Overcoming Infertility with PCOS: Hope and Natural Treatments
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and are struggling to conceive, it can feel like an uphill battle. But take heart: infertility is a common roadblock for women with PCOS, and it is reversible.
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a hormone disorder that affects between 6 and 12 percent of women of childbearing age. It can cause missed or irregular periods, cysts or fluid-filled follicles on the ovaries, anovulatory cycles, and excess androgen levels, including high testosterone, high DHEA, elevated AMH, and abnormalities of other reproductive hormones. To diagnose PCOS, a doctor typically looks for at least two of the following three findings: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. However, it's important to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms before confirming a PCOS diagnosis.
In addition to the physical symptoms, PCOS can also cause emotional distress, especially for those trying to conceive. But with the right care and attention, it is possible to overcome these challenges and start a family.
Diet and lifestyle changes are essential for treating PCOS, as our bodies are sensitive to changes in blood sugar and hormones, which are influenced by what we eat and how we live. This means removing inflammatory foods and balancing blood sugar is crucial for success. A food sensitivity test can help identify any adverse reactions to certain foods, and diet recommendations may include increasing colorful foods, whole grains, quality fats, and healthy sources of protein. Some patients may also benefit from intermittent fasting, which has been shown to help regulate insulin levels and balance hormones.
Daily movement is also important for balancing hormones and improving overall health and wellbeing. Whether it's going for a walk, doing yoga, or hitting the gym, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle.
Herbal, vitamin, and nutrient supplements may be necessary to balance hormones with PCOS, and treatment plans should be tailored to the individual. Some supplements that have been found to be effective include DIM, inositol, saw palmetto, licorice, vitex, chromium, berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, NAC, green tea extract, and curcumin. It's also important to address the HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary) with modalities that can retrain the ovaries to communicate with the brain. This can include acupuncture, adrenal support, homeopathy, and getting good quality sleep.
One of the primary goals in treating PCOS and infertility is to help women achieve more frequent cycles with ovulation. Natural medicine has a variety of therapeutics to help stimulate this process. In difficult cases, some patients may choose to have fertility medication assist with ovulation. However, natural therapeutics can encourage the body to regulate the signaling of hormones on its own. With the right care, it is possible to overcome infertility and start a family, as our bodies are intelligent, and getting pregnant is an innate process. So if you have PCOS and are struggling to conceive, don't lose hope – there is light at the end of the tunnel.
