Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that many women experience during their reproductive years. It’s a condition where the ovaries don’t produce a mature egg and make it difficult to conceive.
Today, PCOS is one of the most common reasons for female infertility. Almost 75% of women who have PCOS are likely to experience infertility throughout their reproductive years.
While it’s not possible to completely cure PCOS, there are certain lifestyle changes that’ll help you alleviate the symptoms and increase your odds of getting pregnant. In this article, we’re going to share a detailed insight into PCOS, its causes, and effective treatments to lower its symptoms.
During every menstrual cycle, women experience ovulation. This is when one of their ovaries releases a mature egg that’s available for fertilization
Any couple trying to get pregnant should have intercourse during ovulation. This is the period when there is a higher chance for the sperm to meet the egg.
Unfortunately, women who have PCOS don’t experience ovulation at all, i.e., their ovaries don’t produce a mature egg. This happens due to the imbalance of sex hormones in the body. A medical study revealed that women with PCOS have higher testosterone and androgens levels [2]. These are essential male hormones, which disrupt their menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation.
Point to Remember - Despite being a male sex hormone, Testosterone is released by women as well. But, its amount is significantly lower in women. So, when a female body produces a large amount of testosterone, the entire menstrual cycle gets affected.This can even cause irregular or no periods at all. .- HERA
The exact causes of PCOS are still unknown. But, experts believe that PCOS is a genetic disorder. So, if your mother or sister has been diagnosed with PCOS, there’s a higher chance that you’ll also experience it. Apart from genes, several other factors can cause PCOS in women. These factors include:
Poor lifestyle choices can elevate the symptoms of PCOS, especially if the condition is hereditary in your family. Women who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of experiencing obesity. Statistics suggest that 45%-80% of women who have PCOS are either overweight or obese [3]. Besides, excessive stress and lack of exercise can also develop symptoms of PCOS.
Hera Pro Tip - When PCOS is hereditary in your family, make sure to focus on your weight. Try to eat a nutrition-rich diet and exercise regularly as this will help you lower the risk of PCOS. .- HERA
Women suffering from PCOS have a high insulin resistance. It means their body can produce insulin but doesn’t use it effectively to lower the blood sugar levels. This is the reason why women with PCOS have a higher risk of suffering from Type-2 diabetes [4].
Women can experience a wide range of symptoms if they’re suffering from PCOS. Some of the PCOS symptoms include:
Acne on face, chest, and back
Rapid Weight Gain
Hair Growth on Face, Back, and stomach
Baldness or abnormal growth of thin hair
Irregular or no periods
Excessive Stress and Depression
Swollen Belly
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol Levels
If you have PCOS, it’s not necessary that you’ll experience all of these symptoms. When it comes to PCOS, the experience can vary from person to person.
PCOS has a negative impact on female fertility. Since your ovaries won’t produce a mature egg, you won’t be able to conceive, even if you have regular sex during the “fertility window”. Also, PCOS can prevent proper implantation of the egg inside the uterus lining. So, even if you ovulate normally, the hormonal imbalance will prevent the egg from undergoing fertilization.
While getting pregnant with PCOS can be challenging, there are certain methods that might help you conceive. First of all, make sure to change your daily habits to embark on a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise along with healthy eating is the key to lower the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
If you are overweight, your primary focus should be on losing excess body fat. Losing weight will balance your menstrual cycle and alleviate insulin resistance. Keep in mind that even a small reduction in body fat will increase your chances of getting pregnant [5]. So, make sure to follow a dedicated exercise routine that’ll help you burn body fat.
Hera Pro Tip: When you are trying to conceive with PCOS, it is not necessary to follow a high-intensity-training program. Even a moderate 30-minutes cardio and weight training can make your menstrual cycle regular. .- HERA
In some women, even lifestyle changes may not regulate ovulation. Consult a healthcare professional as he/she’ll prescribe the right fertility treatment as per your situation.
PCOS is a health condition that can’t be cured. If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, there’s a huge probability that you’ll experience its symptoms throughout your life. So, if you want to get pregnant with PCOS, make sure to embrace a healthy lifestyle. And, if you are experiencing any of the PCOS symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible