Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide, causing a range of symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and infertility. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with PCOS, you may be wondering about the available treatment options and how they can help manage this condition. In this article, we will delve into the various approaches for PCOS treatment, from lifestyle changes to medication and surgery, to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and treat this condition effectively.
Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment will mostly incorporate both drug prescriptions and lifestyle changes to increase effectiveness. Let’s look at both treatment options below:
The doctor may offer appropriate guidance to ensure you eat a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight. This is essential because there are natural ways to balance your hormone levels.
The health care provider may also advocate weight loss, which may work best through moderate body exercises and a low-calorie diet. Steady weight loss could also boost the effectiveness of your PCOS medications and help with infertility. The healthcare provider can usually work closely with a registered dietitian to establish the best diet and weight-loss plan.
The doctor will determine the appropriate medical treatment based on symptoms and present health conditions. The healthcare provider will also want to know if the person wishes to get pregnant.
If the affected individual doesn’t intend to become pregnant and just wish to regulate their periods, the prescribed medications might include any of these:
- Insulin-sensitising drugs- Metformin is a drug that doctors use to treat diabetes. It helps the body to process insulin best. Once insulin is under control, some people with PCOS notice significant improvements in their menstrual periods.
- Medications for androgen blockage- Some drugs block the androgen effect. As a result, it helps control acne or excessive hair growth. The healthcare provider will inform whether the treatment is appropriate.
- Birth control hormonal drugs- Hormonal birth control works to balance the menstrual cycle, while some options will also improve symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. Such medication may include birth control pills, injections, patches, vaginal rings, or intrauterine devices (IUD). Pills containing both oestrogen and progestin regulate oestrogen and reduce androgen production.
- Progestin therapy- The doctor might prescribe progestin medicines for 10-14 days every 1-2 months to regulate menstruation. This therapy also helps against endometrial cancer. If the person wishes to avoid pregnancy, the best choice includes the progestin-only mini pill or progestin-containing IUD.
If the patient wishes to become pregnant, the doctor might recommend the following drugs to help them ovulate:
- Clomiphene- This is an oral anti-estrogen drug taken during the first days of the menstrual cycle.
- Letrozole - The drug works to stimulate the ovaries.
- Metformin- If clomiphene does not help the person become pregnant, the doctor might recommend metformin to boost ovulation.
- Gonadotropins- These are hormone medications in the form of injections.