Medical management of PCOS will depend on the symptoms and needs to be individualised. Several options are available for each symptom and balancing risks and benefits is important.

Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a state where the body can’t carry out the normal actions of insulin. One of the roles of insulin is to keep the levels of glucose in the blood stable. In PCOS, high levels of insulin can increase the production of male hormones (androgens such as testosterone) in the ovaries. 

Improving menstrual regularity and ovulation
The oral contraceptive pill (‘the Pill’) is commonly prescribed for women with PCOS. The Pill can regulate menstrual periods and reduce menstrual cramps.

Improving symptoms of androgen excess
Symptoms of male hormone excess or androgen excess (excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne or scalp hair loss (alopecia)) can be treated in a number of ways.

Medications and surgery for weight loss
Weight loss reduces insulin resistance and can therefore improve the symptoms of PCOS that are associated with insulin resistance (high androgen levels, menstrual irregularity, lack of ovulation and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease). Weight loss is best achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes.

Medications for improving fertility
General tips for improving fertility and information about medications that may be required to induce ovulation.

Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies include herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, reflexology, and remedial therapy such as massage and kinesiology.

Content updated July 31, 2009