1. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are one of the first, best methods of treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is not a cure, as the cysts will still be present in the ovaries, but birth control pills will reduce hormone production to manageable levels. The drawback of birth control pills is that women who wish to get pregnant will not be about to take birth control pills to treat PCOS.
2. Diabetes Medications
Metformin, known by its brand name Glucophage, has been shown to help treat polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucophage reduces the presence of male hormones in the system, thus helping eliminate the presence of unwanted hair, which is symptomatic of polycystic ovary syndrome. This treatment is still in very early testing for patients with diabetes and is not currently approved by the FDA. However, since diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome are sometimes mutual conditions for some women, taking Glucophage may become a viable treatment option in the future.
3. Healthy Lifestyle
There is currently no known way to prevent polycystic ovary syndrome, but some of the conditions that have been linked to it can be treated. Losing weight has been linked to a reduction in the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Research has shown some correlation between obesity and PCOS. Cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and high cholesterol are also commonly linked to PCOS. Reducing blood pressure through either medication or lifestyle changes (meditation and stress management, for example) can be beneficial as well.
4. Fertility Medication
Fertility medication does not directly treat PCOS, but it does treat one of its symptoms: infertility. PCOS inhibits fertility by both reducing or eliminating the menstrual cycle and increasing male hormone levels. Taking fertility medication can help to restore the menstrual cycle and permit pregnancy. In the event that basic fertility medications don't work, then your doctor may recommend gonadotropins, or hormones that stimulate gonadal function and improve the chances for fertility.
