Insulin sensitizers are an acceptable approach to treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women who have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. In women with irregular periods, the first line of treatment is usually hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills or the birth control patch. In women who cannot take hormonal birth control, one alternative is to take the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin. A progestin (for example oral micronized progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate) is usually prescribed together with metformin for six months or until menstrual cycles become regular.
This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.
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