PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and tips for getting pregnant
If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’ve probably been told that it might be more difficult to get pregnant or that it might take a few more months of trying.
This is indeed the case, but it is possible to do something to reduce the time:
Proper nutrition
Women with PCOS are often advised to adopt a low-carb diet. The best way, on the other hand, would be to prefer slow-absorbing carbohydrates and not eliminate them completely. This means that you can eat grains and complex carbohydrates rich in fiber (such as wheat germ, quinoa, bran, oats, bulgur, etc.). Instead, carbohydrates and refined sugars should be avoidedwhich are digested and absorbed very quickly such as candies, fruit juices, packaged snacks, bread and white flours… In fact, these foods, in addition to increasing weight, lead to an increased risk of diabetes. They also reduce fertility because they rapidly increase blood glucose and consequently insulin levels. High levels of insulin in the blood compromise the levels of hormones involved in the reproductive mechanism.
Flax seeds should also be avoided: recent research lists them among the causes of spontaneous abortions. Also avoid all those foods that act as endocrine disruptors . In addition to flaxseed which can cause these problems, fermented soy products, soy talle, should also be avoided. edamame and tofu.
Trans fats should also be avoided and saturated fats (hydrogenated fats, partially hydrogenated fats and palm oil) limited as they can contribute to irregular ovulation and increase inflammatory processes.
These fats should be replaced with the “good” ones (omega-3, monounsaturated fats,…) contained in nuts, olive oil, almonds, avocados, etc., which can reduce the risk of diabetes and cholesterol.
Always try not to skip meals , as this too can add metabolic stress. And speaking of metabolic stress, reduce caffeine consumption to less than 150 mg per day to help hormonal balance.
Avoid environmental toxins
Avoid Bisphenol A (BPA) contained in plastic and cans. Do not use plastic in the microwave oven together with food and be careful when buying canned vegetables and sauces. Check the containers and avoid those that are not BPA free.
Physical exercise
Moderate daily exercise is important not only for weight control but also for reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk of diabetes. Women with PCOS should take frequent walks, jog, or engage in their favorite sport such as tennis or swimming
Reduce stress
Stress reduction is crucial for any woman who is trying to get pregnant. Chronic stress can be particularly harmful when suffering from PCOS: in case of stress, in fact, our body releases a particular hormone, cortisol, which can help keep blood sugar high and consequently worsen insulin resistance. For this reason it is recommended to practice tai chi, yoga, meditation, or simply be able to have a good night’s sleep (the ideal is to sleep 7-9 hours a night).
Medicines
If the improvement of the lifestyle with the above indications were not sufficient to obtain a pregnancy, the pharmacological route remains. Often, women suffering from micropolycystic ovaries are prescribed a specific drug, metformin (which must always be taken under medical supervision and indications). Metformin works by decreasing the level of androgens produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands and helps keep insulin resistance at bay.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.