Treating PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has no cure. Be that as it may, the symptoms can be very well-managed. Because the symptoms of the condition vary from patient to patient, any treatment plan needs great consideration, individualization, and lots of fine-tuning. Find a physician who really listens to you and who can explain your treatment options so that you gain enough understanding to make decisions about your care.
Managing Symptoms
Doctors have at their disposal, a great number of treatments that can be used to help manage the symptoms of PCOS. There is no one medication that can treat the condition in an all-encompassing manner, rather the condition is managed symptom by symptom. The most common treatments match up to the most common PCOS symptoms.
Regulating Hormones
*The Pill—oral contraceptives are the most common treatment for PCOS. The pill can help regulate your periods, clear up that acne, and can also prevent the excess hair growth that is so common in PCOS patients. The rationale behind the pill for PCOS is that it regulates hormone levels.
*Fertility Medications—PCOS often causes infertility, so the arsenal of fertility medications may come in handy for treating this unfortunate symptom. In addition to these medications there are assisted reproduction techniques that are useful in women with PCOS including IVF and ovarian drilling.
*Anti-Androgens—drugs that suppress the excess production of male hormones are useful for reducing PCOS symptoms such as acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). These symptoms are caused by excessive levels of male hormones or androgens.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatments, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your overall condition. One of the more serious symptoms of PCOS is extreme obesity. Women may develop complications such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels due to excess poundage. Any physician worth his salt will tell his PCOS patients to get on good diet and exercise regimen.
Some treatments for PCOS may not be quite as medical but may make you feel better nonetheless. For example, laser hair removal will help rid you of excess facial hair which can detract from your appearance and as a consequence, your self-esteem. Weight loss surgery is sometimes recommended as a therapy for relieving the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome in very obese women. Since obesity comes with a host of complications, some quite serious, more and more doctors are recommending this type of surgery for women who suffer from morbid obesity.
or sign up
Post a comment