Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions diagnosed, and is frequently associated with lowered fertility. Unfortunately, many women are handed this diagnosis and told that they will have trouble conceiving. With no other support or options given, this can be very distressing news that can increase the stress and pressure around trying to conceive. What is rarely discussed are the finer details of PCOS, which include a variety of symptom profiles that call for a variety of treatment approaches. Not all PCOS pictures look the same, and fertility is not equally affected in every person. Depending on which profile you fit, your treatment regime can differ widely from someone else with the same basic diagnosis.
Every fertility journey is unique, and if you have been diagnosed with or suspect you may have PCOS, Naturopathic Medicine can offer support in regaining a sense of control over your reproductive health. When we better understand your particular set of signs and symptoms, we can target our treatment to address the factors most likely to affect fertility, and improve chances of conception. Working with a practitioner that will explore your symptom presentation, do thorough lab investigations, and work with you to support the aggravating factors that most affect your life, can make all the difference in pregnancy outcomes.
We know that there are some common features in PCOS that include irregular or missed periods, absence of or irregular ovulation, insulin dysregulation, hyperandrogenism, and the growth of numerous cysts on the ovaries. However, you don’t have to have all these symptoms to fit this diagnosis. That’s why investigation into which characteristics apply to you is always warranted. Depending on how your physiology is affected, there are botanical, nutritional and lifestyle interventions that can support improved balance and regularity with respect to your hormones and menstrual cycle.
Naturopathic care has a wealth of research supported strategies to address the spectrum of PCOS symptoms. By engaging in a thorough patient assessment, we can create a treatment plan that targets the PCOS features that most impact your life and your fertility. Using a combination of dietary and lifestyle approaches, such as eating for better insulin signaling and integrating regular physical activity into daily living; nutritional or botanical supports that address your specific symptom picture; and potentially integrated conventional medical treatments to maximize benefits while minimizing adverse side effects, we can have great success at improving menstrual regularity and supporting fertility in folks with PCOS.
PCOS need not be a reason to give up on your pregnancy hopes. There is plenty of support available, and several effective treatment approaches to explore. As I emphasize with every concern relating to reproductive hormones, birth control is not the only option, nor is it always the most effective! If you have hopes of becoming pregnant, and have been diagnosed with or suspect that you may have PCOS, reach out for support today. We’re here for you.
References:
Arentz, S., Abbott, J. A., Smith, C. A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 14, 511. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-511
Zhao, H., Xing, C., Zhang, J. et al. Comparative efficacy of oral insulin sensitizers metformin, thiazolidinediones, inositol, and berberine in improving endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with PCOS: a network meta-analysis. Reprod Health 18, 171 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01207-7