PCOS can be managed without causing much discomfort to the sufferer and get pregnant naturally

Lifestyle modification: The first step in treating PCOS is to adopt a healthy and holistic lifestyle. Adolescent girls and young women who are suffering from this condition are advised to avoid junk and high-calorie foods. This helps to aid weight loss as obesity is a distinct characteristic of PCOS. Obesity and PCOS are interlinked. Too much weight makes the condition worse and hormonal imbalances slows metabolism, sugar dissemination leading to excessive weight gain. This is why a low-calorie diet and regular exercise is the key to treating PCOS and to aid weight loss. In fact, shedding a few pounds can improve chances of fertility, regularize periods and reduce the insulin resistance and lower androgen levels.

Birth Control Pills: Yes, you read it right. While some women struggle a lot to get pregnant as PCOS makes it difficult for them to conceive, some are prescribed birth control pill to fight this condition. Needless to say, they are not an option for women who are planning a pregnancy. However, women who are not keen to get pregnant are prescribed these pills to regulate their periods and settle the hormonal upheavals. These pills reduce secretion of the male hormones that lead to excessive hair growth and acne. Regularisation of periods also reduces the risk of uterine cancer in women suffering from PCOS. These pills, if used to treat PCOS, should be used under the guidance of a gynaecologist. The newer birth control pills are extremely effective which comes in low doses and are less likely to have any side-effects. Here are few myths and facts of birth control pills that you need to know.

also read Trying to Conceive (Pregnancy): Check these Early signs and symptoms of Conception

Insulin Sensitizing Drugs: The widely used insulin sensitising drug is metformin that improves insulin sensitivity. By regulating insulin production and keeping the blood sugar levels in check the drug helps to promote fertility and regularise periods, helps in weight loss and keeps the hormones in check. For women who are planning a pregnancy, this drug stands to be a safe choice. Metformin, when used during pregnancy, prevents miscarriages, gestational diabetes and high blood. For women who suffer from diabetes or are pre-diabetic during pregnancy, metformin is known to be the safest pregnancy drug. Here is what you need to know about the link between diabetes and PCOS.

Ovulation-inducing drugs: These medications help with ovulation. Tablets like Clomiphene and Letrozole and hormonal injections like FSH and LH are used to induce ovulation. These medicines are given from the 2nd/3rd day the period. After taking these medicines, ovulation is usually monitored by serial ultrasound to assess the follicular growth and to avoid problems like too many eggs getting mature (Hyperstimulation).

Anti-male hormones drugs/Antiandrogens: These drugs are prescribed when the androgen levels are high. These include oral medicines like spironolactone and flutamide or creams like eflornithine. These drugs are not meant for long-term use and should be discontinued once the hormone cycles are corrected. Care should be taken to use effective contraception while on these drugs as they can affect the male fetus if a woman gets pregnant whilst on these treatments.

Since PCOS is a lifelong condition it can have serious implications for the woman if not managed in the right manner. It is imperative that women who suffer from PCOS keep up with their doctor’s appointment every six months so their medications can be titrated accordingly and optimised. The management of PCOS will require a multidisciplinary approach involving the gynaecologist, endocrinologist, physician, dermatologist, nutritionist, fitness expert etc.

also read PCOS and Weight Management is a common growing problem among young girls; care this way