Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, is a female hormone disorder affecting 5 to 10 percent of women. Women with PCOS have higher than normal levels of male hormones, known as androgens. Women with PCOS have ovaries that contain many small cysts; they often do not ovulate without medication. Many of the symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hirsuitism, or hairiness, and acne, are caused by high androgen levels. Many women with PCOS are also overweight. Treatments vary, depending on whether or not a woman is trying to become pregnant.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Metformin, brand name Glucophage, is a medication that decreases insulin levels. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reports that between 40 and 70 percent of women with PCOS are insulin resistant, which means their bodies make extra insulin to compensate. Metformin sensitizes cells to insulin, so they utilize it more easily. This reduces insulin production, which creates an excess of androgens. Metformin regulates periods and induces ovulation in up to 90 percent of women with PCOS, helping women trying to get pregnant, NetDoctor explains. Metformin also helps women lose weight and reduces male androgen symptoms. Metformin can cause diarrhea and nausea, which may be severe.
Combined Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives that combine estrogen and progesterone are used to treat the symptoms of PCOS, regulate menstrual cycles in women not trying to become pregnant, and to reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer--cancer of the lining of the uterus--by not allowing the uterine lining to become abnormally thick.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Aldactone, a medication that reduces fluid retention, also blocks the effects of androgens and helps decrease symptoms of PCOS, the University of Chicago Medical Center states. Aldactone should not be taken by women trying to get pregnant, because it can cause birth defects.
Medroxyprogesterone
Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic progesterone sometimes taken by women with PCOS who don't have high androgen symptoms but who don't ovulate and aren't trying to become pregnant. The drug is taken for 10 to 14 days every 1 to 3 months and then stopped, which results in a withdrawal bleed of the uterine lining, decreasing the risk of uterine cancer.
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Clomid is an oral anti-estrogen medication that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. Clomid has a low risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, although the risk of multiple births is increased for women taking Clomid. Headaches often occur in women taking Clomid.
Gonadotropins
Women who don't respond to Clomid may need injections of medications that stimulate the ovaries. Injectable gonadotropins can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a potentially life threatening swelling of the ovaries, in women with PCOS. Women taking gonadotopins need close monitoring.
