How PCOS is Treated?

UPDATED ON 12th AUG. 2023

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Period irregularity is a common symptom of PCOS. Or you might have very long, daily periods. Androgen, a kind of hormone, may also be overproduced in your body.

Along the outer border of the ovary, PCOS causes several little fluid-filled sacs to form. Cysts are what you'd name them.

Undeveloped eggs are housed in fluid-filled cysts. The follicles are the hair's storage organs. Because of this, eggs are not consistently released from the follicles.

Before we get to the treatment, lets first understand the symptoms.

Symptoms of PCOS

 - Changes in Menstrual Cycle Regularity

Lack of menstruation or irregular menstruation are both symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Having periods that linger for a week or more is also abnormal.

For example, maybe you only have your period eight times a year instead of nine. There is a possibility that the interval between periods will be longer than 35 days. It might be difficult for you to conceive a child.

 - Excessive levels of androgens

Excessive beard and facial hair growth have been linked to elevated androgen hormone levels. That's hirsutism, by the way. Acne breakouts of a severe kind and male-pattern baldness are also possible.

 - Polycystic Ovaries

Possibly, your ovaries have grown. Around the ovary's periphery, several follicles may form, each holding an immature egg. It's possible that the ovaries won't function normally.

People who are overweight tend to have more severe PCOS symptoms

We also need to know, does PCOS affect pregnancy?

Treatment for PCOS

 - Ovulation-Stimulating Medications

Ovulation is the first step in having a healthy baby. Some medications have been shown to stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Clomiphene and letrozole are oral drugs, while gonadotropins are injected.

 - Surgery

Removing androgen-producing tissues in the ovaries, achieved by a surgical technique termed ovarian drilling, may stimulate ovulation. Surgeons no longer often conduct this operation because of better treatment options.

 - IVF

Fertilization occurs in a laboratory using sperm from the male partner, and then the embryo is transported to the female's uterus.

This may be an alternative when medicine fails to induce ovulation in a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Your doctor may suggest the following to stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant:

 - Clomiphene

When taken orally, anti-estrogen medicine is often administered at the onset of menstruation.

 - Metformin

This oral treatment for type 2 diabetes enhances insulin resistance and reduces insulin levels. Metformin may be recommended in addition to clomiphene if you are unsuccessful in conceiving while using clomiphene.

Metformin may assist those with prediabetes in losing weight and prevent them from developing type 2 diabetes.

- Gonadotropins

Injection is the method of administration for hormone medicines.

You also need to know, Best age to get pregnant with PCOS

Your doctor may suggest the following methods for controlling your periods:

- Combined oral contraceptive tablets

Combination estrogen and progestin pills effectively reduce and control estrogen levels.

Normalizing your hormone levels helps prevent endometrial cancer and treats symptoms, including heavy menstrual flow, increased hair growth, and acne.

 - Progestin Therapy

To control your cycles and prevent endometrial cancer, you should take progestin for 10-14 days every 1 to 2 months. The use of progestins does not increase testosterone levels or prevent conception.

If you also want to prevent conception, your best option is a minipill or intrauterine device that contains progestin.

 - Ovulation-Stimulating Medications

Ovulation is the first step in having a healthy baby. Some medications have been shown to stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Clomiphene and letrozole are oral drugs, while gonadotropins are injected.

 - Surgery

Removing androgen-producing tissues in the ovaries, achieved by a surgical technique termed ovarian drilling, may stimulate ovulation. Surgeons no longer often conduct this operation because of better treatment options.

 - IVF

Fertilization occurs in a laboratory using sperm from the male partner, and then the embryo is transported to the female's uterus.

This may be an alternative when medicine fails to induce ovulation in a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Your doctor may suggest the following to stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant:

 - Clomiphene

When taken orally, anti-estrogen medicine is often administered at the onset of menstruation.

 - Metformin

This oral treatment for type 2 diabetes enhances insulin resistance and reduces insulin levels. Metformin may be recommended in addition to clomiphene if you are unsuccessful in conceiving while using clomiphene.

Metformin may assist those with prediabetes in losing weight and prevent them from developing type 2 diabetes.

- Gonadotropins

Injection is the method of administration for hormone medicines.

You also need to know, Best age to get pregnant with PCOS

Your doctor may suggest the following methods for controlling your periods:

- Combined oral contraceptive tablets

Combination estrogen and progestin pills effectively reduce and control estrogen levels.

Normalizing your hormone levels helps prevent endometrial cancer and treats symptoms, including heavy menstrual flow, increased hair growth, and acne.

 - Progestin Therapy

To control your cycles and prevent endometrial cancer, you should take progestin for 10-14 days every 1 to 2 months. The use of progestins does not increase testosterone levels or prevent conception.

If you also want to prevent conception, your best option is a minipill or intrauterine device that contains progestin.

Changes in lifestyle for PCOS

 - Maintaining a Healthy Weight

In addition to lowering insulin and testosterone levels, weight reduction may also help reduce body fat. It may also help with ovulation problems.

Talk to your doctor about weight management options if you need help maintaining a healthy weight. Consult a dietician if you need assistance losing weight.

 - Reduce Your Intake of Carbohydrates

Consuming a lot of carbohydrates may cause an increase in insulin levels. If you have PCOS, you may want to ask your doctor if a low-carbohydrate diet might benefit you.

Select complex carbs, which release sugar into the bloodstream more gradually. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cooked dry beans, and peas are all good sources of complex carbs.

 - Do Physical Activity

Diabetes may be managed with regular exercise. Those who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may get relief from or be able to avoid developing insulin resistance by increasing their daily activity and beginning an exercise routine.

Maintaining a healthy weight and warding off diabetes may both be aided by regular exercise.

Medications

Having PCOS may cause an increase in the production of both testosterone and estrogen. Both high and low levels of these hormones might make it difficult to conceive.

Some hormone imbalances may be treated with prescription medicine, which your doctor may prescribe.

In cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, medications that may aid in conception include:

• Metformin for insulin regulation.
• Clomid, or clomiphene citrate, is used to regulate estrogen levels in the body.
• Contraceptives are used to regulate the levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone (before commencing fertility therapy).
• Fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to release more eggs.

Conclusion

PCOS is a major contributor to infertility and has been connected to various other health issues. If you think you may have PCOS, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Modifying your lifestyle and using medicinal interventions may help you control your symptoms, reduce your chance of developing additional health problems, and conceive a child.