Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment: Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs mainly in women who have reached a reproductive age. Some of the symptoms of having this condition are infrequent periods, long periods, or high amounts of androgen in the body. As a part of this syndrome, the ovaries may also fail to release eggs regularly due to the presence of follicles surrounding them (which is where the name polycystic ovaries comes from). This syndrome is not uncommon however the exact causes are unknown.

Fortunately, when it comes to PCOS, there are a few known effective treatments. Though the syndrome is one that lasts for your entire life, the symptoms can be managed with the help of the treatments. If your menstrual cycle is irregular or you have problems ovulating (releasing the egg), then your doctor will prescribe a few medications that can help you combat these problems. There are also medications available to combat the problems that come with having androgen in the system such as too much hair growth.

Since PCOS is a lifelong ailment, your doctor may also suggest some lifestyle changes in order to help you keep the syndrome in control. Changes in the diet and the way you live your life can go a long way in moderating the symptoms of this condition.

PCOS does not have a specific diagnostic test that is designed just for this condition. Thus, your doctor will begin by asking you general questions about your menstrual cycle and you medical history to gain a better understanding of the problems you are facing. In order to confirm the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome, your doctor may then conduct a pelvic exam to rule out any growths in your reproductive system. Similarly, a blood test will be conducted to check your hormone levels as PCOS is a hormonal disorder. Finally, an ultrasound will be conducted to have a look at your ovaries and confirm the diagnosis.

In order to help you regulate your menstrual cycle, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills or progestin therapy, depending on your medical history and concerns. Birth control pills have to be taken daily while progestin pills are taken for 10 to 14 days every one to two months, depending on how irregular your periods are. In order to help you regulate ovulation, your doctor will prescribe medications like clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, or gonadotrophins. These have to be taken as per the instructions given by your doctor.

A commonly recommended lifestyle change for PCOS is weight loss. You will be asked to have a diet that has low amounts of calories in it. Losing weight even by a small margin can help vastly with your condition. It can also help increase the overall effectiveness of the medications you are on as well as decreasing your infertility.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and are concerned about getting pregnant or irregular and uncomfortable periods, you should certainly seek out these treatment options to improve your condition.

Sometimes, issues such as irregular periods or problems with ovulation are caused due to other medical conditions. They may be inherited issues, issues related to infertility, or issues caused due to a blockage or any illness you may have. Certain medications, especially those dealing with hormones, can also cause irregularities with your reproductive system. If your problems are caused by such reasons, it means that you do not have PCOS. Therefore, seeking treatment options that are specifically designed for PCOS may not be effective in helping you.

Hormone based medications can alter the way your body functions and looks. Some side effects include weight gain, weight loss, changes in the body, and changes in the sleep cycle. Since most medications are designed to combat the hormone related conditions that you already have, your doctor will ensure that your body type and medical history are taken into account while prescribing the medication so that you do not have to suffer from any drastic changes to your system.

PCOS is a lifelong ailment so the guidelines that you must follow are the specific lifestyle changes you have been asked to made, along with the daily medical regimen that you must follow. Changes to your diet must be followed for the rest of your life, and you must continue to take your medications as directed.

It takes a full month of hormone based medications such as birth control pills for the effects to begin taking place in your body.

Birth control pills can cost anywhere between Rs. 50. – Rs. 150.

As long as you continue to follow the medication and lifestyle changes recommended to you, your treatment can be permanent.

Often, essential oils that have properties of an emmenogogue are used to regularize periods and also deal with PMS. These essential oils can be added to a diffuser and inhaled on a daily basis. Some of them include clary sage oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil. However, it is always better to consult with a doctor as these oils can only help to regularize the period itself and not ovulation. Thus, if your main concern with your PCOS is infertility, then these home remedies will not help you.