As mentioned previously, irregular and heavy periods can occur due to problems with ovulation. Although it would seem that restarting ovulation would be the best treatment, this is only recommended if you are trying for pregnancy. The ovarian stimulation drugs to do this have other side effects, making their long-term use inappropriate.
Excess weight is a cause of menstrual problems in both women with and those without PCOS. Extra oestrogen is made in fat tissues and this interferes with ovulation and leads to over-stimulation of the lining of the uterus and heavier periods. Weight reduction will improve cycle control and reduce the heaviness of menstrual flow.
Periods may be controlled by the contraceptive pill, which is most suitable for women under the age of 35 who also require a good form of contraception. The other type of drug used is a progesterone-like hormone. Progesterone is the main hormone of the second half of the menstrual cycle, maintaining its length and helping reduce the heaviness of the flow. Progestogens are taken as tablets in a cyclical way, for example between days 12-26, the exact type and timing depending upon the woman's individual cycle problem.
Some women have no periods at all, and either the contraceptive pill or cyclical progestogens are advisable to avoid the risk of endometrial cancer as discussed in the last page. Around 6 periods per year is adequate to protect against this.
Another treatment for either heavy periods or to protect the lining of the womb is the hormone-containing contraceptive IUCD called Mirena.
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