Treatment Options for PCOS

Treatment options for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) depend on your goals and concerns. This may include treating symptoms, such as infertility, hair loss, acne or weight gain; however, treatments depend on whether you are also planning a pregnancy.

There is no cure for PCOS. It can be controlled, however, in order to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, uterine cancer, infertility and miscarriages.

Non-medical treatments for PCOS

Adopting a healthy lifestyle with weight loss and hair removal are two non-medical treatments for PCOS. Alternative treatments exist, such as herbs and homeopathic remedies; however, they are not regulated. It is best to consult with a Henry Ford doctor in order to discuss non-medical treatment.

Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly in order to manage your weight. Weight loss may help balance your hormones and regulate your menstrual cycle.

Electrolysis or laser hair removal

When the hormone imbalance that is stimulating unwanted hair growth is managed, electrolysis and laser hair removal are two ways to decrease or eliminate unwanted hair. Hair follicles are targeted and destroyed during these processes. Both are permanent ways to get rid of hair.

Medications or hormone therapy

Medications or hormone therapy may be necessary if modest weight loss, such as 5-10% of your body weight, does not help to regulate your menstrual cycle.

Birth control hormones

Your Henry Ford doctor may prescribe birth control hormones if you are not planning a pregnancy. The hormones estrogen and progesterone in birth control pills help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. A regular cycle is important because the endometrial lining is shed every month. Shedding the lining helps to prevent endometrial cancer.

Anti-androgens

Your doctor may prescribe spironolactone if unwanted hair growth, hair loss or acne is a concern. Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication that helps block the production of androgens. Androgens are most often called “male hormones.” However, these hormones are present in both men and women. Controlling the production of androgens can help hair loss or hair growth that is mostly associated with men.