Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Page 2

Treatment

Treat Hyperinsulinemia

  • Metformin
  • Rosiglitazone
  • Avandia
  • Carbohydrate-controlled diet

Stimulate Ovulation

  • Clomiphene citrate
  • injectable human menopausal gonadotropins (combination FSH/LH drugs) -Risk: Ovarian hyperstimulation
  • laparoscopic ovarian drilling
  • ovarian wedge resection -Risk: Fertility-hampering adhesion formation

Treat Hirsutism

  • Spironolactone
  • Aldactone
  • Vaniqa
  • oral contraceptives

Treat Amenorrhea

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Provera

Women with PCOS are at greater risk for

  • endometrial cancer
  • breast cancer
  • glucose intolerance
  • cardiovascular disease

The following conditions can mimic PCOS clinically

  • eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
  • disorders of enzyme function (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, etc)

Notes

PCOS is a collection of symptoms, not a single disease. It is best treated as such, with efforts being made to respond to the affected systems of the body, rather than just attending to the symptoms singularly.

As PCOS can be difficult to accurately diagnosis, it is recommended that women who think they may be affected seek the services of an endocrinologist or reproductive specialist.

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