Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that comes from higher than normal production of androgen hormones. The condtion is prevalent in teenage girls and young women and causes several problems related to ovulation. The excess androgen prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries which causes the eggs to turn into fluid-filled cysts.
PCOS can lead to inconsistent menstrual cycles, infertility, mood swings, depression, excessive hair growth, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and acne.
Drug treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome has been found to be effective in most mild and moderate cases. Treatment consists of hormone therapy in which estrogen hormones are given to the body to balance the androgen production.
Combination PCOS drugs use estrogen and progesterone in certain proportions.
Anti-androgens are another category of polycystic ovary syndrome drugs that control the androgens and negate their effect on the body. This treatment regulates symptoms, controls the growth of cysts, normalizes the menstrual cycle, and reduces excessive hair growth. This medication has also been found to effectively help reduce weight gain and high blood pressure.
Other PCOS drugs include fertility drugs like Clomiphene and Metformin that facilitate the release of eggs and fertilization.
Spironolactone and Eflornithine are anti-androgen drugs that reduce hair growth as well as help clear acne.
Hormonal imbalance and insulin production are found to be interrelated in certain cases. The PCOS drug Metformin helps treat type 2 diabetes and also reduces testosterone production.
Oral drugs containing ethinyloestradiol, cyproterone acetate, and spironolactone are used in the treatment of acne and excess hair growth caused by PCOS.
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