Managing Symptoms
Medications which suppress androgen secretion are one option that your doctor may give you. Oral contraceptives may help, or the doctor may prescribe an antiandrogenic medication, such as Spironolactone (aldactone). Spironolactone inhibits the testosterone secreted by the body, and also competes for hormone receptors in the hair follicles. Receptors are sites on cells which allow hormones or chemical to bind to them, creating a reaction. If another chemical is in the receptor site, androgens cannot bind to them and stimulate the reaction causing hair growth.
Another medicine which works in the same fashion is Flutamide, which is not typically used due to the effect that the medication has on the liver. If you are taking this medication, it is important to follow up with the appropriate blood tests as your doctor orders to help early detection of liver problems.
For more information:
Hirsutism
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acne
Insulin Resistance
Next:
Coping with PCOS
Sources:
Jensen, Jani R. and Ruben Alvero. "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome." Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: The Requisites in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Ed. Mark Evans, MD. Philadelphia: Mosby, 2007. 65-75.
"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome". 3 August 2007. Mayo
Clinic. 10 September 2007.
"Defining PCOS". 2007. The University of Chicago
Medical Center. 12 September 2007.
