Final answer:
The recommended first-line treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is combined oral contraceptives, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels. Other treatment options include metformin and fertility medications, alongside lifestyle changes that improve overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended first-line treatment for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is combined oral contraceptives. These medications work by restoring a more regular menstrual cycle and can also reduce symptoms such as facial and body hair, and acne. This is due to oral contraceptives being synthetic derivatives of female sex hormones that prevent ovulation and thereby reduce the abnormally high androgen levels found in women with PCOS.
Other treatments, like the diabetes medication metformin, can also be beneficial. Metformin improves insulin functioning and lowers testosterone levels, which may aid in weight loss and reducing the risk of diabetes, a common comorbidity associated with PCOS. Additionally, for women who are trying to conceive, fertility medications that stimulate ovulation may be recommended.
Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can complement these medical treatments by helping to lower blood glucose levels and improve overall health in women with PCOS.