Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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Home treatment measures can help you manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and live a healthy life.

Weight control or weight loss lowers your risks for diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol.3 A modest weight loss can improve high androgen and high insulin levels and infertility. Weight loss of as little as 5% to 7% over 6 months can reduce androgen levels enough to restore ovulation and fertility in more than 75% of women who have PCOS.4

  • Lose weight. Reaching a healthy weight improves your health and prevents long-term health problems. Being more active and eating healthy foods are key parts of weight control. Your age, metabolism, and genetics also play an important role in how you gain and lose weight.
  • Exercise. Make physical activity a regular and essential part of your life. Choose fitness activities that are right for you to help boost your motivation. Walking is one of the best activities. Having a walking or exercise partner that you can count on can also be a great way to stay active.
  • Eat a balanced diet. A balanced, healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products supplies your body's nutritional needs, satisfies your hunger, and decreases your cravings. And a healthy diet makes you feel better and have more energy.
  • Stay at a healthy body weight. A healthy weight is one at which you feel good about yourself, have energy for work and play, and can manage your PCOS symptoms.
  • If you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher levels of androgens than women who don't smoke.1 Smoking also increases the risk for heart disease.

For helpful information, see:

Click here to view an Actionset.Fitness: Walking for wellness

Acne treatment may include nonprescription or prescription medicines that you put on your skin (topical) or take by mouth (oral). Some women notice an improvement in their acne after using estrogen-progestin hormone pills. For more information, see the topic Acne.

Excess hair growth (hirsutism) slows when high androgen levels decrease. In the meantime, you can remove or treat unwanted hair with:

  • Laser hair removal, in which the hair follicle is destroyed by a laser beam.
  • Electrolysis, in which your hair is permanently removed by electric current applied to the hair root.
  • Depilatories, which are chemical hair removal products applied to the skin.
  • Waxing, which pulls the hair out by the root.
  • Shaving.
  • Tweezing.
  • Bleaching.

Hair removal methods differ in cost and long-term effectiveness. Before trying one, ask your doctor about risks of infection and scarring.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 11, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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