Can PCOS Affect you Getting Pregnant?

If you are unfamiliar with PCOS it stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, where the ovaries develop multiple small cysts and fail to release eggs regularly.  

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but factors like genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation are believed to play a role.  

PCOS can significantly impact fertility due to hormonal imbalances and ovulation issues. And if left untreated it can lead to complications such as infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

The good news is that PCOS-related infertility is often treatable. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise, can improve ovulation. Lets look at a few of the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Then we will follow it up with solutions to help your body get back in healthy hormonal balance. 

How PCOS affects fertility:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with PCOS may experience infrequent or absent periods, reducing the chances of conception.

Irregular Ovulation: PCOS often disrupts the regular release of eggs from the ovaries, making it harder to conceive. 

Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance can interfere with the ovulation process. Signs of elevated male hormones can be acne, excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness.

Cyst Formation: Small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) may form in the ovaries, further complicating ovulation. Cysts are typically detected through ultrasound imaging.

How you can manage PCOS and improve fertility: This requires a combination of lifestyle changes, and on occasion medical treatments.

1. First, we recommend talking with your gynecologist or an endocrinologist to get some blood work done to check your hormone levels. If your FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone levels are out of balance with each other this can lead to irregular and/or anovulatory cycles.

2. A healthy anti-inflammatory diet is key! Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Reducing refined carbs and sugars can help manage insulin resistance, a common issue in PCOS.

   
   

3. Weight Management can significantly improve ovulation and fertility. If you are overweight, studies have shown that even losing 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve symptoms like insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation.

   
   

4. Stress Management practices like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. A regular exercise routine also helps. If you do not exercise regularly, we suggest starting with walking 20 minutes per day. As that becomes a habit you can begin adding in other types of strengthening exercises such as weight training, Pilates, or resistance bands, for example.

   
   

5. Supplements like inositol, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids can be helpful in managing PCOS symptoms and improving fertility. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Most women will see significant improvement in their menstrual cycles within 3-6 months after making these lifestyle changes. 

If ovulation is still not occurring you may need more tailored medical treatments such as ovulation inducing medications, hormone therapy to reduce androgen levels, or assisted reproductive therapy such as IUI or IVF to help with conception.

Over the years we have worked with many women to help them get their hormonal health back on track and conceive healthy happy babies. 

If you are dealing with PCOS, your preconception journey may take longer than our regularly suggested 3 months, but if you are willing to make some changes there is hope and natural conception is possible. If you know or think you may have PCOS we would like to suggest our eBook, The PCOS Solution, to help get you started on your journey to easier conception. Use code TOXREDUX and download this eBook for only $5!