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How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there
is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether
she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of
treatments used for PCOS.
• Birth control pills. For women who
don't want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate
menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne.
However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle
will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think
about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to
regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But
according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
•
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage,
which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms.
Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the
testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and
ovulation may return after a few months of use. According to the U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services, these medications will not
cause a person to become diabetic.
• Fertility Medications. The
main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation.
Even so, your sperm count should be checked and your spouse's tubes
checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are
used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to
stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for
multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization
(IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets
or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to
make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
• Medicine
for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not
trying to get pregnant, some other medicines may reduce hair growth.
Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to
decrease the male hormone's effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken
by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect.
Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and
should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical
treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at
getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment
to keep new hair from growing.
• Surgery. Although it is not
recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian
drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very
small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument
that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called
laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle
carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary.
This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary.
This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But
these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help
with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
• A healthy
weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help
manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and
physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the
body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help
restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help
make a woman's cycle more regular.
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