Is there any connection between PCOS and infertility?

Are you experiencing irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, severe acne, and difficulty conceiving? This might be probably because of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a very common health problem that affects approximately 5-10% of reproductive-aged women. It associates with an imbalance in female sex hormones. This imbalanceleads to a range of signs and may affect a woman’s fertility. In women of childbearing age, tiny fluid-filled cysts known as follicles develop on the surface of the ovary every month. Female sex hormones, including oestrogen, cause one of the follicles to produce a mature egg. Then the ovary releases this egg and it breaks out of the follicle.

Causes of PCOS

Have a look at the causes of PCOS.

• Hormonal imbalance:Hormonal imbalance is one of the primary causes of PCOS. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than usual. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of mature eggs during ovulation. Without a mature egg, neither ovulation nor pregnancy can occur.
• Hereditary factors: You have a higher chance of developing PCOS if your mother or sister has the condition.
• Excess insulin:Excess insulin in the body also increases a woman's risk of developing PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces, and the body uses to convert sugar in food into energy. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance involves the body's inability to lower blood sugar levels correctly. Blood sugar levels can become too high, which causes yet more insulin production.Too much insulin also increases testosterone production, which leads to some of the symptoms of PCOS.

Effects on Fertility

PCOS affects a person's fertility in different ways. Ovulation problems are commonly the main cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Ovulation does not occur due to an increase in testosterone production or because follicles on the ovaries do not mature.An imbalance in hormones prevents the lining of the uterus from developing as it should bein order to allow for implantation of the mature egg. Due to unbalanced hormones, ovulation and menstruation can be irregular. Unpredictable menstrual cycles can also make it difficult to get pregnant.

Tips to deal with PCOS

Mentioned below are some lifestyle tips that can help todeal with PCOS.

• Weight control: For overweight people, losing weight may help balance hormonal production and increase the chances of ovulation and pregnancy. Even a 10% weight loss may help a person with excess weight and fertility problems restore their normal ovulation.Underweight people who have difficulty conceiving should visit the nearby clinic as this may be another risk factor for infertility.
• Managing stress: Finding helpful ways to manage stress may boost fertility. Long-term stress can affect hormones. For instance, on-going stress can increase cortisol in the body which may trigger a rise in insulin production. High insulin levels lead to an imbalance in female sex hormones and infertility.Some of the tips for managing stress include exercising regularly, balancing work and personal life, spending time with friends and family, and getting enough sleep.
• Dietary changes:For some people with PCOS, a low glycaemic diet may improve symptoms and fertility. A low glycaemic diet involves eating fewer foods that cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

PCOS Cure

Homeopathic remedies work on correcting the hormonal imbalance, regularising ovulation as well as restoring menstrual normalcy. Homeopathy helps to treat associated symptoms of PCOS efficiently. In homeopathic PCOS cure, no two women would be suggested to take the same medication.This is because each woman with PCOS has a specific set of problems which need a peculiar approach. Stress management, weight control, corrective lifestyle habits along with the medicines can be of considerable help. While the hormonal imbalances can be kept in check, homeopathy can also help to treat infertility in women who are planning for a pregnancy.

Conclusion

Conventional treatment includes birth-control pills and laparoscopic ovarian drilling. Possible side effects of conventional treatment are medicine-induced menses stop egg formation and 90% recurrence rate. The advantages of homeopathy are surgery can be avoided in most cases, and can lead to natural ovulation and normal menstrual cycle.