TLDR Individualized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes and specific medications, are crucial for managing PCOS in adolescents.
This review examines various management methods for adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), highlighting the importance of individualized treatment plans. Lifestyle modifications, such as vigorous exercise and low-carbohydrate diets, are the most preferred methods for symptom reduction. Pharmaceuticals like metformin, oral contraceptives, GnRH antagonists, finasteride, eflornithine, FGFs, and vitamin D show promise in improving insulin sensitivity, regulating menstrual cycles, and reducing hirsutism. Epilatory and surgical options are considered only when other treatments fail and the patient reaches an appropriate age. The review emphasizes the need for personalized pharmacotherapy based on each adolescent's unique symptoms.
47 citations
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July 2016 in “Current pharmaceutical design”
The document concludes that managing hirsutism in PCOS involves long-term treatment guided by severity, using oral contraceptives and possibly antiandrogens, with attention to individual patient needs.
1265 citations
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October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”
The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
A female with PCOS and androgenetic alopecia is starting treatment with oral Minoxidil, topical Minoxidil 5% with finasteride, and plans to add mesotherapy. She previously tried anti-androgenic contraceptive pills but couldn't tolerate them and is using Myo Inositol for weight management.
A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.
Female with PCOS experiences receding and thinning hair, wants dutasteride instead of spironolactone. Discusses desire to reduce DHT without losing libido.
OP shares their experience with PCOS-related hair loss, highlighting that addressing vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies, managing hormones with spironolactone, and using gentle hair care products helped improve their condition. They advise against relying on "miracle" hair oils and emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and a combined approach to treatment.
A user shared progress pictures showing improvement in PCOS-related hair loss after six months of using topical minoxidil, dermarolling 0.5mm weekly, and taking biotin gummies. They expressed happiness about the appearance of new baby hairs.
A 20-year-old female with PCOS is experiencing hair loss and excessive facial hair. She is using ketoconazole and caffeine shampoos, microneedling, and considering anti-androgens like finasteride, but is cautious about minoxidil due to facial hair concerns.
3 citations
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January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews”
The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
