Treatments for PCOS hirsutism (excessive hair growth) symptoms

Treating PCOS typically involves managing an individual patient’s main concerns whether it is: infertility, hirsutism, acne, or obesity.

Treating excessive hair growth symptoms (hirsutism) attributed to PCOS

Birth control pills typically suppress the production of androgen. Since excess levels of androgen (male hormones) are the primary cause male pattern hair growth for PCOS patients, birth controls are prescribed to help reduce hair growth.

Spironolactone (aldactone) is an anti-androgen drug that is sometimes prescribed to reduce hair growth as well. There are possibly serious side effects that can be attributed to spironolactone such as birth defects therefore it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or expecting to get pregnant.

Shaving, waxing, electrolysis, depilatory creams or laser hair removal therapies are other methods used to combat excessive hair growth.

Metformin should NOT be taken by women who have excessive hair growth (hirsutism)