Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease in the usual sense; rather, it is a collection of symptoms that can affect a person’s reproductive health and heart health, and it can have other significant effects on health and lifestyle. It affects about 6% to 15% of people assigned female at birth in their reproductive years. Its risk factors are not well known, but heredity does play a role.
The causes of PCOS are unknown. Researchers believe that insulin resistance and an imbalance of male hormones (e.g., testosterone) and female hormones (e.g., estrogens and progestins, those important for the menstrual cycle) contribute to the development of this condition. Research suggests a family history of PCOS, may be a risk factor for its development.
Given that the cause(s) of PCOS are unknown, there is no cure for the condition. The focus, instead, is on managing bothersome symptoms or those that increase the risk for other diseases.
A healthy diet and exercise are important parts of managing PCOS regardless of your weight. Weight loss is recommended for those with obesity – while it will not cure PCOS, it will lessen symptoms and may help improve fertility.
Medications used to manage PCOS often influence how the body uses insulin or restore the balance between male and female hormones in the body.
Oral contraceptives are used to manage many symptoms associated with PCOS for people who are not trying to become pregnant. They regulate menstrual periods and can reduce acne. Other options that affect hormone levels and are used by people not planning pregnancy include progestins and antiandrogens (e.g., spironolactone*). Medications that improve the body’s ability to use insulin help to regulate blood sugar. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, may be an alternative for those who cannot take oral contraceptives. Metformin can also help reduce weight.
For people who do desire to become pregnant, infertility medications which help ovulation to occur (e.g., gonadotropins) may be recommended. Although not officially approved by Health Canada for this use, the medication letrozole may also be used to induce ovulation. People with PCOS are at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
Hair loss on the scalp may be managed with medications such as minoxidil and spironolactone. Shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods may be required to eliminate unwanted body hair. Acne may also be managed with medications available with or without a prescription that can be taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin.
Acanthosis nigricans may fade with the use of prescription medications applied directly to the skin. Examples include 15% urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid. This symptom may lessen with the use of metformin as well.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Polycystic-Ovary-Syndrome
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