A couple of weeks ago we looked at the new updates in diagnosing and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome. Now we will dive deeper in to some of the treatment options available to support fertility when you are diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
If you would like to see the updated methods to diagnose PCOS, please check out the previous post from last month here.
As a recap a diagnostic investigation should be done in Women presenting with the following symptoms:
Male-pattern hair loss
Increased hair growth in other parts of the body (i.e. upper lip, jaw line, neck, arms, abdomen, breasts, and/or back)
Irregular cycles: <21 days or >35 days
Absent periods (amenorrhea)
Weight gain or significant difficulty losing weight
When looking at treatment options to support the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome, the first considerations are focused on lifestyle and dietary changes. This is a crucial component of treatment, in fact, many patients in practice have been able to conceive when they make some long-term changes to their diet and lifestyle when overcoming PCOS and infertility.
These changes include:
Daily caloric intake should be below daily expenditure to support healthy weight loss if you have an elevated weight (or BMI > 25). Click here to calculate your BMI
Exercising for a minimum of 150 minutes a week. Ensure that 90 of those minutes are moderate to high intensity exercise (HR is at 60-90% of maximum HR)
Reducing consumption of carbohydrates and grains and sticking to lots of healthy fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and lean meats
Additional methods to help support the natural treatment of PCOS include:
Fertility Acupuncture: has been shown to help improve spontaneous ovulation rates and optimize positive treatment outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
Herbal medicine: can help support spontaneous ovulation and help support a balance in the hormonal disorder associated with PCOS
Nutritional supplements: can help to improve the insulin sensitivity. Decreased insulin sensitivity associated with PCOS increases the production of androgen hormones and further inhibits regular and healthy ovulation
Stress reduction: PCOS increases the risk of developing anxiety and/or depression. It is important to develop stress reduction tools and support healthy emotional self-regulation and look at supporting treatment such as psychotherapy if needed
Hormone Therapies: can help support implantation and pregnancy if deficient in progesterone
This article is in no way a replacement for medical advice or medical care, it is advised that anyone concerned about their Health should speak with their Naturopathic Doctor.