Receiving a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be overwhelming. According to the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, PCOS is characterized as a “complex genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder affecting women.” Approximately one in 10 women are affected by PCOS, with about half unaware of their condition, and potential complications include infertility, obesity, and mood disturbances.
PCOS manifests through excess androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, resulting in symptoms such as unwanted hair growth, acne, male-pattern hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles, as well as elevating the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Regrettably, there is no known cure for PCOS. However, due to its significant impact on health and well-being, treatment is imperative. It’s essential to understand that treatment approaches vary based on individual concerns, given the unknown etiology of PCOS. Factors such as concerns about excess hair growth, fertility desires, or the need for menstrual regularity influence treatment decisions.
Andrea E. Dunaif, MD, a professor of medicine and chief of the Hilda and J. Lester Gabrilove Division of endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, emphasizes that there isn’t a standard treatment regimen for PCOS.
PCOS Medication Options to Discuss With Your Doctor
One potential approach involves using medications to address particular symptoms. It’s crucial to understand that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs specifically for PCOS, indicating that these options are prescribed off-label. Here are some medications you might discuss with your healthcare provider:
Metformin (Fortamet)
Metformin stands out as a primary treatment to address insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes or diabetes, which can also be associated with PCOS. The recommendation regarding its use is contentious, with some physicians suggesting that metformin is always necessary for PCOS management, as highlighted by Dr. Dunaif. However, she emphasizes that not every woman with PCOS requires metformin. While it is a safe and effective medication, its usage should be tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Dunaif emphasizes that metformin is not an effective approach for alleviating symptoms related to excess male hormones, such as unwanted hair growth.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Originally developed as a blood pressure medication and diuretic for hormonal forms of hypertension and fluid retention, this drug has proved effective in blocking male hormones in high doses,” explains Dunaif. As a result, it is utilized to address excess hair growth, a particularly distressing symptom of PCOS. Sometimes, spironolactone is prescribed in conjunction with hormonal birth control pills, which can enhance its efficacy when used together.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that spironolactone is not safe during pregnancy, as it can penetrate the placenta and pose risks to the fetus. Therefore, before prescribing this medication to women of childbearing age, physicians will discuss this matter and ensure that patients are using reliable contraception methods.
Hormonal Birth Control Pills
Combination birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progesterone or progestin, are commonly prescribed to non-pregnant women with PCOS. This option is especially beneficial for those whose primary concern is irregular periods and the associated health risks. “Birth control pills are highly effective in safeguarding the uterine lining in women who experience chronic anovulation,” states Dunaif.
When a woman doesn’t ovulate regularly, her uterine lining isn’t exposed to the typical estrogen and progesterone patterns. Without progesterone exposure, the lining may not shed completely during menstruation, potentially leading to endometrial hyperplasia and, in severe cases, endometrial cancer. Dunaif emphasizes the importance of shedding the uterine lining at least four times a year. One option is a progesterone challenge, but this may result in heavy bleeding for some women. Alternatively, birth control pills can help restore a regular menstrual cycle and also lower male hormone levels.
Additionally, hormonal birth control offers universal benefits such as predictable periods and reduced risks of colon and ovarian cancer. For women who prefer alternatives to birth control pills, a progesterone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) is an option.
Concerns have been raised about birth control pills exacerbating insulin resistance, which is particularly worrisome for women with PCOS, as insulin resistance is associated with type 2 diabetes. However, Dunaif reassures that there is no evidence to suggest that birth control pills increase the risk of diabetes. Therefore, they remain a beneficial therapeutic option for young women with PCOS.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride, another medication that blocks androgens, is occasionally prescribed to manage excessive body and facial hair growth in women with PCOS. Similar to spironolactone, it is not safe for women who could become pregnant, as it may have adverse effects on the fetus.
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Clomiphene (Clomid) or Letrozole (Femaral)
“There are well-studied fertility options available for women with PCOS, supported by randomized clinical trials,” emphasizes Dunaif. If a woman with PCOS desires pregnancy, her doctor may recommend oral medications known to effectively induce ovulation, such as clomiphene or letrozole, which was traditionally used to treat breast cancer but is now also used off-label to stimulate ovulation. Injectable gonadotropins or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may also be considered as alternative options.
It’s important to recognize that when considering these options, a woman must prioritize her current goals. If pregnancy is the primary objective, addressing symptoms related to male hormones (such as excess hair growth, male-pattern hair loss, or acne) simultaneously may not be feasible, as these goals may conflict. However, there is a silver lining: During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen in the body typically help suppress hair growth, offering some relief from these symptoms, as noted by Dunaif.
Treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
While there is no cure for PCOS, its symptoms can be managed effectively. If you suspect you may have the condition, it’s important to consult with a GP for proper diagnosis and guidance.
For individuals with PCOS who are overweight, adopting a healthy, balanced diet and losing weight can alleviate some symptoms.
Various medications are also available to address specific symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and fertility issues.
In cases where fertility medications prove ineffective, a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended. This procedure involves using heat or a laser to target and destroy the ovarian tissue responsible for producing androgens like testosterone.
With appropriate treatment, the majority of women with PCOS can improve their symptoms and achieve successful pregnancies. It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to explore the most suitable treatment options for individual needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women involves a multifaceted approach aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving overall health and well-being. While there is no cure for PCOS, effective treatment options exist to address its various manifestations.
Seeking medical advice from a general practitioner is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Lifestyle modifications, including weight management through a balanced diet and regular exercise, play a fundamental role in symptom management, especially for overweight individuals with PCOS.
Medications targeting specific symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, and fertility issues are available and can significantly improve quality of life for women with PCOS. Additionally, surgical interventions like laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be considered in cases where fertility medications prove ineffective.
The treatment journey for PCOS is unique to each individual, and ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals is essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment strategies as needed. With comprehensive care and support, most women with PCOS can effectively manage their symptoms and enhance their chances of achieving optimal health and fertility outcomes.
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