Dear kads,
Welcome to the forum. I can understand your concern over your sister’s multiple medical problems. PCOS is a
hormonal problem which causes multiple symptoms like infertility, secondary amennorhea, obesity and weight
gain, increased insulin levels and resisitance, hypertension, acne, hirsutism, multiple small cysts in the
ovary etc. Your sister has secondary ammenorrhea on treatment with diane, high insulin levels and pre diabetes
on metformin, obesity and hirsutism. Obesity not only compounds the problem of insulin resistance and type 2
diabetes ,but it also imparts cardiovascular risks. PCOS and obesity are associated with a higher risk of
developing metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms, including high blood pressure. If your sister desires
birth control, the birth control pill, especially those with low androgenic (male hormone-like) side effects
can cause regular periods and prevent the risk of uterine cancer. Another option is intermittent therapy with
the hormone progesterone. For acne or excess hair growth, a water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone
(Aldactone) may be prescribed by the physician under monitoring of potassium levels and kidney function. She
can use Eflornithine , cream medication to slow facial hair growth in women. Electrolysis and over-the-counter
depilatory creams are other options.(Glucophage) affects the action of insulin and is useful in reducing a
number of the symptoms and complications of PCOS and also useful in the management of irregular periods,
ovulation induction, weight loss, prevention of type 2 diabetes, and prevention of gestational diabetes
mellitus in women with PCOS. Weight loss can help reduce or prevent many of the complications associated with
PCOS, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. She should Consult with a dietician on a frequent basis to
lose weight along with a structured weight loss program.
