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It's easy to forget, or put them off, but making time once every year or two for these quick health checks could save your life. See the list here...
Medical Management
Medical Management of PCOS
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Medical management of PCOS will depend on the symptoms experienced by each woman, and needs to be individualised. Several options are available for each symptom and balancing risks and benefits is important.
Androgen excess
Symptoms of male hormone excess or androgen excess such as excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne or scalp hair loss (alopecia) can be treated in a number of ways. Read more on improving symptoms of androgen excess
Improving fertility
General tips for improving fertility and information about medications that may be required to induce ovulation. Read more on medications for improving fertility
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. Read more on insulin resistance
Menstrual regularity
The oral contraceptive pill (‘the Pill’) is commonly prescribed for women with PCOS. The Pill can regulate menstrual periods and reduce menstrual cramps. Read more on improving menstrual regularity and ovulation
Natural therapies
Complementary therapies include herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, reflexology, and remedial therapy such as massage and kinesiology. Read more on complementary therapies
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. Read more on medications and surgery for weight loss
Jean Hailes PCOS Service
PCOS affects 12 to 18 per cent of reproductive aged women, and impacts psychological and physical function across the lifespan in many ways. The Jean Hailes PCOS Service is a comprehensive multidisciplinary specialist service providing coordinated screening, assessment and management of PCOS. More...
Further resources
Fact sheets
PCOS and Emotional Health 105.50 Kb
PCOS and Physical Health 99.14 Kb
Related articles
PCOS - the big picture – Jean Hailes Magazine Summer 2011-12
Content updated 25 August 2011
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