Treatment hub
PCOS (now called PMOS) treatment in the Philippines: options by goal, evidence and cost
There is no cure for PMOS, formerly PCOS, but there is a lot that helps. The right treatment depends on your goal: regular periods, clearer skin, less hair growth, metabolic health or a baby. Here is every option, how strong the evidence is, and what it costs in pesos.
Editorially reviewed on October 29, 2026. [TODO: medical reviewer] How we review
Quick answer
Start with your goal. For cycles, acne and unwanted hair, the combined pill is the usual first medicine. For metabolic health, metformin and lifestyle support. For fertility, letrozole is first line. Spironolactone, inositol and GLP-1 medicines have narrower roles.
The rename to PMOS in May 2026 did not change any treatment. Evidence levels below follow the 2023 International Guideline, and costs come from current Philippine drugstore prices.
Treatments by goal
Pick what matters most to you right now. Many women have more than one goal, and your doctor can combine options.
Regular periods
“Gusto kong maging regular ang regla”
- Healthy eating and movementModerate evidenceLittle or no cost
- Combined birth control pillModerate evidenceAbout ₱487.45 to ₱943 a month
- MetforminModerate evidenceAbout ₱120 to ₱1,095 a month
- InositolLimited evidenceAbout ₱795 to ₱999 a month
Protecting the womb lining matters if periods are months apart.
Clearer skin
“Bumabalik yung tagyawat”
- Combined birth control pillModerate evidenceAbout ₱487.45 to ₱943 a month
- SpironolactoneLimited evidenceAbout ₱720 to ₱1,140 a month
PCOS acne is androgen-driven; give each option a fair trial.
Less facial and body hair
“Nakakahiya yung balbas ko”
- Combined birth control pillModerate evidenceAbout ₱487.45 to ₱943 a month
- SpironolactoneLimited evidenceAbout ₱720 to ₱1,140 a month
- Laser or IPL hair removalModerate evidence[TODO: verify price]
The combined pill is preferred for hirsutism (Rec 4.4.1).
Scalp hair thinning
“Numinipis ang buhok ko”
- Combined birth control pillModerate evidenceAbout ₱487.45 to ₱943 a month
- SpironolactoneLimited evidenceAbout ₱720 to ₱1,140 a month
Ask for ferritin, thyroid and vitamin D checks too.
Blood sugar and heart health
“Borderline diabetic na raw ako”
- Healthy eating and movementModerate evidenceLittle or no cost
- MetforminModerate evidenceAbout ₱120 to ₱1,095 a month
- InositolLimited evidenceAbout ₱795 to ₱999 a month
- GLP-1 medicinesModerate evidenceAbout ₱8,188 to ₱30,000 per pen
OGTT at diagnosis and every 1 to 3 years, whatever you take.
Getting pregnant
“Pwede pa ba mabuntis?”
- Healthy eating and movementModerate evidenceLittle or no cost
- InositolLimited evidenceAbout ₱795 to ₱999 a month
- LetrozoleStrong evidence₱107 to ₱356.75 per tablet; cycle cost depends on the dose
- ClomipheneModerate evidence₱100.75 to ₱150.50 per tablet; cycle cost depends on the dose
Letrozole is the first-line medicine to help ovulation (Rec 5.3.1).
Mood and wellbeing
“Parang binugbog na ako”
- Healthy eating and movementModerate evidenceLittle or no cost
The guideline asks doctors to screen for depression and anxiety (Rec 2.2.1, 2.2.2).
All treatments compared
| Treatment | Type | Evidence | What the 2023 Guideline says | PH cost | Who to see |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy eating and movementLifestyle support | For everyone | Moderate evidence | Recommended for everyone with PCOS, at any weight. No specific diet or exercise type is better than another.Rec 3.1.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1 | Little or no cost | OB-GYN, endocrinologist or a registered nutritionist-dietitian |
| Combined birth control pillCombined oral contraceptive (COCP) | Prescription | Moderate evidence | Could be recommended for irregular cycles and hirsutism. No specific type is preferred. 35 mcg ethinylestradiol plus cyproterone acetate (Diane-35, Althea) should be second-line.Rec 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.4.1 | About ₱487.45 to ₱943 a month | OB-GYN |
| MetforminMetformin (generic, Glucophage, XR) | Prescription | Moderate evidence | Should be considered in adults with BMI 25 or higher, and is preferred for metabolic goals.Rec 4.3.1, 4.4.2 | About ₱120 to ₱1,095 a month | OB-GYN or endocrinologist |
| SpironolactoneSpironolactone (Spiros, Aldactone) | Prescription | Limited evidence | An anti-androgen that can be added for hirsutism or acne, always with effective contraception because of risk to a developing baby. | About ₱720 to ₱1,140 a month | Dermatologist or OB-GYN |
| InositolMyo-inositol, with or without D-chiro-inositol | Food supplement | Limited evidence | Could be considered based on personal preference, with limited clinical benefits. Experimental for fertility. A food supplement with no approved therapeutic claims in the Philippines.Rec 4.7.1, 5.8.1 | About ₱795 to ₱999 a month | Tell your OB-GYN you are taking it |
| LetrozoleLetrozole (Letoripe, Femara) | Prescription | Strong evidence | Should be the first-line medicine for ovulation induction when there are no other infertility factors.Rec 5.3.1 | ₱107 to ₱356.75 per tablet; cycle cost depends on the dose | OB-GYN or fertility specialist |
| ClomipheneClomiphene citrate (Ova Mit) | Prescription | Moderate evidence | An alternative for ovulation induction, alone or with metformin.Rec 5.4 | ₱100.75 to ₱150.50 per tablet; cycle cost depends on the dose | OB-GYN or fertility specialist |
| GLP-1 medicinesSemaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) | Prescription | Moderate evidence | Could be considered with lifestyle support for higher weight. Effective contraception is needed, and weight regain after stopping is common. Not for use while trying to conceive.Rec 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.5.4 | About ₱8,188 to ₱30,000 per pen | Endocrinologist |
| Laser or IPL hair removalLaser hair reduction | Procedure | Moderate evidence | Works best alongside hormonal treatment in PCOS; maintenance sessions are often needed. | [TODO: verify price] | Dermatologist |
Monthly costs are estimates from our price file using example amounts; your doctor sets the real dose.
