In this Article

• What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
• What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed?
• What conditions can be associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• What treatments are available for polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Effective Treatments
• Polycystic Ovary Glossary
• Polycystic Ovary Index

What conditions can be associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss. Additionally, it is important for women with PCOS to have regular periods. If a woman does not have regular periods, her risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) is increased. Medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods. Obesity is a complication of PCOS. Reducing the medical risks from PCOS-associated obesity requires hard work on the part of the woman with PCOS and is often frustrating. For more information about obesity and management, please read the Obesity article.

What treatments are available for polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life. For younger women who desire birth control, the birth control pill, especially those with low "androgenic" (male hormone-like) side effects can cause regular periods and prevent the risk of uterine cancer. For women who do not require birth control, treatments that cause a woman to have a period four times a year is all that is required.

For acne or excess hair growth, a water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone may be prescribed to help reverse these problems. The use of spironolactone requires occasional monitoring of blood tests because of its potential effect on the blood potassium levels and kidney function. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks the effect of male hormones on hair growth. Both of these medications can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be used if the woman desires to become pregnant.

For women who desire pregnancy, a medication called clomiphene (Clomid) can be used to induce ovulation (cause egg production). In addition, weight loss can normalize menstrual cycles and often increases the possibility of pregnancy in women with PCOS. Other, more aggressive, treatments for infertility (including injection of gonadotropin hormones and assisted reproductive technologies) may also be required in women who desire pregnancy and do not become pregnant on Clomid therapy. Obesity that occurs with PCOS needs to be treated because it can cause numerous additional medical problems. Consultation with a dietician on a frequent basis is helpful until just the right individualized program is established for each woman.

Metformin (Glucophage) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. This drug affects the action of insulin and is useful in reducing the symptoms of PCOS.

Finally, a surgical procedure known as ovarian drilling can help induce ovulation in some women who have not responded to other treatments for PCOS. In this procedure a small portion of ovarian tissue is destroyed by an electric current delivered through a needle inserted into the ovary.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome At A Glance

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an illness characterized by irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth.

• Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

• With proper treatment, risks can be minimized. Ideal treatment is directed to each of the manifestations of PCOS.

References: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Writing Committee; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Position Statement on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Endocr Pract. 2005 Mar-Apr;11(2):126-34. No abstract available. Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2004 Jan;81(1):19-25. Schroeder BM; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG releases guidelines on diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Apr 1;67(7):1619-20, 1622. No abstract available.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Effective Treatments

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