What is PCOS? 

PCOS is a common reproductive disorder which affects the ovaries and is a consequence of imbalances in the hormonal cycle. To understand the particulars of PCOS treatment, you must first know how the condition comes about. How exactly does PCOS occur? To make it very simple, ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from the ovaries, and if unfertilized (when you are not pregnant) is excreted from the body during menstruation. Some women’s ovulation is slowed, or does not occur at all, owing to imbalances in their hormones, which means the ovaries develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts. These cysts create an unbalancing male hormone called androgens, which lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. In this guide, we go beyond the general life advice given to women for the management of their PCOS symptoms and are instead giving detailed analysis on 5 treatment methods. 

1.  Ovulation Inducers

For women concerned about their fertility while having PCOS, ovulation inducing methods of treatment are a life-changer. Around 70% of women who have PCOS either do not ovulate at all or have serious dysovulation. Ovulation inducers are of many kinds, including clomiphene citrate, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which works the best for younger women. Clomid citrate, also known as CC, functions like an anti-estrogen, given between the second and last days of a 7-day menstrual cycle in 50 mg dosages. Women who are resistant to CC can consult with their gynecologist and take metformin as well. However, there are serious side effects, including gas, fatigue, bloating and hyperstimulation. This medicine is also not a cure for infertility- while it assists with conception, it is not conclusively proven that it will result in successful, healthy pregnancies. Another option for women choosing the pharmaceutical route to manage their PCOS are gonadotropins, which is a more secondary alternative. There are also the more common antiandrogens, which assist with acne, and have the added benefit of being cheap and accessible. 

2.  Oral Contraceptives 

One of the main impacts of PCOS on the appearance is hirsutism, which is the growth of male-pattern hair on the female body, characterized by facial hair, abnormal hair growth around the pubic area and in the armpits. Oral contraceptives constitute a common and effective treatment of hirsutism, acne and irregular cycles. They are also cheap, accessible and have been proven extremely effective in countering androgenic symptoms. However, this is not the ideal route for women looking to conceive, but starting a course of contraceptives upon diagnosis can help avoid long-term pregnancy complications. The advantage of oral contraceptives is also their stabilizing of the endometrium and the subsequent lowering of testosterone levels in the body, synergizing hormone levels and reducing the symptoms of emotional volatility common for women with PCOS to feel. 

3.  Metformin

Since metformin has already been introduced in this guide, it is important to note that it is also safe, effective and has worked wonders in treating PCOS patients for insulin sensitization purposes. Patients with PCOS have a very poor lipid profile, and so prevention of diabetes is key, with the medicine helping in weight loss for obesity-prone patients. Much like other gynecological treatments such as genital warts treatment, not all kinds and uses of metformin work on everyone’s bodies, and so knowing about various types and potencies is essential. Metformin serves several functions in preventing diabetes, including reducing glucose synthesis, encouraging glucose absorption and lowering the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with PCOS. It does not affect cholesterol levels. 

However, side effects to take note of include diarrhea, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting. 

4.  Antiandrogens

These are also a common and effective treatment of PCOS. They help combat emotional volatility and dysregulation, which occurs because of severe PCOS. It also helps enhance visual appearance by directly combating acne and hirsutism, leading to improved self-esteem. Spironolactone, flutamide, and finasteride are some of the common forms of antiandrogens used by PCOS patients.

Further, anti-androgens also assist patients with a proclivity to diabetes and increase lipid levels, thus effectively preventing the onset of diabetes as a common consequence of PCOS. Of the various types of anti-androgens, spironolactone of 25-100 mgs daily depending on your needs is a common prescription. It is the preferred recommendation of gynecologists in Dubai because it does not have adverse side effects, is cheap and is accessible as well. 

Conclusion 

For any of these medications, it is essential that you get a proper health screening first. Not every woman’s body, nor her PCOS, manifests in the same way, and so it is essential that you quit the prescriptions which give you serious side effects and opt for safer options. Like any medication, the effects on the body only ever manifest with time-give yourself at least 3-4 menstrual cycles to observe if the medication is helping your symptoms.