Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Medication

Metformin is a common medication for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Metformin encourages monthly ovulation and, with treatment, most women with PCOS are able to conceive.

Average consultation time just 3 minutes!

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with distinct clinical features that can affect a woman in many ways such as;

• Excessive hair growth, acne
• Ability to have children, infrequent/no periods and cysts in the ovary
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Higher risks of miscarriage, premature delivery
• Higher risk of high blood pressure.

How do I know if I have PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include: infertility, hirsutism, cysts on the ovaries, acne, weight gain/ obesity, thinning hair or balding, skin tags, pelvic pain, anxiety /depression, sleep pane, infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual periods. If you have many of these symptoms it’s advisable to visit your GP to be tested. There is no single test to diagnose PCOS so your doctor will make multiple examinations , they may conduct a physical and pelvic exam, ask you about your medical history, family medical history and additionally may take a sonogram and blood tests before reaching a conclusion

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown , however it is thought to be the result of both genetic and environmental factors. A main underlying problem with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

In many women with PCOS, insulin plays a key role in the progression of this disorder. Insulin is a hormone that is released from the pancreas after a meal and it enables your organs to take up energy in the form of glucose. In PCOS these cells are resistant to insulin and therefore the pancreas produces more to try and compensate for this. The excessive levels of insulin affect the ovary and result in high androgen (testosterone) levels and also prevent ovulation. This is one of the reasons metformin a diabetes medicine is often prescribed.

How is PCOS treated?

As there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent and minimise problems. Depending on your objectives treatments options for PCOS may vary to include; Lifestyle modification to reduce weight and manage blood sugar, Vaniqa to reduce excessive facial hair growth, birth control pills to clear acne and restore menstrual cycles, fertility treatment. The diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) is also prescribed for PCOS.

Metformin affects the way insulin controls blood glucose (sugar) and lowers testosterone production. It slows the growth of abnormal hair and, after a few months of use, may help ovulation to return. Recent research has shown metformin to have other positive effects, such as decreased body mass and improved cholesterol levels. Doctor Matt prescribes metformin for PCOS subject to a consultation.