Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are options available which can address the short term and long term problems associated with this syndrome. This requires a multifaceted approach to treatment, tailored to the clinical scenario.
During the patient’s initial consultation, the presumptive diagnosis of PCOS and associated problems are discussed. However, once the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient returns to discuss at length, an individualized and specific approach to treatment that focuses on education, support and a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the first thing addressed is a change in lifestyle, since the majority of patients are overweight. This includes sound nutritional management, exercise and behavior modification. Patients tend to be anxious about their problems and this is an opportunity for the clinician to reassure them that even small changes (as little as 5-10%) in weight can lead to significant improvement in their psychological, metabolic and reproductive parameters.
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In addition to the approaches we have detailed, there are often a number of medical and non-medical therapies used to treat the irregular cycles like birth control pills, abnormal hair growth with hormones, creams, laser or cosmetic therapy, infertility with oral or injectible medications as well as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
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