Polycystic ovary syndrome treatments aim to enable you better manage symptoms like infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Modifications to one’s way of life or the use of medications could be part of your PCOS treatment.
Symptoms & Treatment of PCOS
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that triggers symptoms, including excess weight, irregular periods, infertility, and an overgrowth of body and facial hair. The condition interferes with your metabolism, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and high testosterone levels.
The condition leads to infertility and is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The following are recommended guidelines for PCOS symptoms.
Treatments to Help Achieve Pregnancy
Your doctor can recommend the following treatments to you to assist you in ovulating and achieving your goal of becoming pregnant:
- Metformin: Metformin is an effective treatment of PCOD problem in females that can assist people with prediabetes lose weight while also preventing them from developing type 2 diabetes. The diabetes treatment for type 2 that is taken orally decreases insulin resistance and brings insulin levels down to a healthier range. If taking other medicines do not result in pregnancy for you, your doctor may suggest that you take metformin to support your treatment to stimulate ovulation.
- Clomiphene: You can take the anti-estrogen prescription in the form of an oral pill in the beginning of your menstrual cycle.
- Gonadotropins: The PCOS treatment injections are hormone medicines.
- Letrozole: Ovarian stimulation is a potential benefit of the treatment for breast cancer, as it also helps alleviate PCOS symptoms.
Treatments to Help Normalise Periods
- Progestin therapy: Progesterone can help regulate your periods and reduce your risk of developing endometrial cancer if you take it for 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months. It is essential to know that the levels of testosterone in the body are not improved by progestin medication, nor is pregnancy prevented by it. If you also want to avoid becoming pregnant, the minipill containing only progestin or an intrauterine device that contains progestin can be a better alternative for you.
- Birth control meds: Drugs that combine more than one method of birth control include both oestrogen and progestin. They can control oestrogen levels while reducing the synthesis of androgens. By regulating your hormones, you can reduce your risk of developing endometrial cancer, as well as correct irregular bleeding, excessive hair growth, and acne.
Treatments to Help Minimise Excessive Hair Growth And Acne
- Birth control pills: The meds for PCOS are used to prevent births and inhibit the production of androgen. The pills are also effective to reduce acne and excessive hair growth.
- Spironolactone: The PCOS drug is effective in preventing the negative effects of androgen on the skin, including the formation of excessive hair and acne. Since spirolactone has been linked to birth abnormalities, it is imperative that women taking these meds practise reliable birth control. It is not recommended to take this medication if you are pregnant or if you are trying to become pregnant.
- Eflornithine: The lotion can slow down the growth of facial hair. You might want to use this cream in conjunction with a hair removal product because it will not treat undesirable facial hair or remove hair. Other meds to slow down hair growth is cyproterone acetate, flutamide, and finasteride.
- Hair removal: Electrolysis and laser hair removal are two methods to remove unwanted hair. Electrolysis involves inserting a fine needle into each individual hair follicle. A jolt of electric current is released by the needle as it moves. The follicle sustains damage and is destroyed by the current. A concentrated beam of light is used in a medical process known as laser hair removal, which removes unwanted hair using the technique. You may require many sessions of electrolysis or laser hair removal for best results. Other temporary solutions include shaving, plucking, and the application of hair removal creams or lotions, but after the hair has grown back, it may have a thicker appearance.
- Acne: Acne can sometimes be treated with medication, which can take the form of oral pills as well as topical creams or gels. Discuss the alternatives with your doctor.
Guidance: Have a discussion with your doctor, if necessary, about any PCOD problem treatments while on medication. Keep them updated about your progress or if you are experiencing unusual symptoms as well.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may suggest that you lose weight by following a diet low in calories while also engaging in moderate levels of physical activity. Even a moderate weight loss, such as 5-10% of your total body weight, can be enough to make a difference in your condition. If you lose weight, the medications that your healthcare professional suggests for PCOS can be more effective for you and losing weight can also help with infertility. Finding the most effective strategy for weight loss can be accomplished through collaborative effort with both your doctor and a registered dietitian.
The Following Guidelines can be Effective PCOD Problem Treatments:
Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss helps regulate insulin and testosterone levels. It may also help to restore ovulation. If you need one, talk to your doctor about starting a weight-loss programme. Consult a trained dietician for assistance in achieving weight-loss objectives.
Take action: Exercise aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, be active and exercising regularly may help you treat or possibly prevent insulin resistance. Being physically active may also help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid having diabetes. Exercising is a good PCOD problem solution as well.
Focus on whole foods: Whole foods are foods that are as close to their raw, natural state that can be consumed. They are loaded with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are bioabsorbable. You can include whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Whole foods exclude hormones, synthetic sweeteners, and preservatives. Consuming whole foods can help your endocrine system better regulate your blood sugar without hormones and preservatives.
Balance of protein and carbohydrates: Your energy and hormone levels are influenced by both proteins and carbohydrates. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cooked dry beans and peas all include complex carbs. You can also consume healthy proteins like nuts legumes and whole grains. Consuming a balance of carbohydrates and proteins encourages your body to generate insulin at healthy levels.
Foods to reduce inflammation: PCOS is characterised as a low-level chronic inflammation. Your symptoms might improve if you increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods. Inflammation is reduced by whole foods like leafy greens, tomatoes, and nuts and seeds.
Month by Month. Planned Parenthood [Internet].
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pregnancy-month-by-month .Accessed April. 18, 2023.
