Which medication is used to treat ovulation irregularities related to PCOS and is safe for women wishing to conceive?

• A. Clomiphene citrate
• B. Metformin
• C. Gonadotropin-releasing hormones
• D. Spironolactone

Answer: (A)

Clomiphene citrate is recognized as a first-line treatment for ovulatory dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women who are trying to conceive. This medication acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which stimulates the hypothalamus to produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This, in turn, leads to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, promoting ovarian follicle development and ovulation.

Clomiphene citrate is particularly effective for women with PCOS experiencing irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation. Its use has been shown to enhance fertility by inducing ovulation in a substantial number of women. Importantly, clomiphene citrate has a well-established safety profile for women planning to conceive, making it the preferred option in these cases.

Other options, while they may play a role in managing PCOS, do not directly address ovulation induction for the purpose of conception in the same targeted manner as clomiphene citrate. Metformin is primarily used to improve insulin sensitivity and may assist with menstrual regularity, but its role in directly stimulating ovulation is less specific. Gonadotrop