Reproductive endocrinologists clear up misconceptions about how birth control affects polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The condition affects around5 million women of reproductive age, but the exact cause isnt known.
However, overproduction of male sex hormones, called androgens, may play a part.
Many people with PCOS dont receive a diagnosis until a few months after they stop hormonal birth control.
As a result, theres a lot of internet speculation about whether birth control pills cause PCOS.
To answer your questions and clear up misconceptions, we asked experts to weigh in.
Cary L. Dicken, MD, FACOG, is a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with RMA Long Island IVF.
Do birth control pills cause PCOS
The short answer: You dont need to worry.
Birth control pills are actually an appropriate treatment for many women with PCOS.
Hormonal birth control pills have estrogen and progesterone that regulate menstrual cycles and help you avoid PCOS symptoms.
These hormones help to regulate cycles and decrease the action of the androgen hormones (e.g.
(Hirsutism is hair growth on the face, back, and chest.)
But birth control may not be for you, and thats OK, too.
In that case, ovulation induction with medications like Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole are often used, she says.
you’ve got the option to get them with a doctors prescription.
Dr. Ressler agrees birth control is usually the first line of treatment, and lifestyle modifications can also help.
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