Prices checked October 2026. Prices at Philippine drugstores and labs change often; confirm before you go.
What the evidence levels mean
- Strong: the guideline makes a clear recommendation backed by good studies, such as letrozole for ovulation.
- Moderate: recommended or worth considering, with reasonable evidence: the combined pill, metformin, lifestyle support, GLP-1s.
- Limited: may help some people, but the evidence is thin: inositol, spironolactone in our rating.
- Experimental: only in research or as a personal choice with clear caveats, such as inositol for fertility.
These badges are our plain-language summary of the 2023 Guideline's wording, not the guideline's own grading scale.
Prescription vs supplement
The pill, metformin, spironolactone, letrozole, clomiphene and GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. We never sell them or link to buy them; we route you to a doctor or lab. Inositol is a food supplement with no approved therapeutic claims in the Philippines. Lifestyle support, meaning healthy eating and movement, is recommended for everyone at any weight; no specific diet is better than another (Rec 3.1.1, 3.3.1).
Lifestyle is not a test you must pass first
The guideline says weight stigma is common and harmful (Rec 3.6.1, 3.6.2). You can ask for medicines and lifestyle support at the same time, and you deserve a doctor who does not shame you.
Common worries
“Puro pills lang binibigay ng doctor.”
Doctors just push pills.
Different goals have different first choices: the pill for cycles and hair, metformin and lifestyle support for metabolic health, letrozole for fertility. Knowing this helps you check that a recommendation matches your goal.
“Nagagamot ba ang PCOS? PCOS-free na ba ako?”
Is PCOS curable? Can I become PCOS-free?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed well. A normal ultrasound later does not remove metabolic risk, so keep doing your checks (OGTT every 1 to 3 years). Stopping care because it is 'incurable' is one of the main reasons Filipinas drop out of care.
“Wala po akong HMO. May libre ba?”
I'm a student with no HMO.
PhilHealth Konsulta lists OGTT, HbA1c, FBS, lipid profile, pelvic ultrasound and metformin among its benefits. Government hospitals offer much cheaper ultrasounds. Mercury Drug has also run free PCOS screening days.
Treatment guides
- Birth control pillsDiane or Althea? Yaz or Yasmin? Same formulas, real prices, guideline position.
- MetforminNo PCOS-specific metformin. Generic vs Glucophage, XR and stomach tips.
- Inositol buyer's guidePure Form vs MyPicos vs Wello vs TGP, cost per gram, honest evidence.
- SpironolactoneFor acne and hair, with contraception. Spiros vs Aldactone.
- GLP-1 medicinesOzempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro: registered options, prices, why compounded is risky.
- Fertility treatmentLetrozole, clomiphene and IVF, step by step, with PH costs.
- What PCOS care costsEvery consult, lab and medicine price in one place.
- Find a PCOS-friendly doctorCommunity-recommended OB-GYNs and endocrinologists.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting or changing any treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for PCOS?
It depends on your goal. The combined pill is usual for cycles, acne and unwanted hair; metformin and lifestyle support for metabolic health; letrozole for fertility. There is no single best treatment for everyone.
Nagagamot ba ang PCOS?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed well. Keep up your checks (OGTT every 1 to 3 years) even when you feel better.
Puro pills lang ba ang binibigay ng doctor?
The pill is a first choice for cycles and hair, but not for every goal. For metabolic health, metformin and lifestyle support; for fertility, letrozole. Knowing this helps you check that a recommendation matches your goal.
How much does PCOS treatment cost per month in the Philippines?
From very little for generic metformin to tens of thousands of pesos for GLP-1 pens. Each option's cost is in the table on this page and in our full cost guide.
Does PhilHealth cover PCOS treatment?
PhilHealth Konsulta lists metformin and several lab tests. Outpatient PCOS medicines are otherwise generally not covered, per a 2025 Philippine study.
Is PMOS the same as PCOS?
Yes. PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) is the new name for PCOS, announced in The Lancet on 12 May 2026. It is the same condition with the same diagnosis and the same treatments. Both names will be used until the 2028 International Guideline update.
Sources
- Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Teede HJ et al., Fertility and Sterility (co-publication), 2023.
- Summary of the International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS 2023. Monash University / Monash IVF, 2023.
- PhilHealth Circular 2024-0013, Annex B: Konsulta Benefit Table. PhilHealth, 2024.
- Lived experiences of Filipino women with PCOS (qualitative study of 20 women). Garcia et al., Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy, 2025.
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). NHS, 2026.
- Diabetes medicine prices in the Philippines. ClinicFinderPH, August 2026.
- Ozempic and Mounjaro in the Philippines: 2026 guide. Regimen, 19 October 2026.