Treating PCOS Symptoms – Infertility
For somebody who is significantly overweight losing as little as 5% of body weight often will restore regular ovulatory cycles. If weight loss is not successful there are fertility medications that are very effective in inducing ovulation.
- Clomiphene citrate is an antiestrogen, it acts by fooling the pituitary gland into thinking there is no estrogen, the pituitary gland compensates by increasing the hormones LH and FSH that stimulate egg production.
- Letrozole is an antiestrogen it works peripherally to decrease estrogen levels again causing the pituitary gland to increase production of LH and FSH.
- Gonadotropins are much stronger medications they consist of the hormones LH and FSH the two hormones that directly stimulate egg production. These drugs are very powerful stimulants and need to be used carefully by individuals experienced with their use.
- Surgery on the ovary to reduce the androgen producing tissue can be done laparoscopically as an outpatient and can be very effective.