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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Medications

As part of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment, medicines can be used to help control reproductive hormone or insulin levels.

Medication Choices

Medicines to treat reproductive or metabolic problems of PCOS include:

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Eflornithine (such as Vaniqa) is a prescription skin cream that slows hair growth for as long as you use it regularly. Talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.

Treatment for acne includes nonprescription and prescription medicines that are applied to the skin (topical) or taken by mouth (oral). For more information, see the topic Acne.

Combination hormone pills can improve acne that is related to high androgen levels.2

What To Think About

Metformin has been shown to be a useful treatment for many of the problems in PCOS. Taking metformin may improve fertility, reduce miscarriages and gestational diabetes, and reduce long-term health problems.2 The use of metformin in pregnancy is controversial although the risk appears to be small. Metformin is only FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes, so be sure to discuss with your doctor the use of this medicine for treating PCOS symptoms.

Some medicines to treat abnormal hair growth may increase your risk for insulin-related metabolic problems, so be sure to discuss medicine side effects with your doctor.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 23, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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