How to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Published at 23 September 2024

Treatment does not completely cure polycystic ovary syndrome, but rather focuses on controlling the symptoms and preventing them from affecting your life. Some females may suffer from one symptom or a set of symptoms together, which may include: irregular menstrual cycle, acne, hirsutism, and fertility problems. (2)

1. Lifestyle changes

Losing excess weight is not general side advice for a polycystic patient who suffers from overweight or obesity. Rather, it is an essential and very important part of the treatment. Losing only 5-10% of your weight makes a big difference and sometimes, sufficient to control the symptoms of polycystic syndrome by regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation and fertility problems. (3)

You can lose excess weight by following a healthy weight-loss diet and following these tips: (3) (4)

Follow a healthy diet: that contains good amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, and fish, and reduces starchy and sugary foods, as they will increase the blood sugar level, which will increase the symptoms of the disease.
Exercise: such as brisk walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If you find this difficult, exercising for 10-15 minutes a day is better than nothing, and you can gradually increase it over time.

2.Medicines and medical treatments

Contraceptive pills are usually the essential and primary treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, and they are often sufficient to regulate the menstrual cycle and control other symptoms such as acne and hirsutism. (5)

The doctor can prescribe some other or additional medications, if necessary, such as:

Metformin (diabetes medication): Metformin (Glucophage and its commercial alternatives) is usually prescribed if the patient has insulin resistance. Metformin helps treat insulin resistance and also regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation. (5)

Treatments for hirsutism: Hirsutism usually improves with contraceptive pills, but the doctor may also prescribe other treatments such as: (6)(7)
Antiandrogens: Such as spironolactone, the doctor may prescribe it after several months of trying contraceptive pills and their ineffectiveness in reducing excess hair.
Eflornithine cream helps slow the growth of excess facial hair.
Hair removal laser.
Electrolysis: It is a technique that requires several sessions, such as laser hair removal, during which a small needle is inserted into each hair follicle so that the needle releases an electric current that destroys these follicles, which reduces hair growth.

Acne treatments: Acne improves with contraceptive pills, but the doctor may also prescribe standard acne medications such as Differin, Acertine, antibiotics, and Roaccutane for severe cases. (6)

Fertility treatments: If you have fertility problems, your doctor will prescribe ovulation-stimulating medications. With the correct treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, most women with PCOS can get pregnant and give birth.

Treatment is usually a short course of Clomid (Clomiphene) pills, which is the basic and initial treatment to stimulate ovulation. (3)

If Clomid is not effective enough to stimulate ovulation, the doctor may suggest another group of medications, such as: (5)

Letrozole pills.
Gonadotropins injection (injection to stimulate ovulation).
IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Surgery, such as ovarian drilling, which is a laparoscopic surgery performed by making several small incisions in the lower abdomen and inserting special surgical tools to eliminate the cells responsible for producing the male hormone. (8)

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome should be carried out by qualified doctors according to a comprehensive and specialized medical evaluation that suits your individual condition. Book an appointment with one of our specialized doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital to receive an accurate medical evaluation and the personalized health care you need.

What is the treatment duration for polycystic ovary syndrome?

The treatment duration for polycystic ovary syndrome depends on the symptoms and the patient’s response to treatment. For example, in most cases, hormonal treatment with contraceptive pills requires a duration ranging from a few months to a year to control the symptoms, but treatment may continue for longer duration than that in other cases. (9)

After successful treatment of the cysts and controlling the symptoms, you will have to follow a healthy lifestyle with healthy food and exercise and pay attention if any symptoms of the cysts recurrent and inform the doctor about them, in addition to follow up with the doctor to conduct follow-up examinations of your general health and hormone levels according to his recommendations. (6)