Because there is currently no cure for polycystic ovary pyndrome (PCOS), medications are prescribed to control the symptoms. Birth control pills, diabetes medications, and anti-androgen drugs help patients keep their symptoms in check. There are currently more than 80 clinical trials in the United States to test a wide range of treatments for PCOS, including alternative medications, listed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health website.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills control the menstrual cycle and are often prescribed for women with PCOS. According to WomensHealth.gov, combination pills are usually prescribed to control PCOS and to reduce male hormone levels, which also helps to clear acne and control weight. Progesterone-only birth control pills may be prescribed, but they do not treat all the symptoms of PCOS. Synthetic progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate or norethindrone may also be substituted for progesterone. The American Diabetes Association mentions that birth control pills are not an option for women who are trying to become pregnant.
Diabetes Medication
The diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in polycystic ovary syndrome. WomensHealth.gov says that metformin controls blood glucose levels, lowers testosterone, and reduces abnormal hair growth after a few months of use. Metformin will often be prescribed for women who are trying to become pregnant because the medicine works synergistically with in-vitro fertilization treatments, according to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago. Avandia and Actos may also be used for certain PCOS patients. The American Diabetes Association says that using diabetes medicines to treat the symptoms of PCOS may restore normal menstrual cycles and help a woman maintain a normal weight.
Anti-Androgen Medications
Medicines to treat the secondary symptoms of PCOS (increased hair growth and acne) are often combined with other treatments, according to WomensHealth.gov. These include the blood-pressure medicine spironolactone (Aldactone), or the male hair loss treatment finasteride (Propecia), which both reduce male hormones in women. Creams containing Vaniqa (eflornithine) may also be prescribed to combat unwanted hair growth. The Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine mentions that hair growth will return if Vaniqa treatments are stopped.
Fertility Medications
One symptom of PCOS can be difficulty conceiving. Medicines that stimulate ovulation are often prescribed for women with PCOS who want to become pregnant. Clomiphene (Clomid and Serophene) are the first choice of doctors, according to WomensHealth.gov. Other fertility medications which may be prescribed are metformin (Glucophage) or gonadotrophin shots.
References
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services womenshealth.gov
- Open PCOS Studies list from the National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome from the American Diabetes Association
- PCOS from the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine
- Metformin (Glucophage) for PCOS Fertility Treatment from the Advanced Fertility Center of Chigago
