Published on: 6/12/2025
What are the best management strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Managing PCOS involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery, focusing on symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair, and fertility issues.
Explanation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. Managing PCOS often starts with lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and increasing physical activity, which can help with weight management and insulin sensitivity.
Lifestyle Changes
- Healthy Eating: A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage weight and insulin levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve symptoms by helping with weight loss and reducing insulin resistance.
Medications
- Birth Control Pills: These can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like excess hair growth and acne.
- Metformin: This medication can improve insulin resistance and help with weight management.
- Fertility Treatments: If pregnancy is desired, medications like clomiphene can help stimulate ovulation.
Other Treatments
- Hair Removal: Options like laser hair removal or electrolysis can manage unwanted hair.
- Surgery: In some cases, a procedure called ovarian drilling may be considered to improve fertility.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual's symptoms and needs, often requiring a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions to effectively manage the condition.
(References)
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, Dokras A, Moran LJ, Piltonen TT, et al. (2023). Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 37580314.
- Legro RS, Arslanian SA, Ehrmann DA, Hoeger KM, Murad MH, Pasquali R, et al. (2013). Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 24151290.
- Al Wattar BH, Fisher M, Bevington L, Talaulikar V, Davies M, Conway G, & Yasmin E. (2021). Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 33839790.
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