Will PCOS Affect My Pregnancy?

Dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can feel like a maze.

Whether you just found out, suspect you have it, or have been coping with it, the mix of metabolic and hormonal issues is tough.

PCOS brings annoying symptoms like acne, hair loss, and weight changes, and might also make it hard to have a baby, as your doctor might have said.

But if you're stuck with lots of questions, you're in the right spot to get some answers.

Because at Arva, we decided it was high time to give you all the resources on pregnancy and PCOS in one place.

So, lets get started.

What exactly is PCOS?

Experts see the metabolic and hormonal condition as a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, which is why it’s tough for science to nail down the root cause of PCOS.

It usually involves small follicles (often termed cysts) on the ovaries, leading to an excess of male hormones (androgens) that disrupt normal ovulation. Symptoms of PCOS typically include:

• Irregular, absent, abnormally heavy or light periods

• Thinning scalp hair

• Excessive facial and body hair growth

• Acne

• Weight gain

• Insulin resistance

• Skin darkening

• Skin tags

• And sometimes infertility.

PCOS also have more widespear effects either now or in the future on health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

This is why it’s more important for early diagnosis and effective management.

🗺️ The Indian Scenario

In the context of India, many individuals often uncover their PCOS diagnosis while seeking assistance for fertility concerns.

Others may become aware of it during adolescence or later stages upon observing irregular menstruation and associated symptoms.

If you're encountering signs linked to PCOS, it's crucial to consult a PCOS doctor near you.

Start by discussing your concerns with a general physician or a gynecologist, who might recommend further evaluation by an endocrinologist to confirm and manage the condition effectively.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

To determine if you have PCOS, your doctor will confirm that you have at least two of three symptoms:

1. Irregular periods or no periods, because you’re not ovulating normally

2. Higher than normal levels of androgens or symptoms of high androgens (excess facial or body hair or thinning scalp hair)

3. Or multiple small “cysts” on your ovaries (though the cysts are actually follicles, not pathologic cysts).

The 2 out of 3 protocol is important to note, as not everyone who has ovarian cysts has PCOS, and many people with PCOS don’t have cysts.

Can PCOS affect your chances of getting pregnant?

Conceiving with PCOS can indeed be challenging due to irregular ovulation, but it's not impossible.

Increased androgen levels can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs as they typically would in a menstrual cycle. In PCOS, some individuals might rarely or never ovulate, while others experience sporadic ovulation.

Although PCOS has the potential to present some challenges when it comes to trying to conceive, you’re still very likely to get pregnant with a bit of help.

“Not everyone who has ovarian cysts has PCOS, and many people with PCOS don’t have cysts.”

It might take a bit longer, but most individuals with PCOS who desire pregnancy often succeed—and frequently without the necessity of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sometimes, simple lifestyle adjustments or finding the right medications can make all the difference (more details on this later).

5 ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS

You can work with your healthcare provider to address irregular ovulation and improve your chances of conceiving. Here are a few research-backed steps to consider exploring:

1. Opt for an anti-inflammatory diet

PCOS is often linked to low-grade inflammation. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help reduce inflammation. This dietary approach minimizes processed foods, red meat, and refined sugar, all of which can contribute to inflammation.

Rachelle LaCroix Mallik, RD, LDN (founder of The Food Therapist), explains: "The Mediterranean diet prioritizes plant-based foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It also incorporates moderate amounts of fish, dairy, and poultry, with red meat limited. This approach can be adapted to various cultural cuisines and preferences."

"Research suggests the Mediterranean diet can improve both inflammation and insulin resistance, common issues in PCOS that affect ovulation and other symptoms," Mallik adds. Think omega-3 rich fish (salmon!), olive oil, beans, non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, peppers!), whole grains, and whole fruits.

2. Move your body, even in small ways

Be it a dance workout or a small walk in the park, adding low-impact exercise to your routine can significantly improve your PCOS symptoms.

A study published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that regular brisk walking, combined with a healthy diet, improved PCOS symptoms.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (around 20 minutes a day) to support overall health and manage PCOS. Remember, even a brisk walk can make a big difference!

3. Explore acupuncture for potential benefits

Studies suggest acupuncture may offer various benefits for PCOS patients. It has been shown to:

• Revitalize ovulation

• Regulate hormonal imbalances (particularly testosterone and luteinizing hormone) that can disrupt menstrual cycles

One study found acupuncture therapy may increase blood flow to the ovaries, reduce ovarian cysts, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower stress hormones.

4. Prioritise stress management

Chronic stress can worsen anovulation in PCOS. Finding healthy stress-management techniques is crucial.

A study published in the journal Stress found that regular mindfulness practices like meditation can effectively manage stress, anxiety, depression, and improve overall quality of life for those with PCOS.

5. Discuss medication options with your doctor

While lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment, several medications can help kick-start ovulation and support conception. Your doctor may discuss options like:

• Clomiphene (Clomid) or Letrozole (Femara): These medications stimulate ovulation.

• Metformin: This medication, used for type 2 diabetes, can improve insulin resistance and lower insulin levels.

• Gonadotropins: These injectable fertility drugs are used with IVF to enhance egg production and maturation.

Arva’s take on PCOS and Pregnancy

PCOS can add hurdles to your path to parenthood, but the reality is PCOS is merely an obstacle and not a dead end.

With some key lifestyle tweaks, natural conception with PCOS is absolutely possible.

The first step can be taking a fertility test or connecting with fertility specialists to guide you on your journey. Regardless, even if the path to conception looks different, it’s achievable!

By taking control of your health and exploring the options we outlined, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy, even with PCOS.

You've got this!