For more than four years, Joann Citrone of West Deptford, N.J., went through round after round of expensive infertility treatments. But it wasn’t until two years after she and her husband adopted their second child from South Korea that she was finally given a correct diagnosis.

She suffered from a common yet often overlooked condition that can lead to infertility and a host of perplexing symptoms — yet is easily treated when it is properly diagnosed.

The condition is nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or C.A.H. — a hormone deficiency that leads to excess production of androgens. In women it can interfere with ovulation; in men it can cause low sperm count. In addition, it can lead to short stature, body odor, acne, irregular menstruation and the excessive hair growth called hirsutism. (Ms. Citrone, now 38, had some of these symptoms, too.)

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Tags : CAH, infertility

ORLANDO, Fla., May 28 /PRNewswire/ — In an economy where companies are cutting back and reducing benefits, Conceive honors the 50 Best Companies across the country that offer superior family-building benefits, including fertility treatment and adoption assistance.

For the third year in a row, Conceive, a national publication devoted to pre-pregnancy health and fertility, has ranked the top companies in America that continue to help employees build their families. The top 10 for 2009 includes Citizens Financial Group/RBS Americas, Arnold & Porter, Baker & McKenzie, Barilla America, the Boston Consulting Group, Deutsche Bank, Exceptional Software Strategies Inc., Harvard University, Kozy Shak Enterprises, and National Futures Association.

Based on a one- to four-star ranking system, the companies that received the most stars were those that offer more than $100,000 for ART (assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF) or $60,000 for treatment combined with generous paid leave. And for the adoption criteria, four stars went to companies that give more than $15,000 toward the adoption of a child (or $10,000 combined with a very generous paid leave for adoptive primary caregivers).

“Fertility treatments and adoptions can be costly. In the current economic climate we applaud those companies who recognize how important it is to help employees build their families,” says Kim Hahn, founder of Conceive.

To find Conceive’s 50 Best Fertility-Friendly and Adoption-Friendly Companies for 2009, surveys were sent out to over 200 companies. Leads and suggestions also came in from blogs and Internet postings at places such as INCIID (The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination Inc.), readers’ tips, and industry leaders and nonprofit organizations.

The complete 50 Best Companies listing and story are available at http://conceiveonline.com/fifty-best.

About Conceive:

Published five times a year, Conceive provides advice and tips on all aspects of fertility and family planning, including health, fitness, medicine, and lifestyle. Conceive is available at ob/gyn offices nationwide, as well as Babies ‘R’ Us and national bookstores. Also available from Conceive are three new books: The Fertility Journal: A Day-by-Day Guide to Getting Pregnant, Fertility Facts: Hundreds of Tips for Getting Pregnant, Cooking to Conceive (available for pre-order at www.chroniclebooks.com), and the weekly online podcast Conceive On-Air hosted by Kim Hahn.

Website: http://www.conceiveonline.com

Tags : adoption, fertility