TLDR PCOS treatment should address both symptoms and metabolic risks, starting with lifestyle changes and possibly including medication.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6%-7% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by symptoms such as chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, irregular menses, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. It also carries a risk for serious metabolic complications like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The review from 2015 highlights that treatment should not only focus on symptomatic relief but also on managing metabolic risks. Lifestyle interventions are recommended as the first-line treatment, particularly for overweight individuals, while pharmacological options include hormonal contraceptives, anti-androgens, and insulin-sensitizers like metformin.
514 citations,
February 2011 in “International journal of women's health” Different treatments for PCOS focus on the specific symptoms, with weight loss and lifestyle changes being important.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
73 citations,
February 2007 in “The American Journal of Medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women, treated with lifestyle changes and medications like hormonal contraceptives and metformin.
15 citations,
December 2016 in “Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women, linked to increased risk of metabolic and heart diseases, and needs more research for better understanding and treatment.
1 citations,
May 2016 in “The Nurse Practitioner” Treating PCOS is complex, involving medication like metformin and lifestyle changes, and requires attention to mental health due to high depression and anxiety rates.
10 citations,
November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
3 citations,
March 2007 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal” Women with PCOS should have an oral glucose tolerance test for effective diabetes screening.
