Treatment of PCOS (2020-2021): Medication and Diet

 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder and present in approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age.

Symptoms may include infertility, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and biochemical abnormalities such as insulin resistance.

While choosing a treatment for PCOS, your doctor must take into account comorbidities and the patient’s pregnancy desire.

Lifestyle modifications must be used along with medical treatment for desirable results.

US food and drug administration have been approved many agents specifically for the treatment of PCOS and several agents are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Read: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

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Best Medicines for PCOS Treatment

 

1. To control your menstrual cycle, your doctor may recommend:

• Estrogen-containing and progestin-containing pills which can reduce androgen production and regulate estrogen. Controlling your hormones can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and correct irregular bleeding, excessive hair growth, and rash.

Instead of pills, you can use a skin patch or a woman's ring that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin.

• Progestin treatment: Taking progestin 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months can control your periods and prevent endometrial cancer. Progestin treatment does not improve androgen levels and will not prevent pregnancy.

A mini pill for a progestin-only or progestin-intrauterine the device is a better choice if you also wish to avoid pregnancy.

 

2. To improve your ovulation, your doctor may recommend:

• Clomiphene (Clomid): is a tablet that is the most common medication used for ovulation induction. This oral anti-estrogen drug is taken in the first half of your menstrual cycle.

It is often recommended to improve fertility in PCOS patients who are infertile because they don’t ovulate.

• Metformin: This improves insulin resistance and lowers insulin levels. If you don’t become pregnant using clomiphene, your doctor may recommend taking metformin.

Metformin can also slow down the progression of type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.

• Letrozole (Femara): This breast cancer treatment is also used to stimulate the ovaries.

• Gonadotropins: These hormonal drugs are given by injection.

 

3. To reduce excessive hair growth, your doctor may recommend:

• Birth control pills: These pills reduce androgen production which can cause excessive hair growth.

• Spironolactone: This drug blocks the effects of androgen on the skin. Spironolactone can cause birth defects, so effective birth control is necessary while taking this medication. It is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• Eflornithine: This cream can reduce facial hair growth in women.

• Electrolysis Testing: A small needle is inserted into each hair follicle. The needle releases electrical impulses to damage and ultimately destroy the follicle. You may need more treatment.

4. Surgery for PCOS Treatment

If other treatments don’t work then surgery can be an option to improve fertility.

Surgery called ovarian drilling can make your ovaries work better when ovulation medications do not work. The doctor cuts a small incision in your belly and uses a tool called a laparoscope with a needle to pierce your ovary and injure a small part of it. The process changes your hormone levels and can make it easier for you to ovulate.

5. In Vitro Fertilization or IVF: your egg is implanted outside your body and returned to the inside of your uterus. This may be the best way to get pregnant if you have PCOS, but it can be expensive.

 

 

Lifestyle modifications to fight with PCOS naturally?

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How does diet affect PCOS?

 

Foods that include high-fiber can benefit people with PCOS.

The two main ways in which nutritionally enriched food affects PCOS are weight management and insulin production and resistance.

Following a diet that meets human nutritional needs, maintains a healthy weight, and promotes good insulin levels can help people with PCOS to overcome the Symptoms.

The three foods that can help people with PCOS to manage their symptoms are:

• DASH Diet for PCOS treatment

Doctors often recommend High-Blood Dietary Supplements (DASH) to reduce the risk or impact of heart disease. It can also help to manage PCOS symptoms. DASH FOOD is rich in fish, poultry, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Diet promotes high fat and sugar diets.

• Low glycemic index (GI) foods

The body digests food with a slightly lower GI, which means it does not cause insulin levels to rise as fast or as fast as other foods, like other carbohydrates. Foods in the GI diet include whole grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and other raw, low-carbohydrate foods.

• Anti-inflammatory foods

Anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries, fatty fish, leafy vegetables and virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation-related symptoms, such as fatigue.

 

A healthy PCOS diet can also include the following foods:

 

• Natural, unprocessed foods
• High fiber foods
• Dried beans, lentils, and other legumes
• Healthy fats, such as olive oil, as well as avocados and coconuts
• Pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
• Moderately dark chocolate
• Spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon
• Fish including, salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
• Kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy vegetables
• Dark red fruits, such as red grapes, blueberries, berries, and cherries
• Broccoli and cauliflower

 

What should you not eat with PCOS?

• Processed meat such as hot dogs, luncheon, and sausages meat
• Fast foods, such as fried food
• Sugary Drinks including energy drinks
• Carbohydrates like pastries and white flour
• Excess red meat such as pork and steaks

 Other lifestyle modifications include:

• Maintain a Healthy weight
• Practice yoga
• Eat pineapple
• Exercise Regularly
• Get your daily dose of vitamins
• Drink Apple Cider vinegar daily
• Add some cinnamon
• Spice things up with ginger
• Reduce sugars

Read Also: What is PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)? 

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