Pcos Treatments
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in Fertility Care
Male infertility is the inability of a sexually mature male to cause a pregnancy in a fertile female after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Pcos Treatments
What is Pcos ?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects people with ovaries, usually during their reproductive years.
The term “polycystic” refers to the presence of multiple small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the ovaries, but not everyone with PCOS will have visible cysts. Instead, the condition is defined by a combination of symptoms, such as:
- Excess male hormones (androgens) → causes acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning.
- Problems with ovulation → irregular or missed periods, difficulty conceiving.
- Metabolic disturbances → insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes.
PCOS is very common, affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.
When is Pcos Considered ?
Doctors look for PCOS when a patient shows two out of three signs (Rotterdam Criteria):
- Excess androgens (high levels in blood tests or physical symptoms like acne, hirsutism).
- Ovulation problems (missed or irregular menstrual cycles).
- Polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound.
Other conditions that mimic PCOS, like thyroid disease or high prolactin, are checked first.
Step Process
Treatments of Pcos
Treatment depends on whether the main concern is fertility, menstrual regularity, appearance-related symptoms, or long-term health risks.
Step 1 : Lifestyle Changes (First-line Treatment for Everyone)
- Weight management: even a small weight loss of 5–10% can restore ovulation.
- Diet: low-glycemic, balanced meals to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Exercise: at least 150 minutes/week improves hormone balance.
- Stress reduction: yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep support hormonal health.
Step 2 : Medications for Symptom Control
-
Hormonal contraceptives (pills, patch, ring, IUD)
Regulate cycles.
Lower androgen levels (improve acne, reduce excess hair).
Protect the uterus from endometrial cancer. -
Anti-androgens (spironolactone, flutamide, finasteride)
Block androgen action.
Reduce acne, facial/body hair. -
Metformin (insulin-sensitizer)
Improves insulin resistance. ,
Helps restore regular cycles.
May support weight management and fertility indirectly.
Step 3 : Fertility Treatments (If Pregnancy Is Desired)
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Ovulation induction tablets:
Letrozole – most effective, first-line option.
Clomiphene citrate – alternative. - Metformin: sometimes used alone or with tablets to improve ovulation.
- Gonadotropin injections: stimulate egg development when tablets don’t work.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): for women who don’t respond to other treatments or have additional fertility issues.
Step 4 : Surgical Options
-
varian Drilling (laparoscopic surgery)
Small punctures made in ovaries to reduce androgen production.
Can help restore ovulation. Used rarely,
usually when medications fail.
Step 5 : Managing Long-Term Health Risks
- Regular health screenings: monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Cycle regulation: hormonal therapy prevents endometrial cancer in women with irregular cycles.
- Psychological support: therapy or support groups for mood and body image issues.
Types of Pcos
While PCOS looks different for every woman, common patterns include:
- Androgen excess type → mainly acne, hirsutism, hair loss.
- Ovulatory dysfunction type → cycle disturbances and infertility.
- Metabolic type → weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes risk.
Some women may have all three features, while others have only one or two.
Diagnosis - How is Pcos Detected ?
- Medical history & symptoms – irregular cycles, weight issues, acne, hair growth
- Physical exam – checking for signs of excess androgens
- Blood tests – measuring androgens, insulin, glucose, thyroid, and prolactin.
- Pelvic ultrasound – looks for multiple small follicles in the ovaries.
Results & Health Outcomes
PCOS can affect both short-term health and long-term well-being:
- Short-term effects: irregular cycles, infertility, acne, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, mood swings.
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Long-term risks:
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Heart disease and high blood pressure. Endometrial cancer (from unopposed estrogen in irregular cycles). Emotional struggles (anxiety, depression, body image issues).