PCOS and Pregnancy
Women with PCOS can struggle with infertility throughout their lifetime. It can be hard because the treatment can include weight loss which already is hard to do with PCOS. Women with PCOS have to overcome a lot more barriers to lose weight and see other positive health results. But that doesn’t mean women with PCOS should give up on their dream of being a parent. Most times when I see clients with PCOS the number 1 question I get is “Can I get pregnant with PCOS”? It’s important to understand PCOS more in-depth and take a holistic approach to improve fertility overall to better support pregnancy. Lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep, hormonal balance, and medication should all be considered. But even with all of that is it possible….
The answer is Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but it may present certain challenges. With PCOS improving fertility through multiple factors in your lifestyle should be the goal, birth control is just one aspect. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, often leading to irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation (lack of ovulation). However, many women with PCOS can conceive with appropriate medical intervention and other lifestyle changes. Fertility treatments such as ovulation induction with medication, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or other assisted reproductive technologies can help women with PCOS achieve pregnancy. It is important for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive to work closely with a healthcare provider specializing in reproductive endocrinology. They can provide personalized treatment plans to improve the chances of getting pregnant while managing the symptoms of PCOS. Also, women with PCOS should consider working with a dietitian to discuss eating the right types of foods and even consider mental health therapy to help identify any disordered eating patterns. There are multiple types of PCOS and one diet does not fit all. Hormone testing should also be considered for women with PCOS who want to conceive. Understanding hormonal balance can help get to the root cause of the issue whether it be insulin resistance, low cortisol levels, hormonal metabolism, thyroid issues, and more. It can also help your practitioner recommend appropriate supplements and foods that will target the root cause issue.
Should I stop taking Birth Control?
Many women with PCOS use birth control pills as part of their treatment plan. Most times ask me if they should continue taking them or not. Of course, if you are actively trying to get pregnant you should consider getting off birth control. However, in managing PCOS birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS. By providing a consistent level of hormones, birth control pills can help reduce androgen levels, improve acne, and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Additionally, birth control pills can help manage symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and hair loss. It is important to note that not all birth control pills are the same, and some may be more suitable for women with PCOS than others. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate birth control pill based on an individual's specific symptoms and needs. While birth control pills can be beneficial for many women with PCOS, they are not the only treatment option. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet, are also important components of managing PCOS. Additionally, monitoring and addressing long-term health risks, such as diabetes and heart disease, are essential for women with PCOS. They can be a valuable tool in managing the symptoms of PCOS. However, individualized care that takes into account a woman's unique health profile and goals is crucial in effectively addressing the challenges posed by PCOS. There is no one-size-fits-all program even for women with PCOS however there is hope when it comes to comprehensive and specialized care.
For women looking to get pregnant with PCOS consider examining your overall lifestyle, is it full is hustle and stress? Consider your daily diet intake, are you consuming good amounts of fiber, protein, and whole grains? Do you know your hormone numbers? How is your exercise regimen? These are not questions that necessarily need to be answered right away but consider taking inventory of your daily lifestyle for a month by keeping a journal and/or a food diary. This way you can see clearly what your habits are and make small changes from there that lead to bigger results.
As a general rule of thumb to help improve your fertility consider going back to basics. Consume at least 3 meals a day and 1-2 snacks that include whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fat in addition to water. Also, increase your physical activity with low-impact exercises such as walking and light weight lifting to help manage your stress hormones even possibly making it easier to lose weight. Sometimes high-impact exercises such as HITT can raise your cortisol levels and stress thereby throwing off your fertility markers. With PCOS, improving your fertility is not a one-stop shop, multiple factors have to be considered. Diet, exercise, and birth control are just one aspect.