Hershey Medical Center Seeks Women For Study

4-4-97

Hershey, Pa. -- Are you a woman with infrequent periods or excess body hair? Have you had difficulty getting pregnant? Are there other women in your family with similar symptoms?

If so, there's a research study that needs your participation.

Richard S. Legro, M.D., assistant professor of obsterics and gynecology at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, wants to interview women with these problems. Hershey is one of a handful of medical centers in the country that are participating in this particular project.

The disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), refers to a group of apparently related symptoms including menstrual irregularities, increased body and facial hair (hirsutism), acne and infertility, according to Legro. Women with PCOS are often overweight. It affects five to 10 percent of all women.

In exchange for participating in the study, the patients will receive free, comprehensive medical examinations. "We will go to visit the participants, if necessary, if they can't travel to the medical center," said Legro.

Women with PCOS appear to have an increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and uterine cancer. Their relatives may also be affected.

"Our goal is to see if this is a genetic disease," said Legro. "There appears to be a pattern of inheritance within the family, but no one has really done these studies yet, in a careful, systematic manner." Other names for the disorder are Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation.

The study coordinator, Sharon Ward, said that patients participating in the study could be assured of the confidentiality of their medical records. A support group that meets at Hershey Medical Center has been formed for women with PCOS. For further information about the study, or to join the support group, call Sharon Ward at 1-800-585-9585. Internet information is available at "www.hmc.psu/depts/obgyn/pcos.htm"

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Contacts: Gail Brown (o) (717) 531-8604 e-mail: gxg14@psu.edu
Deborah S. Saline (o) (717) 531-8606