PCOS & Infertility: Another Mountain to Scale?
Main Points
- One of the symptoms of PCOS is the unpredictable and irregular menstrual cycle, causing infertility.
- It may take a little longer for women with PCOS to conceive, but it is possible.
- Personalised lifestyle changes under expert guidance offer a promising solution to tackle PCOS-related infertility.
Women with PCOS, struggle with an array of symptoms due to the hoo-ha created by various hormones. These include weight gain, excessive hair growth, hair loss from the head, acne, irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.
Infertility or inability to conceive is most disturbing for any woman, especially if they expect and want to have babies. Repeated failures to conceive, complications during pregnancy, abortions or miscarriages hits a woman very hard psychologically, especially if they are already struggling with other symptoms of PCOS.
So, what is the underlying cause of infertility in women with PCOS?
Our team of experts from HEAL PCOS, comprising of specialist doctors, gynaecologists, nutritionists and technologists have got all the credible and relevant information for you on this topic.
PCOS is characterised by an imbalance of sex hormones – underproduction of oestrogen (female hormone) and overproduction of androgens (male hormone). Due to this imbalance, women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles.
It occurs because the development and release of mature eggs or ovulation does not happen or happens occasionally. The irregular and unpredictable ovulation cause irregular periods, making it difficult to conceive.
So does that mean women with PCOS cannot conceive at all? Here is the good news! Yes, it is possible for women with PCOS to become pregnant and have healthy babies.
PCOS is a common and treatable cause of infertility.
– United States Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
To manage infertility, women with PCOS have many options such as fertility medications like clomiphene, gonadotropins, etc., IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), surgical drilling of ovaries and others. IVF is a very common procedure these days but can cost a fortune!
Besides these, there is a definite role for lifestyle management in reversing some of the changes in PCOS and increasing the chances of fertility. Several guidelines have also endorsed lifestyle therapy as the first line of choice to manage PCOS-related symptoms, including infertility.
Lifestyle tips to increase fertility in women with PCOS
Below are some lifestyle tips to increase fertility in women with PCOS
1. Managing Weight | One kilogram at a time – every bit counts
Since the excess weight interferes with regular ovulation, shedding some extra kilos helps in balancing the hormonal chaos caused in PCOS.
According to the US Office on Women’s Health (OWH), a modest reduction of just 10% of total body weight dramatically increases the chances of getting pregnant.
2. Diet | Trick these hormones by eating healthy
Research has shown that women with PCOS who consume low GI (glycemic index) diet have improved menstrual cycles. Low GI food includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes, seeds and other unprocessed, low-carbohydrate foods.
These foods cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels and help in lowering weight.Anti-inflammatory food like berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and extra virgin olive oil are also recommended in PCOS.
Vitamins and minerals like Vit E, B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids also boost fertility.
Did you know?
A latest naturopathic remedy called — seed cycling is believed to help in balancing hormones and improve fertility in PCOS. It involves the consumption of different seeds like flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds at different times of the month.
3. Stress less | Breathe-it-out
Increased stress directly affects the hormones inside the body. The stress hormone – cortisol triggers the hormone insulin, which leads to an imbalance in female sex hormones and the cascade begins. Ultimately causing – infertility!
Here are a few tips for handling stress:
- Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Balance work and family life by spending sufficient time with family and friends.
- Sleep like a baby for a minimum of 7-8 hours.
- Yoga and meditation greatly help in relaxation.
- Take out time for your favourite hobby, like painting, dancing, gardening, reading etc.
4. Work-out | Sweat-it-out
Exercise not only helps in shedding weight but also lowers stress levels by releasing endorphins – the happiness hormone. Include an exercise routine of 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week and notice the change.
Several studies have shown that regular exercise helps in regulating the hormonal imbalance in PCOS which improves periods. Thereby, increasing the chances to conceive.
All these lifestyle changes can be done with the help of a Coach – a friend who guides you in every step you take towards healing.
Since every woman with PCOS is unique, so the approach to handle this syndrome should also be unique. It should be curated according to her needs, and then only improved outcomes can be expected.
Don’t let the hormonal imbalance turn your life topsy-turvy and stop you from entering the beautiful phase of a woman’s life – motherhood.
PCOS is one of the conditions that makes it difficult to lose weight and achieve your health goals. Simple strategies that work for most people are not enough when it comes to those diagnosed with PCOS.
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