The Contraceptive Pill
We do not believe there is a place for the use of the Pill in the treatment of PCOS, except for specific gynecological indications. Its traditional use to "regulate the periods" does not address the basic issue of insulin resistance. The estrogen content in modern pill preparations is not high enough to suppress androgen production by the ovaries. Once a woman with PCOS has been established on the treatment outlined above, and if she wants to go on the pill we usually advocate the "mini pill". In those women who have breakthrough bleeding, the low estrogen combined pill may be used. Yasmin does not appear to be superior to the cheaper regular oral contraceptive. We generally advise patients to seek other means of contraception than the pill.