how is Polycystic Ovarian Disease treated???

Question

I went to the dr. today and she said that i might or i'm at risk for having Polycystic Ovarian Disease.

I am getting a bunch of tests done on Tuesday, but I'm really scared....

how is this disease treated?

Answer 1

Sometimes the doctor will prescribe birth control pills alone. Others like mine use birth control pills and a medication to keep testosterone levels from being too high. Others may also use a medication that is also used to treat Diabetes called Glucophage if she has Insulin Resistance.

To find out even more about PCOS (it's not a disease, it's a syndrome) please check out: http://www.pcosupport.org

Answer 2

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.