Lubna Pal, MBBS, FACOG, MS
Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive SciencesCards
About
Research
Overview
1. Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs available in the ovaries at any given age. While a decline in ovarian reserve with aging is clinically appreciable from mid 30's, as reflected by reduced likelihood to achieve pregnancy and increased risk of pregnancy losses, this process may be accelerated in some women. Our preliminary data sugest that declining ovarian reserve in premenopausal women is accompanied by deterioration in certain health parameters including the skeleton and surrogate markers for risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Role of vitamin D insufficiency in reproductive physiology is suggested: Our preliminary data suggest that pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization may be influenced by patient's vitamin D status.
3. Vitamin D insufficiency may be contributory to the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. Ongoing clinical trial will hopefully clarify this hypothesis.1. Role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Ongoing unblinded 3 month trial of vitamin D and Calcium supplementation to assess effects on glucose and insulin homeostasis.
2. Endometrial effects of Metformin in women with PCOS.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Clinical Care
Overview
Caring for a woman means caring for an entire community, says Lubna Pal, MBBS (a medical degree awarded in several countries outside of the U.S.), MS. Dr. Pal, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, honed this perspective growing up in Pakistan, where her mother was an an obstetrician-gynecologist and her father a surgeon.
“In the developing world, as a woman’s health provider, you’re not just addressing a woman’s health, you’re taking care of the entire family,” she says. “Reproductive endocrinology and infertility appealed to me not just because of the exciting changes in the field, but because, going back to my roots, family building is so critical. Making a difference for couples who are struggling to conceive does more than impact the couple. To me, the implications are societal.”
Dr. Pal, whose expertise lies in the management of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause, says that developing a strong relationship with patients is critical to healing. “You have to be there emotionally for them, to stay the course, through the highs and lows,” she says. “You have to be candid. You have to be sensitive. And you have to be genuine.”
Infertility management, she points out, requires a particularly sensitive yet direct approach. “The majority of the time, you are dealing with healthy, young couples, who may be under a tremendous emotional burden,” she says. “When treating infertility with existing technologies and current knowledge, even in the best scenarios the treatment fails 50 percent of the time. Your commitment to the patient needs to be absolute, so that if a cycle fails, they know you did the best that anyone could do.”
Dr. Pal is a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Learn More on Yale MedicinePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Learn More on Yale MedicineFemale Infertility
Learn More on Yale MedicineOvulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination
Learn More on Yale Medicine
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