PCOS And Infertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility affecting between 5 to 10 percent of women. Women with PCOS produce excessive Insulin that causes production of high level of male hormones (androgens) resulting in hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation or anovulation (no ovulation).
PCOS And Infertility
PCOS causes infertility. Women with PCOS produce high level of insulin, a hormone that regulates the body’s blood-sugar (glucose). Insulin interrupts the normal growth of the follicles in the ovaries. During menstrual cycle, several follicles develop within the ovaries. Each follicle contains an egg. Women with PCOS produce a high level of luteinizing hormone (LH). Due to hormonal imbalance, these follicles do not mature and no egg is released. Therefore, there is no ovulation, no regular periods and thus infertility.
Causes of PCOS
As ovulation does not occur and progesterone is not produced, the follicles in the ovaries built up and develop into cysts and the lining of the uterus becomes thicker. PCOS is considered a genetic disorder. That means you are most likely born with the condition.
PCOS Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS are excess body and facial hair, discoloration of the skin on the armpits, neck, breasts, groin and inner thighs, acne, thinning hair or baldness, irregular menstrual periods or no periods and vagina yeast infection. This is due to hormone imbalance. Most women with PCOS are overweight due the excessive insulin.
PCOS Test
If PCOS is suspected, your doctor will perform a physical examination and blood tests to check your hormone levels. Then a pelvic ultrasound will be performed to take a closer look at your ovaries.
PCOS And Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe medications like Clomiphene Citrate and Gonadotropins to induce ovulation and Glucophage and Avandia to lower your insulin resistance. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be required to remove ovarian cysts. You will be advised to take a low carbohydrate and low sugar diabetic diet and regular exercise to lower your insulin level.
Herbs and Acupuncture For PCOS Treatment
Some women use herbs and acupuncture to treat PCOS. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to stimulate ovulation. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and helps to regular the hormones. Herbs like Gleditsia and Dong Quai are often used to treat PCOS. Gleditsia promotes ovulation and is normally taken before ovulation. Dong Quai regulates the hormones and strengthen the uterus. Dong Quai has blood-thinning effect and should not be taken if you have heavy bleeding.
Effects Of PCOS
PCOS increases the risk of miscarriage and chances of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Women with PCOS also have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer and diabetes. If you have PCOS, make sure you visit your doctor regularly to monitor your condition. Women with PCOS can still have babies after the infertility treatment is done.
