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Inclusion of ovarian morphology results in statistically significantly higher pooled prevalence estimates for PCOS. Heterogeneity in prevalence estimates for PCOS reflect the broad clinical spectrum of the condition, lack of standardization of the elements within each set of diagnostic criteria and the use of a range of diagnostic cut-offs, as well as potential differences between study populations. The use of different definitions for anovulation and clinical androgen excess did not appear to contribute to differences in the estimated prevalence of PCOS in this study. However, as the number of studies in most of the comparison groups was small, real differences may have been missed. Uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis of PCOS urgently needs to be addressed in order to provide clinicians and their patients with greater diagnostic certainty, and hence reduce inappropriate labelling and the potential psychological harm that may accompany misdiagnosis.

: Only a limited number of studies could be pooled in the meta-analyses. This limited the power of the meta-analysis to provide conclusions about efficacy and safety. However, there is evidence that adding testosterone to HT has a beneficial effect on sexual function in postmenopausal women. There was a reduction in HDL cholesterol associated with the addition of testosterone to the HT regimens. The meta-analysis combined studies using different testosterone regimens. It is, therefore, difficult to estimate the effect of testosterone on sexual function in association with any individual hormone treatment regimen.

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In recent years, gastric ulceration has been recognised as a common, possibly performance-limiting disease of adult horses. Here, we aim to provide the reader with a useful review of recent literature covering all aspects of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in adult horses. The anatomy and physiology of the stomach, with particular reference to secretion of acid and mucosal protective mechanisms, are reviewed, as are the differing theories relating to the aetiopathogenesis of gastric ulceration. We also explore the possible influence of various management factors on development of the disease. The prevalence of the disease in racehorses has been reported to be as high as 100%. In general, horses that are in active training for racing tend to have a prevalence of around 90%, whereas pleasure horses in full work have a reported prevalence of approximately 60%. Emerging diagnostic tests which could obviate the need for gastroscopy are introduced and current recommendations for treatment are summarised, focussing on proton pump inhibitors, in particular omeprazole, administered orally. The oral administration of omeprazole has been shown to be effective in both treating horses with gastric ulceration and at preventing re-occurrence whilst the horses are in training, provided that daily dosing is maintained.

The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand is similar to that reported elsewhere for horses in active training for racing. Access to pasture for some or all of the day did not appear to be protective.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect on birth-weight of continuing a programme of vigorous exercise into late pregnancy. 'Potential exercisers' were women who had been doing vigorous exercise prior to pregnancy and intended to continue exercising during pregnancy. Controls were healthy pregnant women who did not do regular vigorous exercise. Both groups kept 2, 7-day food +/- exercise diaries at 25 and 35 weeks. The primary outcome variable was birth-weight. Women who continued doing at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least 3 times weekly at 25 weeks and either maintained this minimum level or had delivered by 35 weeks were classified as 'exercisers'. Women doing more than 4 sessions of vigorous exercise weekly at 25 weeks had babies whose mean birth-weight was 315 g lower than the mean birth-weight of babies born to controls.