Various PCOS Medical Treatments and Lifestyle Changes

There are many treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome, both medical and natural. Many of the symptoms of PCOS can be, at a minimum, effectively managed by getting to a healthy weight, eating lots of fruits, whole grains and vegetables and getting in a regular exercise routine. While lifestyle changes can seem difficult, try making small changes, one at a time. Over a period of time these changes will become your new lifestyle, and your health will benefit greatly. By losing the excess weight, the amount of insulin your body must produce is greatly reduced, which in turn reduces testosterone and androgen levels, effectively increasing ovulation chances. Losing weight will also lessen the acne which often accompanies PCOS and could also decrease the excessive growth of hair. Even a weight loss of five to ten percent can lead to significant improvement in your PCOS.

Hormone Treatments

Because one symptom of PCOS is raised testosterone levels, certain anti-male hormone drugs can be used to block this effect. Cyproterone acetate is the most-prescribed drug for lowering a woman's over-production of testosterone, although doctor's will rarely prescribe the drug unless a woman suffers from excessive levels of male sex hormones. If you are having very irregular periods, thus few periods of ovulation, birth control pills may be prescribed to induce regular menstrual cycles. While gonadotrophins are sometimes prescribed, there is a risk that multiple pregnancies may result from the overstimulation of the ovaries.

Diabetes Drugs for PCOS

Metformin can be prescribed to help reduce the health risks associated with insulin resistance as well as the excessive levels of male hormones. While many women have heard that metformin is an effective weight loss drug, it only increases ovulation and addresses some of the symptoms of PCOS. Other diabetes drugs such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone may also work in the same way as metformin in reducing the symptoms of PCOS and restoring natural fertility.

Surgery or Clomifene

Clomifene is a fertility drug used to stimulate the ovaries, and correct hormone imbalances. It must be used cautiously so as not to contribute to multiple births. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a relatively minor surgical procedure used in the treatment of PCOS. A small cut is made in your lower abdomen through which a laparoscope is passed. The ovaries are surgically treated with either heat or laser, with a goal of destroying the tissue which is producing male hormones. This procedure will often lower testosterone levels while raising FSH hormones, restoring the natural balance of your ovarian function. The surgery is done under general anesthetic and is generally performed in an outpatient facility.

Acarbose is another medication which is typically used in the treatment of diabetes, and works by reducing the absorption of simple sugars through the intestines, minimizing the increase in insulin. Like Glucophage (metformin) serious side effects are rare with Acarbose, although it may bring about abdominal cramping or diarrhea. While studies are still being done to find treatments for PCOS, right now the choices are fairly limited.