Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Impact on Infertility
Infertility is a more common problem than most people realize. Unfortunately, many women don’t think about it until they’re struggling to conceive. One of the most common causes is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
PCOS is nothing more than a hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, that imbalance can make it difficult for women to get pregnant, as it directly impacts the reproductive system. High levels of androgen hormones in the body can interfere with ovulation. As a result, it becomes more difficult for a healthy egg to be released and fertilized.
While PCOS can be frustrating and even scary when you don’t know what you’re dealing with, it’s completely treatable and manageable.
The first thing you should do is to talk to your doctor. Even if you only plan on making lifestyle changes and not taking medication, it’s important to get the “all clear’ from a medical professional.
Once you do, you can start to make positive changes that can directly impact your PCOS and improve it, so you can increase your chances of having the baby you want and deserve.
With that, let’s take a look at some of those lifestyle changes that can improve your PCOS almost right away.
Manage Your Weight
One of the best things you can do to improve PCOS is maintain a healthy weight. Many women who struggle with PCOS are considered overweight. Obesity can make it even more difficult to conceive and may lead to a variety of other health problems that could complicate pregnancy, including type two diabetes.
If you tend to have trouble managing your weight on your own, now is a perfect time to work with a nutritionist or dietician. Explain your goals and why you want to be in good shape, and they’ll be more than happy to create a customized plan that fits your needs and works for you.
Stay Active
Exercise has many benefits. When you’re dealing with infertility, those benefits become even more important.
PCOS symptoms respond positively to exercise. By staying active, you’ll be able to work on several goals at once. First, it’ll be easier to manage your weight (we already know how important that is!). Second, you’ll be stronger and more resistant to insulin, which can keep you and your baby healthy when you do get pregnant.
You don’t need to be an athlete or marathon runner to live an active lifestyle. Going on long walks or hikes, or even going on a bike ride through your neighborhood, can make a big difference. Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week and you’re likely to notice a change in your symptoms very quickly.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress can cause a lot of damage to the body. It can also cause PCOS symptoms to become worse and make it harder to conceive.
While avoiding all stress is impossible, there are things you can/should do to reduce the stress in your life and learn to manage it properly. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and other forms of self-care are all great options for managing your stress. Try to do something each day that relaxes you.
You can also learn to manage your stress and take better care of yourself by talking to someone. While a support group of family and friends isn’t a bad idea, you should also consider talking to a therapist. Infertility is more than just a physical problem. It can take a serious toll on your mental health, and you don’t have to handle that alone. Please contact me for more information or to set up an appointment. We’ll talk about what you’ve experienced with PCOS, and what you can do to manage it in healthy, safe, and effective ways.
Counseling for Infertility
If having difficulty getting pregnant is causing depression, anxiety, and relationship issues with your partner, family, or friends it may be time to consider infertility therapy. Perhaps you’re feeling isolated and not sure where to turn for support. Together we can process your feelings, develop coping skills, and create a plan to move forward. If you have questions or want to know how I can help, I offer a 15-minute consultation. Please reach out today!
