Other Ways to Control Your PCOS

Other than the previous treatments mentioned (Birth Control Pills and Metformin to control the Insulin Resistance) there are a few other prescription medications that doctors use to help control or treat the symptoms of PCOS.

If your main goal is to have a child, an OB/GYN or Reproductive Endocrinologist will most likely prescribe infertility medications, those include Clomid, Femara, Provera and possibly some injectable medications. The sole purpose of these medications is to stimulate your body to have a period, and ovulate making it possible for you to conceive a child. We will discuss this protocol in upcoming posts...

However, if your goal is to control the symptoms of PCOS (excess facial hair, male pattern hair loss or thinning hair, acne/oily skin, etc) these are a few medications most commonly used by women with PCOS, if prescribed by a doctor:

Spironolactone (Aldactone) - this medication is often used along with Birth Control Pills to help reduce high testosterone levels; reducing excess facial/body hair, acne/oily skin, and male pattern hair loss (or thinning hair), as well as regulating your your cycles. This medication is considered safe when used in small doses.

About 70-80% of women see a significant improvement in their PCOS symptoms while taking Aldactone, however it may take up to 6 months for full effectiveness.

Side affects:

* Irregular menstrual periods with higher doses of the medicine.
* Rash
* Scalp hair loss
* Nausea or fatigue with higher doses of the medicine
* Cramping, diarrhea
* Drowsiness, lack of energy
* Headache, confusion

Avandia - This is most often used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. For women with PCOS, it can help control insulin resistance, similar to Metformin.