* Oral contraceptives (ovarian suppression) – since these cause regular menstruation, they reduce the risk of endometrial carcinoma
* Spironolactone or finasteride (anti-androgen therapy) – reduce the excessive hair growth by blocking the effects of male hormones
* Clomiphene citrate and/or human chorionic gonadotropin or dexamethasone (inducing ovulation)

Recent research suggests that the insulin resistance and over-release of insulin may be at the root of PCOS. Many women find insulin-sensitising medications such as metformin hydrochloride (Glucophage®), pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos®), and rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia®) helpful to them, and indeed ovulation may resume when using these agents.

Low-carbohydrate diets and sustained regular exercise are also beneficial. As well, initial research suggests that the risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced when Metformin is taken throughout pregnancy (9% as opposed to as much as 45%); however, further research needs to be done in this area.

For patients who do not respond to these and related medications/procedures, the polycystic ovaries can be treated with surgical procedures such as:

* laparoscopy electrocauterization or laser cauterization
* ovarian wedge resection (rarely done now, because it is more invasive and has a 30% risk of adhesions, sometimes very severe, which can obstruct fertility)
* ovarian drilling