How to Alleviate the Symptoms of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS is a hormonal and gynecological condition that affects women in their reproductive years. The name of this condition refers to the way the condition presents itself, as multiple cysts along enlarged ovaries. Obesity, irregular or absent menstrual periods related to lack of ovulation, and excessive hair growth are common symptoms, as is infertility. PCOS and its symptoms need to be treated, because failure to do so can result diabetes, stroke, heart disease and infertility.

Things You'll Need

• Birth control pills
• Medication to slow hair growth
• Depilatory cream
• Fertility medication

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. Your doctor will need to determine the extent of your PCOS before he can recommend a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. He might recommend a series of blood tests and diagnostic x-rays which includes an ultrasound of your pelvic area. In addition, you might be referred to a gynecological endocrinologist, a medical doctor specializing in treating PCOS and its symptoms.

• 2

  Lose weight. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss and exercise program to alleviate the symptoms of excessive weight gain. Losing weight can reduce your insulin and androgen levels, thereby decreasing your risk of diabetes and slowing hair loss.

• 3

  Consider birth control pills. Oral contraceptive pills regulate your menstrual cycle so that your body is not bombarded with high levels of circulating estrogen. Not only does excess estrogen increase the risk for endometrial cancer, it causes excessive bleeding, which can also be a symptom of PCOS.

• 4

  Try medications to slow hair growth. Ask your doctor about medications that decrease the rate of facial hair growth. Medications such as Eflornithine cream are effective in reducing the rate of, not only facial hair growth, but excessive hair growth on your arms and legs.

• 5

  Discuss fertility medication. An important symptom of PCOS is infertility. Talk to your doctor about taking fertility medications such as Clomid to encourage ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Discuss side effects and long-term implications of fertility medications before you begin treatment.

• 6

  Consider surgery. If non-surgical methods fail to alleviate your symptoms of PCOS, including infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding, consider surgical intervention. Talk to your doctor about surgical procedures that induce ovulation. If you have no desire to become pregnant, and are bothered by heavy menstrual bleeding, a hysterectomy might be an appropriate treatment option for you.