Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Pregnancy

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal condition that results in increased levels of androgens like testosterone and is often accompanied by insulin resistance. The hormone imbalance that occurs in PCOS can make it more difficult for women to conceive due to disruptions in ovulation. As a result, many women are told that they will not be able to conceive while having PCOS, however this is simply untrue. While getting pregnant with PCOS can be challenging, there are many natural strategies to increase the likelihood of pregnancy

Natural Treatment Options

The conventional therapy for PCOS often includes oral hormonal contraceptives, metformin, and spironolactone. While these things can help reduce symptoms, they often do not address the root cause. An integrative approach can help to incorporate a more root cause approach in addition to conventional, symptom based care. Natural treatment options include nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementary options that are geared towards reducing testosterone, supporting a healthy insulin response, and restoring ovulation.

Nutrition:

Nutrition plays a major role in treatment. Maintaining an overall healthy diet with an emphasis on reducing blood sugar spikes is key. Choosing more complex carbohydrates and avoiding processed carbs and sugar, pairing carbohydrates with healthy fats and protein, and taking short 5-10 minute walks after major meals can all help to minimize blood sugar spiking.

Exercise/Lifestyle:

Exercise is important not only for our overall health, but also specifically for healthy stress levels, supporting hormone balance, and improving insulin response. The goal for exercise is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity per week. A combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise has been shown to help improve insulin response and androgen (testosterone) balance in women with PCOS.1,2

Another lifestyle consideration is avoidance of environmental endocrine disruptors. Research has shown that individuals with PCOS have increased levels of bisphenols (BPA) compared to people who do not have PCOS.3 Other endocrine disruptors to be on the lookout for include phthalates, parabens, and dioxins in addition to the bisphenols. Storing food and drink items in glass rather than plastic and avoiding heating foods in plastic can be an easy first step to reducing your exposure to these chemicals. Apps like the EWG healthy living apps can help you to assess your personal and home products for these chemicals.

Supplementation:

There are natural supplementation options to help support treatment goals. There are several nutraceutical and botanical options to address both hormonal balance and insulin response, some of which include:

• Inositol: inositol is a well-researched supplement that has been shown to improve blood sugar levels, decrease androgens, and support ovulation.
• N-acetyl cystine (NAC): NAC is the precursor to glutathione, one of the most potent antioxidants in the body. NAC can help to counter oxidative damage and has been investigated as a method for reducing testosterone levels and helping to restore ovulation in women with PCOS.4
• Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is a botanical supplement that has activity in reducing an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, a more potent form of testosterone that may contribute to androgenic symptoms.
• Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Tree): Vitex, or chaste tree berry, is a herb that has been long used for hormone balance in women. It helps to support healthy progesterone and estradiol levels in women, which are commonly not in optimal ranges in women with PCOS.
• Berberine: Berberine is a plant-derived supplement that has been well researched for its role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. It can be equally as effective as metformin for regulating blood sugar in women with PCOS.5

At Natural Kid Doc we understand that getting pregnant with PCOS can be a challenging journey. That is why we focus on integrative strategies that can increase conception chances. You should not start taking any new supplements without consulting your doctor first. An effective and safe PCOS treatment will depend on the individual, so working with a naturopathic doctor can help you determine the best course of action.

References:

1. Shele G, Genkil J, Speelman D. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020;5(2):35. Published 2020 May 31. doi:10.3390/jfmk5020035
2. Kogure GS, Miranda-Furtado CL, Silva RC, et al. Resistance Exercise Impacts Lean Muscle Mass in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016;48(4):589-598. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000822
3. Kandaraki E, Chatzigeorgiou A, Livadas S, et al. Endocrine disruptors and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): elevated serum levels of bisphenol A in women with PCOS. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(3):E480-E484. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1658
4. Sandhu JK, Waqar A, Jain A, et al. Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Effect of Antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine on Ovulation and Pregnancy Rate. Cureus. 2021;13(9):e17887. Published 2021 Sep 11. doi:10.7759/cureus.17887
5. Mishra N, Verma R, Jadaun P. Study on the Effect of Berberine, Myoinositol, and Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Randomised Study. Cureus. 2022;14(1):e21781. Published 2022 Jan 31. doi:10.7759/cureus.21781

Located within: Blog.