subject: What are the Successful PCOS Treatments? [print this page] Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a condition that occurs in roughly 10% of women and is a very common cause of female infertility. The condition is associated with small cysts on the patient's ovaries and may cause other symptoms as well. Diagnosis of PCOS is not limited to identifying cysts on the ovaries, however, as this may be due to a number of reasons. The condition is often diagnosed when abnormal menstrual periods are noticed, as well as higher levels of androgen, a male hormone. Menstrual abnormalities may include delayed periods, fewer periods or absent periods.
There are various other signs and symptoms of PCOS such as acne, excessive body hair and male-pattern hair loss, as well as obesity, high insulin levels and insulin resistance, as well as many others. So once a doctor has diagnosed you with PCOS, how can you treat it? And what have been proven to be successful treatments for the condition?
The birth control pill is a possible treatment for women who are not trying to get pregnant and who have few side effects associated with androgen. Progesterone therapy is also a possibility for women with PCOS, although this is not a birth control. It may help to induce menstrual periods and, like the birth control pill, may lower the risk of uterine cancer.
If you are trying to get pregnant, clomiphene is a medication that may be helpful in inducing ovulation. Losing weight may also be effective in achieving normal menstrual cycles and may even be helpful in improving the chance of pregnancy. If these methods do not work, women may turn to injections of gonadotropin hormones. Assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may also prove effective in achieving pregnancy despite PCOS.
In short, the treatment for PCOS will often depend on your goals and your symptoms. If you are experiencing acne, obesity or have type 2 diabetes, other treatment options may be recommended. What's more, whether or not you hope to get pregnant or are interested in birth control will influence your treatment.
There is also the possibility that a surgical procedure called ovarian drilling may be effective. This is intended to induce ovulation for women who have found other PCOS treatments unsuccessful. A needle is inserted through the ovary to deliver an electric current to destroy a small part of the ovarian tissue in this procedure.
What are the Successful PCOS Treatments?
By: Justin
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