Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment for PCOS.
This may help reducesymptoms, restore normal menses, and make it easier to conceive.
Weight loss is challenging when you have PCOS, which can be quite frustrating.
Tetra Images / Getty Images
A 10% loss can help improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
Reduce the time you spend sitting.
Find ways to break up long times at your desk or watching television in the evening.
Many fitness trackers now alert you when you have been sitting for an hour without activity.
Waxing and threading can also be done at home or by estheticians.
Laser hair removal and electrolysis, offered at clinics and spas, can give you longer-lasting results.
These treatments are usually performed by technicians under the supervision of a healthcare provider, but without a prescription.
OTC acne and skincare products may also be useful.
But depending on your amount of acne, it may be best to consult a dermatologist instead of self-treating.
Prescriptions
A variety of prescription medications can treat the symptoms of PCOS.
The pill contains a combination ofestrogenand progesterone which aids in regulating a womans hormones.
This will help normalize your cycle, thereby making your periods more regular.
You may need a blood test prior to beginning this medication to confirm that you are not pregnant.
Spironolactone inhibits the testosterone secreted by the body and competes for hormone receptors in the hair follicles.
Receptors are sites on cells that allow hormones or chemicals to bind to them, creating a reaction.
These medications are not safe to use during pregnancy.
Metformin may also reduce the levels of circulating androgens.
This will help regulate your menstrual cycle and may help you lose weight.
Vaniqa should not be used while you are pregnant.
Acne Treatment
Prescription acne treatment often involves retinoids.
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
While rarely performed,ovarian drillingis asurgical optionthat can help treat PCOS.
The hope is to reduce androgen and LH secretion, thereby inducing ovulatory cycles.
This is only considered as a second line therapy for PCOS.
Even less common is ovarian wedge resection.
Some research has shown higher efficacy of letrozole compared to clomiphene.
Some people may need to take both Clomid and metformin for ovulate.
Losing weight can also help accomplish this.
In some people, moderate weight loss can help restore ovulation and greatly increase your odds of pregnancy.
If these options do not work, the next step will most likely be injectable medications known asgonadotropins.
Your healthcare provider will most likely monitor your progress through ultrasound and blood tests.
This will allow you to more precisely time when to have intercourse or haveintrauterine insemination(IUI).
Your healthcare provider can help you identify which choice is better for you.
This produces many eggs which the healthcare provider will then remove through a surgical procedure.
Fertilization takes place outside of the body and in the more controlled environment of the lab.
It is thought that it may help regulate themenstrual cycleand even induce ovulation in some people.
Some herbal supplements may interact with prescription medications and some may be harmful during pregnancy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what will work best for you.
Be sure to ask for any needed help with lifestyle modifications.
You may need support from a registered dietitian,nutritionist, physical trainer, or therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
PCOSdiagnosisbegins with a physical exam.
PCOS is very common.
doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.030
Katzmarzyk PT.Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health: paradigm paralysis or paradigm shift?.Diabetes.
2010;59(11):2717-2725. doi:10.2337/db10-0822
Dumesic DA, Lobo RA.Cancer risk and PCOS.Steroids.
Office on Women’s Health.
Aquino CI, Nori SL.Complementary Therapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.Transl Med UniSa.
2015;21(11):1291-300. doi:10.4158/EP15748.DSC
