Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects many women and is often associated with frustrating symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and difficulty with fertility. While the condition can feel overwhelming, the good news is that PCOS is usually very manageable with the right approach.
If you’re new to PCOS and want to learn more about diagnosis and symptoms, start with our article Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: How It’s Diagnosed and What Symptoms to Look Out For.
This article focuses on treatment options — from lifestyle changes to medications — that following diagnosis of PCOS, your doctor may discuss to help you manage PCOS, protect your long-term health, and live well.
Understanding PCOS in Brief
A key mechanism in PCOS is insulin resistance. Higher insulin levels can overstimulate the ovaries, leading to irregular ovulation, irregular periods, and excess testosterone production. This can contribute to symptoms like acne and increased hair growth.
Not everyone with PCOS is overweight, but weight gain can worsen insulin resistance and PCOS features. Genetics also play a role, so symptoms and severity vary widely between individuals.
Focus on What You Can Control: Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing PCOS. Even small, consistent adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve long-term health.
1. Balanced Nutrition
Food choices can big impact on insulin resistance weight — but this doesn’t mean following extreme diets. Small, sustainable changes often work best.
Practical ways to start:
- 🌾 Choose fibre first: Whole grains, fruit, and vegetables help slow sugar absorption. For example, swap white rice for brown, or add a side of salad with lunch.
- 🥑 Add healthy fats and lean protein: Fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and olive oil help reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. A handful of nuts as a snack can stabilise energy levels.
- 🍩 Cut back on refined sugar: Processed snacks and sugary drinks can worsen insulin resistance. Aiming for water or sparkling water instead of soft drinks is a simple step.
- 👩⚕️ Get tailored advice: A dietitian can help create an eating plan that supports both your health and your lifestyle, especially if you’re juggling other dietary concerns or goals.
2. Physical Activity
Movement is a valuable tool for managing PCOS and improving overall health. You don’t need to be an athlete — consistency matters more than intensity.
Practical ways to start:
- 🚶 Support insulin sensitivity: Regular activity helps the body respond better to insulin, which can reduce insulin resistance. Even a brisk 20-minute walk after dinner can make a difference.
- ⚖️ Weight and ovulation: For those with a higher BMI, modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can restore ovulation and improve symptoms such as acne and irregular cycles.
- 🌟 Mood and energy boost: Movement releases endorphins that reduce stress and lift mood. Pick something you enjoy — dancing in the kitchen, swimming, Pilates, or gym classes — so it becomes part of an enjoyable ritual, not a chore.
Medical Treatments for PCOS
MMedical treatment is often an important part of managing PCOS. Treatments are tailored to individual symptoms and long-term health goals.
1. Endometrial Protection
Irregular cycles mean the uterine lining may not shed regularly, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer. Doctors discuss or recommend:
- Combined hormonal contraceptives pills
- Oral progestin courses to induce bleeding
- A Mirena
- Depo Provera injections
2. Hormonal Regulation and Symptom Relief
- For symptoms such as acne and hair growth, if you are not aiming for pregnancy your doctor may discuss hormonal contraceptives or anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone.
3. Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health
- Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity, helps regulate cycles, and supports weight loss in some women.
4. Fertility Treatments
For those wishing to conceive, options may include:
- Medications such as letrozole or clomiphene to stimulate ovulation.
- Assisted reproductive technologies if needed.
Your healthcare provider will guide you through which combination of treatments is best suited to your symptoms, health profile, and life stage.You through which combination of treatments is best suited to your symptoms, health profile, and life stage.
A Whole-Person Approach to Thriving with PCOS
Managing PCOS is not about perfection — it’s about balance and small, positive steps. By combining lifestyle strategies with medical treatment, you can significantly reduce symptoms, protect your long-term health, and improve your quality of life.
Celebrate progress, even if it’s gradual. Every step counts. PCOS is part of your journey, but it doesn’t define you. With the right mindset and support, you can live vibrantly and take control of your health.
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