Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Research Paper

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine/metabolic disorders found in women. PCOS is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, usually presenting hyperandrogenism which can result in hirsutism, oligo-amenorrhea, acne, and alopecia.
Combined oral contraceptives (COC) are a common treatment for PCOS and have a long history of use in this group of patients. Excessive hair growth, irregular and unpredictable menses, acne and weight gain are the symptoms typically seen in patients with PCOS. COC has long been considered a first line of therapy for women experiencing these symptoms and who do not wish to get pregnant.
For this patient, the COC, drospirenone ethinyl estradiol, should be prescribed with the 24-day pack
It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. “The progesterone component of this oral contraceptive pill (OCP), drospirenone (DRSP), is a fourth-generation progestin that has potent progestogenic, antimineralocorticoid, and antiandrogenic activity, which are unique characteristics compared with the other progestogens contained in most of the other OCPs currently marketed” (Bachmann & Kopacz, 2009). “Part of the novel nature of drospirenone stems from it being structurally and functionally analogous to spironolactone. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist, and a potassium-sparing diuretic” (Mathur, Levin, & Azziz, 2008). Due to its anti-androgen effect, drospirenone can also be used as adjunct treatment for hirsutism. COCs containing drospirenone are a viable and potentially preferred option for use in the treatment of PCOS and its related symptoms. Drospirenone has proven to be effective in decreasing hirsutism and testosterone levels and, more significantly, increasing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in women who have PCOS. Overall, drospirenone-containing COCs appear to be effective in treating and alleviating the symptoms of
COCs containing drospirenone contain a higher risk for blood clotting than other similar medications. Because she is a smoker, she is at an even higher risk for developing blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. The patient needs to be educated on smoking cessation as this medication is actually contraindicated in smokers. However, because it is the only medication that has been used to effectively treat PCOS and prevent pregnancy, it is the best choice for this patient. The patient needs to be monitored for pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves, difficulty with breathing, a sudden, severe headache, slurred speech, a sudden, unexplained shortness of breath, a sudden loss of coordination, or vision changes while using this medicine. Additionally, the patient’s glucose, liver functions, lipid levels and blood pressure should also be checked regularly as this medication can alter these