With PCOS the ovaries produce excess male-type hormones (androgens) like testosterone, which cause unwanted hair growth (especially in the midline of the body like the face or lower stomach) and sometimes male-pattern hair loss. If not trying to conceive birth control pills are often used to lower androgens, sometimes with anti-androgens like spironolactone as well to decrease hair growth more than birth control pills alone. Vaniqa cream may help for excess hair growth on the face only.