PCOS and Reproductive Healthcare

PCOS- Medications and Treatment

Clomiphene therapy is typically used for five consecutive days early in the menstrual cycle, for three to six monthly cycles. It may take several cycles to find the right dose to stimulate ovulation. After that dose is determined, a woman will take the drug for at least three more cycles.

Drugs used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) include metformin (off-label use), spironolactone, eflornithine, and oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives containing a combination of oestrogen and progestin increase sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) levels and thereby reduce the free testosterone level. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are also suppressed. This restores cyclic exposure of the endometrium to estrogen-progestin, with the resumption of menstrual periods and decreased hirsutism. However, the use of oral contraceptives may be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and metabolic abnormalities.