Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects many women of childbearing age. It is characterized by problems with infertility, an increase in androgen hormones, irregular menstrual periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and obesity. Since there is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, treatment plans will generally focus on managing the condition by treating specific symptoms and preventing other health problems or complications from occurring.
Lifestyle Changes
Since many women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome are overweight or obese, your doctor will likely recommend healthy weight loss as a first step. Being overweight with PCOS can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes, so even a modest reduction of 5% to 10% of your body weight can potentially improve your condition. Some tips for healthy eating include:
- Limit processed foods and foods with added sugars.
- Add more whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to your diet.
You should also regularly exercise to lose weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will help to lower your blood glucose levels, improve your body’s use of insulin, and normalize the hormone levels in your body which can lead to a more normal menstrual cycle and improvement of other symptoms.
Medications
There are different medications that can help improve various symptoms of PCOS. Many women will need a combination of medications for their personal treatment plan. This will depend on your personal treatment goals, including your specific symptoms, and whether or not you are trying to become pregnant. The most common medications prescribed for polycystic ovarian syndrome include:
- Oral contraceptives: If you are not trying to become pregnant, birth control pills are a good option for treating many of the symptoms of PCOS. Taking birth control can help control your menstrual cycle, reduce androgen hormone levels, and help to clear up acne.
- Diabetes medications: There are some medications designed to treat diabetes that can also help treat some of the symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. One example of this is Metformin (glucophage), which is used to treat Type II Diabetes. When Metformin is used for PCOS, it slows the growth of abnormal hair, controls insulin levels, decreases body mass, improves cholesterol levels, and may even help ovulation to return to normal.
- Fertility medications: Because polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause problems with ovulation, it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Therefore, medications to stimulate ovulation may be prescribed to help women with PCOS to become pregnant. Medications commonly used for this purpose include Clomiphene and Gonadotropins. Another option might be in vitro fertilization, though this is much more costly.
- Anti-androgen medications: These types of medications may be prescribed to help reduce abnormal hair growth and clear acne. Some medications used for this purpose include Spironolactone and Finasteride.
Surgery
If a woman does not respond to fertility medications, there is a laparoscopic surgical procedure called “ovarian drilling” that can temporarily help to lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. The effects of this procedure will only last a few months and there is a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovaries.
