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Gynaecologists often prefer to use a drug called clomiphene citrate, which can achieve pregnancy rates of 40 per cent to 50 per cent.

For those not trying to conceive, they often prescribe the oral contraceptive pill which helps control the acne, regulate the woman's cycle and suppress the high levels of androgens (male hormones) that cause the excessive hair growth.

However, endocrinologists lean towards a drug called metformin, which has also been found to establish regular menstruation and improves fertility and hirsutism.

Importantly, it also lowers insulin levels and can help in Kidson says to get the best results it is vital that doctors combine metformin with lifestyle changes rather than simply relying on the drug alone, but many endocrinologists aren't doing this.

He also argues that clomiphene simply stimulates a system that is dysfunctional, ``a bit like pushing down on the accelerator of a car that still has the hand-brake on''.

The days of offering the pill to everyone to regulate their cycle are over, Kidson says, pointing out that the pill has been shown to increase insulin levels.

However, Kovacs doesn't agree there is enough evidence to prove the low-dose pill is harmful.

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