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Australian Prescriber Vol. 27 No. 5 2004
Drug treatments in polycystic ovary syndrome
Some women develop lots of cysts on their ovaries. If this causes abnormal periods, infertility, acne and excessive hair growth, it is called polycystic ovary syndrome.
Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome are overweight. Losing weight is therefore an essential part of treatment. Acne and excess hair usually only require cosmetic treatment.
If weight loss does not make the periods regular, an oral contraceptive pill can be used. Some of these pills contain a hormone which may improve the woman's acne.
Recent research suggests that a medicine called metformin may help some women. Metformin is usually used in diabetes, but it can improve the abnormal periods in polycystic ovary syndrome.
