Is progesterone effective for treating polycystic ovary syndrome?

Jul 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may benefit to some extent from taking progesterone. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by coexisting reproductive dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism. It is defined by persistent anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance, and is the most common cause of menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age.

Generally, polycystic ovary refers to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Patients with PCOS may benefit from taking progesterone. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism. It presents as chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance and is a common cause of menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age. Progesterone is a naturally occurring progestogen that can regulate estrogen and progesterone levels in patients, thereby improving endocrine imbalance. It can also inhibit estrogen secretion and promote follicular maturation and ovulation.

Patients with PCOS often experience menstrual irregularities. Progesterone can regulate the patient's endocrine levels and restore normal menstruation. Additionally, progesterone transforms the proliferative endometrium into the secretory phase, allowing cyclic shedding of the endometrium and establishing regular menstrual cycles, thus treating amenorrhea caused by PCOS. Moreover, progesterone can alleviate some symptoms associated with PCOS, such as hirsutism and acne. Therefore, taking progesterone can be effective for patients with PCOS. However, progesterone cannot fundamentally resolve the endocrine disturbances caused by PCOS.

It is recommended to use progesterone under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle can enhance treatment effectiveness.

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Can progesterone prevent or treat spontaneous abortion?

Progesterone is not a "universal remedy" for preserving pregnancy. It is only evidence-based for threatened miscarriage caused by luteal phase deficiency. Its mechanism involves supplementing progesterone secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum, thereby stabilizing the endometrium and providing nourishment for embryo implantation and early development. If serum progesterone levels are below 15 ng/ml before five weeks of gestation, oral medication may be taken under medical supervision, along with dynamic monitoring of progesterone levels and ultrasound examinations.

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What should be done about excessive and long body hair in women?

In general, excessive or long body hair in women may be caused by genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgery, or other treatments. Daily skin cleansing should be maintained, using gentle bathing products.