Therapeutic Options in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

January 2007 in “ Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ”

R. K. Bhathena

oral contraceptives progestogen therapy weight loss metformin anti-androgenic drugs spironolactone flutamide finasteride cyproterone acetate eflornithine hydrochloride cream clomiphene citrate letrozole gonadotrophin therapy laparoscopic ovarian diathermy birth control pills Propecia Vaniqa Clomid

From the encyclopedia

Metformin →

diabetes drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Studysummary This article provides a comprehensive overview of polycystic ovary syndrome, its diagnosis, complications, and symptom-focused management options, but does not present new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The 2007 document outlines various treatment strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing symptom management and long-term health risk monitoring. For menstrual irregularities, oral contraceptives or progestogen therapy are recommended, while weight loss and metformin are beneficial for improving symptoms and insulin resistance. Anti-androgenic drugs like spironolactone, flutamide, and finasteride are effective for hirsutism but carry risks such as teratogenicity and hepatotoxicity. Cyproterone acetate combined with oral contraceptives can be used for short-term hirsutism management, and eflornithine hydrochloride cream is mentioned for facial hair. In cases of anovulatory infertility, clomiphene citrate is the first-line treatment, with metformin and letrozole as additional options, though letrozole's safety is still under review. For those resistant to clomiphene, gonadotrophin therapy or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy are alternatives. The document stresses the importance of individualized treatment plans and lifestyle changes to manage PCOS effectively.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Pathology, and Medical Management

31 citations , April 2005 in “CRC Press eBooks”

The document explains that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex condition that is hard to diagnose and manage, but it doesn't talk about hair loss or hair growth.

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research Comparison of Diane 35 and Diane 35 Plus Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

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research Management of Hirsutism

55 citations , March 2000 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Antiandrogens, particularly flutamide and CPA, are most effective for treating hirsutism, with long-term use needed for best results.

A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

In this study of women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia, diverse underlying endocrine disorders including polycystic ovaries and various enzyme deficiencies were detected, often associated with elevated testosterone levels.