PCOS and Menopause

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause are both related to hormones, but menopause does not cure PCOS. Even after menopause, some PCOS symptoms may remain.

Menopause is diagnosed when there has been no menstrual cycle for 12 months. The average age for this is around 51 years, but women with PCOS may experience menopause approximately 2 years later. Menopause does not eliminate PCOS symptoms, and women may continue to experience both PCOS and menopausal changes.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS symptoms may begin around the first menstrual cycle or appear later. A diagnosis is made when at least two symptoms exist.

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Long cycles, fewer than nine periods per year, or prolonged bleeding. May affect fertility.
• Excess androgen: Causes facial/body hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or male-pattern baldness.
• Ovarian cysts: Enlarged ovaries with multiple immature follicles affecting ovulation.

Menstrual Issues & Treatment

For women not planning pregnancy, hormonal birth control (pills, patch, ring, injections, IUD) helps regulate periods and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.

Medications for Period Regulation

• Combined birth control pills: Balance hormones and reduce androgen levels.
• Progestin therapy: Taken for 10–14 days every 1–2 months to regulate cycles.

Medications for Ovulation & Pregnancy

• Clomiphene: Oral medicine used early in the cycle to induce ovulation.
• Letrozole (Femara): Stimulates the ovaries.
• Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity and helps ovulation.
• Gonadotropins: Injectable hormones to stimulate egg release.

Medications for Hair Growth & Acne

• Birth control pills: Reduce androgen and manage hair growth.
• Spironolactone (Aldactone): Blocks androgen action; requires effective contraception.
• Eflornithine (Vaniqa): Slows facial hair growth.

Hair Removal Options

• Electrolysis: Permanently destroys hair follicles using electric current.
• Laser hair removal: Light energy removes hair; multiple sessions needed.
• Temporary: Shaving, plucking, creams.

Acne Treatment

Topical creams, gels, and oral medications may help. Speak with your doctor about options.

What to Expect From Your Doctor

Your doctor may ask questions like:

• What symptoms do you experience and how often?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• When did each symptom begin?
• When was your last period?
• Have you gained weight? When and how much?