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A cornerstone of managing PCOS is lifestyle modifications. In many women, losing as little as 10% of body weight and maintaining the weight loss can restore normal menstrual patterns. However, weight loss can be challenging for many obese women with PCOS. Other treatments, such as progestogens or birth control pills, are aimed at restoring regular periods and reducing the risks of developing abnormal uterine lining. Some birth control pills and medications such as spironolactone and flutamine, w...

Although the cause of PCOS is unknown, abnormalities related to insulin actions are common. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to a rising blood sugar level, such as occurs after a meal. In PCOS, due to a decreased sensitivity to insulin action (“insulin resistance”), a higher output of insulin (“hyperinsulinemia”) is required to control normal tissue and blood sugar levels. Eventually, even increased insulin output fails to maintain normal blood sugar levels, w...

Lack of ovulation results in infertility and may cause abnormal overgrowth of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). This overgrowth (“hyperplasia”) is due to a lack of progesterone to counteract the effects of estrogen and can lead to irregular bleeding, and if not corrected long-term, may induce abnormal, sometimes, precancerous changes in the endometrium. Excess androgens may result in increased body hair, acne and in some cases, even male-pattern balding. Other health concerns inclu...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in women that covers a spectrum of variable features, but is typically characterized by increased male hormones (androgens) and irregular periods, hence, lack of regular ovulation. Doctors may suspect increased androgens because of physical changes such as excessive hair growth, or the increased androgens may be discovered by blood tests. The diagnosis of PCOS is on the proviso that other causes of irregular menstrual periods and elevated androgens...