PCOS and Reproductive Healthcare

PCOS- Medications and Treatment

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.