Pharmacologic Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

January 2003 in “ Seminars in reproductive medicine ”

David A. Ehrmann, Daniel F. Rychlik

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS androgen excess insulin resistance type 2 diabetes excessive hair growth acne menstrual irregularities infertility PCOS insulin resistance type 2 diabetes excessive hair growth acne menstrual irregularities infertility

TLDR The document concludes that various drugs can manage symptoms and metabolic issues in women with PCOS.

The document from 2003 reviewed the pharmacologic treatment options for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), focusing on the management of symptoms such as excessive hair growth, acne, menstrual irregularities, and infertility, as well as addressing metabolic issues like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It detailed the pathophysiology behind the cutaneous symptoms associated with androgen excess and rationalized the use of various drugs to treat these conditions. The review also covered treatment strategies for reproductive issues and discussed the management of PCOS's metabolic manifestations.

View this study on thieme-connect.de →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research 9 Diagnosis and therapy of hyperandrogenism

23 citations , June 1997 in “Baillière's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

Most women with too much androgens have PCOS, which can be managed with birth control pills, medication for hair growth, and fertility treatments, and losing weight helps too.

research Comparison of Sequential Cyproterone Acetate/Estrogen Versus Spironolactone/Oral Contraceptive in the Treatment of Hirsutism

68 citations , May 1991 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Both cyproterone acetate and spironolactone effectively reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.

research Treatment of hirsutism with the pure antiandrogen flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Flutamide effectively reduced excessive hair growth and improved related symptoms in hirsutism patients without significant side effects.

research Spironolactone is an Effective and Well Tolerated Systemic Antiandrogen Therapy for Hirsute Women*

78 citations , May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Spironolactone effectively reduces hair growth in women with hirsutism and is generally well-tolerated.

research Androgen metabolism in hirsute patients treated with cyproterone acetate

64 citations , March 1984 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

Cyproterone acetate effectively reduced hair growth in hirsute patients by lowering androgen levels and altering androgen metabolism.

research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.

2 / 2 results

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

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.