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GlossaryOral Contraceptives (OCP)

medications taken orally to prevent pregnancy

Oral contraceptives, commonly known as "the pill," are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They typically contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which work by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

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research Oral Contraceptive Pill Treatment Alters Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women

2 citations, February 2023 in “BMC women's health”

Birth control pills change the activity of certain inflammation and blood clotting genes in women with PCOS.

research Hirsutism and Acne in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

169 citations, August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.

research A Systematic Review of Commonly Used Medical Treatments for Hirsutism in Women

75 citations, November 2007 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Certain medications including flutamide, spironolactone, and others effectively reduce excessive hair growth in women, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.

research Treatment Options for Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

67 citations, March 2018 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens are effective for treating hirsutism, with antiandrogens being the most effective.

research Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management

47 citations, 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.

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community Spironolactone VS dutasteride for female pattern hair loss

in Treatment 7 upvotes 4 months ago

Spironolactone is more potent and lowers testosterone and DHT, while dutasteride only impacts DHT. For female hair loss, checking hormones and considering treatments like oral minoxidil, spironolactone, or topical minoxidil is recommended.

community Started Finasteride almost three months ago and I'm upset

in Update 153 upvotes 10 months ago

A user started taking finasteride three months ago to treat hair loss and unexpectedly cleared their acne, which they had been struggling with since age 12. The conversation includes others sharing their experiences with finasteride, its effects on acne and hair loss, and mentions a related treatment, clascoterone, for acne and hair loss.

community Anyone else growing tired of the finasteride wars?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 169 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about differing experiences with finasteride for hair loss, with some users reporting side effects and others not, and the debate over the drug's safety and effectiveness. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, and topical finasteride.

community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

in Female 55 upvotes 1 year ago

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.