Ultrasonographic Features in Adolescents with PCOS
To conclude National Adolescent Health Month, Gloria Singleton, a former FACTS elective participant, summarized research on current criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One of the criteria, anovulation, is common among adolescents, yet it is important to properly distinguish between normal physiology and teens suffering from undiagnosed PCOS. This study by Shah et al highlights several other criteria, including endometrial thickness and ovarian features noted on transabdominal ultrasound, which can be used to hasten the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.
The Versatility and Reversibility of Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: An Interview
During her fourth year of medical school, Megan Euerle, DO, had the opportunity to interview a fertility awareness-based method (FABM) user as part of the FACTS elective. As a future pediatrician, Euerle expressed her gratitude for the information the elective provided regarding the applications of FABMs, especially in adolescent reproductive health. The conversation shared below highlights the value of educating women in these methods as they provide safe, cost-effective means of monitoring reproductive health and family planning.
Implications of Teenage Menstrual, Hormonal, and Metabolic Dysfunction
May marks National Adolescent Health Month, and today we feature research summarized by Alyssa Heric, a medical student and former participant in the FACTS elective. The study authors identified a link between untreated oligomenorrhea and the onset of metabolic dysfunction.[1] Their research adds to the existing data that presents a strong case to educate young women about fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) to identify menstrual abnormalities and prevent later diseases.
A Potential Role for Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Reproductive Health: A Review
As we continue National Women’s Health Week, we are highlighting research published in Human Reproduction Update by Dewailly et al that explores the role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in female reproductive health. While on the FACTS elective, Megan Harman summarized this 2014 study [1] that discusses why AMH may represent a useful marker of fertility for women across the reproductive lifespan.
Your Body Is Talking: Are You Listening?
As we continue to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, we are featuring an interview with Megan,* a long-time user of fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), who used the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) both when growing her family and while monitoring her reproductive health. Kaitlyn Eckert, a former FACTS elective participant, interviewed Megan about her story and why she is grateful for the myriad benefits of FABMs.
Menstruation May Precondition the Uterus for Successful Pregnancy: A Review
As part of National Women’s Health Week, we are featuring an article about the potential role of menstruation to precondition the uterus for future pregnancy. Summarized by a former participant in the FACTS elective, the authors of this research explore the role of menstruation in achieving a successful pregnancy by investigating parallels between inflammation present in both menstruation and pregnancy.