PCOS: Managing Symptoms and Fertility with Expert Guidance

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting millions of women worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition affects women in the reproductive age group, and between 6% and 13% of women are affected. Unfortunately, almost 70% of women are never diagnosed.

PCOS is one of the main causes of anovulation and infertility in women. If you are suffering from PCOS, fortunately, you should consider PCOS treatment to help manage PCOS symptoms, regulate cycles, and improve fertility outcomes.

Understanding your body, making lifestyle adjustments, and seeking professional support are key steps in taking control of your health.

Understanding PCOS Symptoms

The symptoms vary from person to person. Generic symptoms include –

• Irregular periods
• Excessive hair growth, acne, etc.
• Weight gain

Some women also experience insulin resistance, making it challenging to manage their weight, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Should PCOS be left unmanaged? Certainly not. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can impact your health in the long term. That is why early diagnosis and tailored PCOS treatment are essential.

PCOS Treatments and Support

Depending on individual needs, healthcare providers may recommend medication as part of PCOS treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Making changes to your PCOS diet can make a difference. Focus on reducing processed foods and refined sugars to improve insulin sensitivity. Increase fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This also helps support your PCOS weight loss. Regular exercises help too.

Oral Contraceptives

Hormonal birth control pills help manage irregular periods, reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth, and lower androgen activity in the body. The pills can also help lower the risks associated with different types of cancers.

Agents to Fight Insulin Resistance

Certain medicines are prescribed to increase insulin responsiveness. Metformin for PCOS is often prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate cycles, especially for those with insulin resistance. The medicines also help lower cholesterol levels, support your PCOS weight loss journey, reduce infertility, and help reduce hair growth.

How to Get Pregnant With PCOS?

Fertility is one of the common concerns for women with PCOS. With PCOS treatment, many women have been able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. For this purpose, experts advise the following –

• Follow a PCOS diet,
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Ovulation-inducing drugs help
• Keep track of your ovulation cycle
• Fertility treatments include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

The Importance of Expert Guidance

If you are suffering from PCOS, you know that your health is significantly affected, be it your skin, metabolism, or reproductive organs. It is, therefore, best to work with an expert healthcare team. A gynaecologist, endocrinologist, or fertility specialist can help develop a personalised plan that addresses your specific needs. They will regularly monitor, make medication adjustments as needed, recommend dietary adjustments, and provide targeted fertility support.

Take Charge of Your PCOS Journey

PCOS management is a long-term commitment. The right PCOS treatment plan and lifestyle changes can help control PCOS symptoms, improve your overall health, and boost fertility.

Your healthcare provider understands that every woman’s experience is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. You need to stay informed and proactive so that you can make empowered decisions about your health and future.

Ref: Ref: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/treatments