Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition causing many small cysts on the ovaries. Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can include absent or irregular menstrual periods and infertility. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have elevated levels of male hormones called androgens which can cause embarrassing symptoms like abnormal and excessive facial or body hair, acne and male-pattern baldness.
Managing Complications
Polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of certain complications, such as obesity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, sleep apnea, abnormal uterine bleeding and uterine cancer. If you become pregnant you may develop gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. If you have these conditions, it is important to follow the treatments prescribed by your physician, which may include lifestyle changes, medications and blood pressure testing. Your physician may schedule regular physical examinations and blood work to monitor for developing complications.
Diet and Exercise
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome should follow a regular exercise plan and eat healthy foods. Your physician or registered dietitian will develop a diet plan that is suitable for your medical history, since certain diets may aggravate polycystic ovary syndrome complications. Avoid simple carbohydrates like fruit juice, soda, candy, cake, pie, ice cream, doughnuts and cookies. Instead choose high-fiber carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta, barley, bulgur, beans, brown rice and whole-grain breads or cereals.
Menstrual Cycle Regulation
Your physician may prescribe certain medications to regulate your menstrual cycle. Low-dose birth control pills containing synthetic estrogen and progesterone may regulate your menstrual cycle by correcting hormone imbalances and decreasing your risk of endometrial cancer. Progesterone pills taken 10 to 14 days each month are another option, but don't provide the same hormone balance benefit. Progesterone pills regulate periods and decrease the risk of endometrial cancer. Metformin is an anti-diabetic medication used to lower insulin levels. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are typically resistant to insulin, which affects blood sugar regulation. Metformin benefits include regulating menstrual cycles, slowing type 2 diabetes progression and improving weight loss when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Abnormal Hair Growth
Abnormal hair growth is usually controlled by prescription and non-prescription methods. Birth control pills and spironolactone are prescription medications that decrease abnormal hair growth by blocking androgen effects on the skin. Vaniqa is a prescription cream that slows facial hair growth. Non-prescription methods of removing abnormal hair growth include shaving, depilatory creams, bleaching, electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Fertility
Methods to achieve pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome include medications or surgery. Clomiphene citrate is a prescription medication used in the first part of the menstrual cycle to induce ovulation. Metformin may also improve ovulation. Gonadotropins are injectable fertility medications may be prescribed if you don't achieve a pregnancy with clomiphene citrate and metformin. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical option to induce ovulation by reducing androgen levels. Your physician will discuss with you which option is best for your situation.
