PCOS - Could that be Why I'm not Getting Pregnant?

Almost 70% of PCOS remains undiagnoised and as it means you often dont or never ovulate, it has a huge impact on your fertility.

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Is a complex hormonal condition. In a healthy menstrual cycle, follicles develop through two stages and an egg is developed and released (ovulation). With PCOS the follicles do not go through the second stage of development and the egg does not mature and is not released – so there is no ovulation.

The clinical measures for diagnosing PCOS consists of three signs and symptoms:

1. The absence of a period or scanty period often irregular.

2. A high level of testosterone, which can lead to unwanted hair growth

3. Multiple cavities or cysts in the ovaries that are evident on ultrasound.

If a woman of reproductive age has two of these criteria, she can be diagnosed with PCOS.

How Common is PCOS?

The incidence of PCOS is increasing. Currently it affects 12% to 18% of women of reproductive age. Almost 70% of these cases remain undiagnosed.

What Causes PCOS?

Women with PCOS often have high levels of insulin and/or male hormones known as androgens. The cause of this is unclear, but insulin resistance is thought to be the key problem driving this syndrome. There are many factors that can result in the development of the PCOS.

Genetic predisposition: If you have a close relative who has PCOS, you’re almost 50% more prone to develop the condition.

Obesity: Over 30% of women with PCOS are obese.

Pituitary Ovarian dysfunction: This can occur due to long term stress. In any chronic stressful situation, the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis becomes disturbed and PCOS can develop.

High levels of prolactin: Excess levels of this hormone can contribute to PCOS.

Thyroid dysfunction: Another hormonal imbalance associated with the development of PCOS. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) have a similar structure and can mimic each other. So if you have thyroid dysfunction then often there is some type of menstrual complaint as well.

Signs & Symptoms of PCOS

Up to a third of women may have polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound, but they do not all have PCOS. To be diagnosed with PCOS, women need to have polycystic ovaries and some of the typical symptoms described below.

• Irregular menstrual cycles (periods)

• Amenorrhoea (no periods) – some women with PCOS do not menstruate, in some cases for many years

• Excess facial or body hair growth (or both)

• Acne

• Hair loss from the scalp

• Dark pigmentation especially around the neck

• Reduced fertility or infertility – due to infrequent or absent ovulation.

• Mood changes – including anxiety and depression

• Obesity

• Sleep apnoea.

You don’t have to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS.

Long Term Health Risks associated with PCOS

PCOS is associated with the following long-term health risks:

• Insulin resistance

• Increased risk of the development of diabetes, especially if the woman is overweight

• Cholesterol and blood fat abnormalities

• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attack and stroke)

• Endometrial cancer.

So, even if you are not planning on falling pregnant, it’s still a good idea to get on top of your PCOS.

Treatment of PCOS

At The Hormone Clinic, we treat PCOS primarily with a targeted homeopathic remedy indicated by your symptoms - which is aimed at restoring your hormonal balance. Combine this with a healthier diet and, when needed, a 5-10% weight reduction there can be significant reduction or resolution of PCOS.