Corticosteroids
Steroids have the ability to suppress adrenal androgen production and may be useful in treatment of PCOS with an adrenal component. Overall, their use is better in theory than practiceAnti-androgens
This group of medications can be used only when not attempting a pregnancy and with some form of adequate birth control. There is at least a theoretical, risk of feminizingOral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives (OC’s) are a mainstay of treatment of PCOS in women who do not want to become pregnant. The estrogen component of OC’s increases sex steroid binding globulin (SHBG)Weight Loss
While dieting is certainly valuable, it is the most difficult of therapeutic regimens to administer. With weight loss there is often an improvement in endocrine parameters and sometimes a returnProgestins
A progestin is a medication that mimics the action of progesterone. Progesterone is an ovarian hormone produced by the corpus luteum, the structure that forms from the ovarian follicle afterPREGNANCY & PCOS
There is evidence that PCOS patients had a larger birthweight and were products of pregnancies in which their mother had gestational diabetes. It is clear that the risk of gestationalUltrasound
Sonography of the pelvis is warranted in virtually every potential PCOS patient. Evaluation should be performed by individuals experienced in judging ovarian and endometrial function. The finding of greater thanLaboratory Testing
Virtually all patients with PCOS will have at least subtle laboratory abnormalities. The reported results may be only on the upper limits of the ‘normal range,’ showing only a tendency,