PCOS Medications & Supplements

 


PCOS Medications & Supplements

What they are and what they do

There are so many options to treat PCOS but, many only know the treatments by name.

The following is a list of some of the more popular treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome and why they're used.

Please note this is for informational purposes only. 

Any medication or supplement should be discussed with a provider who can help you determine the best treatment plan for you

Metformin:

Can help with metabolic abnormalities, insulin resistance and even improve fertility. 
When taken regularly, the medication will lower blood glucose levels by balancing insulin levels and decreasing other metabolic effects.

Spironolactone:

Also known as Aldactone works by blocking the effects of androgens. Androgens are hormones such as testosterone, Androsterone and DHEA that are often in excess with pcos. spironolactone can help treat  some of the symptoms of PCOS like acne, hirsutism and hair loss

Inositol:

Inositols are carbohydrates that can influence the body's insulin response, and may help improve metabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS. Inositols such as myo- and d-chiro inositol (DCI) are considered members of the B-vitamin group, but are in fact carbohydrates (sugars) that also possess antioxidant properties.  In research, inositol seems to do better for weight loss, ovulation, and pregnancy than metformin (46.7% vs.11.2%)

Berberine:

Berberine is a herb or an alkaloid extracted from Chinese herbs. It is an ancient supplement that has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for diabetes and infertility. The benefits of this supplement can be lowering insulin and androgen levels, improving fertility and aiding in weightloss and helping prevent metabolic abnormalities.

Birth Control Pills:

Are the most common prescribed medications to manage PCOS symptoms. There are two types of oral contraceptives: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both types of birth control are effective for treating PCOS and can help with ovulation, regulating menstrual cycle, reducing skin issues like acne and hirsutism and lowering risks for endometrial hyperplasia.

Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, two synthetic hormones similar to the ones made by your ovaries

Progestin-only pills increase your progesterone, which will cause you to have regular periods and lower your risk of endometrial cancer

N- Acetyl Cysteine:

Known as NAC, is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have similar benefits as metformin for improving pregnancy rate, spontaneous ovulation, and improving menstrual regularity. It has been shown to help with regulating insulin and lowering androgen levels. Additionally, it shows benefits in reducing inflammation and can improve liver function.

Letrozole:

Also known as Femara, can induce ovulation in patients with pcos who are trying to conceive. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used to induce ovulation in patients with irregular menses or no menses at all. Letrozole works to induce ovulation by blocking estrogen production. This medication improves endometrial thickness and encourages healthy ovarian follicular development and  has shown better results then clomid in trials for conceiving.

Bottomline, treatments are as varied as symptoms with pcos. Do your research and find the ones that best meet your needs. Treatments for PCOS should always be individualized.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Herbs for PCOS

Image
  Use caution and talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as their claims haven’t been evaluated by the FDA! Introducing any new herbs or supplements, although they are natural can cause chemical changes in the body! This post is for informational purpose only. Please consult a provider before starting any regimine including herbs. HERBS/NATURAL for PCOS Agnus Castus has been found to stimulate and normalize the function of the pituitary gland and help regulate hormone production. In particular it appears to increase the level of LH (luteinising hormone) that helps maintain ovary health Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial because it helps control blood sugar and keeps your body from producing too much insulin Ashwagandha is a natural stress reliever. Also known as the hormone balancing superhero, it reduces depression, and improves memory.   Black Cohash Root very effective for PMS, excessive menstrual cramps and hormone related symptoms. Chasteberry also...
Read more

PCOS Q & A

Image
  Author: @PCOSgurl 11/6/21 What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women and ftm transgender males. It is a metabolic syndtome that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences, if left untreated. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility in women. Emerging research is also identifying the important roles of insulin receptors and chronic inflammation's role in PCOS. What are the symptoms of PCOS? The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. While no two patients may have the same symptoms of PCOS, they are likely to include any or all of the f...
Read more