction in women with PCOS? Research Hypothesis Luteal phase administration of clomiphene citrate protocol gives better results than conventional administration of clomiphene citrate in the follicular phase as regards ovarian response in PCOS.