Can You Get Pregnant with PCOS?

The decision to try for a baby is one of life’s greatest milestones. For some women, pregnancy is a swift and easy process. But, for others, becoming pregnant is not so straightforward. Fertility issues are a common struggle couples face in the United States. There are numerous reasons for fertility issues, including conditions such as PCOS. 

Women diagnosed with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome often wonder if they can get pregnant with PCOS. Luckily, we have lots of insight and expertise in PCOS, hormonal health, and fertility and are here to answer this vital question. So let’s first dive into what PCOS is.

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a condition that affects women and involves both the endocrine (or hormonal system) and the metabolic system (blood sugar and insulin). 

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods
• Blood sugar & insulin imbalances
• Hormonal imbalances such as high testosterone
• Excessive hair growth on the upper lip, face, nipples etc, (known as hirsutism)
• Acne 
• Ovaries with many immature cysts
• Thinning hair
• Difficulty losing weight 
• Infertility

As you can see, infertility is listed as a symptom of PCOS. This is because, in PCOS, ovulation is interrupted, which is necessary for conceiving. Therefore, women diagnosed with PCOS may struggle to become pregnant. However, it is still possible to become pregnant with PCOS even without further treatment – it is just less likely than women without PCOS. But – that is not the end of the story. PCOS does not have to be a lifelong condition. In other words, with proper intervention, ovulation can be restored and pregnancy can be achieved! In order to become pregnant with PCOS, the journey may be a bit longer and more involved than without PCOS, but it can and does happen for many women. So, the next question is how to resolve PCOS and how to get pregnant with PCOS.

How to Resolve PCOS

PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease, which means it is a collection of symptoms where the cause is said to be unknown in the medical community. The truth is, there are a few different types of PCOS, each with its own causes. CLICK HERE to read about the different types of PCOS. With that being said, the treatment for PCOS will be slightly different for each woman. However, some foundational elements, such as reducing inflammation and supporting blood sugar balance, will be essential in every woman’s healing journey. However, an individualized approach is where the mos women will see results. 

The underlying cause of PCOS is rooted in some key strategies individualized to each woman. Comprehensive lab work is necessary to see what imbalances are present and where to target treatments. It is always good to work with a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor who understands the different types of POCS and how to treat each type. The doctors at Onyx work with women who have PCOS every day and can help you too!. 

In many women, common imbalances that need to be addressed in PCOS include:

• Blood sugar management
• Removing food allergies from the diet
• Correcting leaky gut
• Reestablishing proper hormonal signaling
• Supporting ovulation
• Reducing inflammation
• Supporting the adrenal glands
• Reducing stress

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS

The most critical piece of getting pregnant with PCOS is ovulation. If you are not ovulating (which is common with PCOS) then you will not have an egg to fertilize. There are a few options to promote ovulation and, therefore, pregnancy in PCOS.

Medications:

The first option is using a medication like Clomid, which sends signals to the brain to release the hormones that tell the ovaries to release an egg. This method can help women with PCOS get pregnant but does not correct the underlying imbalances of why she has PCOS. Therefore, it does not correct the underlying issues. While this is a good option for some women, it is important to note that using Clomid increases your chances of having twins.

Another common medication used in PCOS is Metformin. This medication sensitizes a person’s body to insulin to support blood sugar balance. While Metformin doesn’t directly stimulate the release of an egg, it can help to work on the underlying reason why a woman’s natural ovulation processes are interrupted. 

Natural Therapies

The option our doctors most often use (with great success) is a combination of specific herbal therapies that reestablish the signals your brain sends to your ovaries to release an egg and herbal and natural treatments to correct blood sugar imbalances adrenals and inflammation. A whole-person approach, much like the one just listed, is the best way to correct the underlying issues in PCOS, and resolve them. Once the body, hormones, adrenals, and digestive tract work properly, ovulation and fertility are no longer impeded.

Where Do I Start?

A great starting point is diet and nutrition. Removing sugar, gluten, processed foods, and dairy helps to reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut. Plus, eliminating sugar from the diet helps with blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity.

Another great way to reduce inflammation is to incorporate anti-inflammatory herbs and foods such as the spice turmeric, berries, leaf greens, matcha green tea, and wild-caught fish.

Before taking herbs or supplements that help correct hormone imbalances and support ovulation, you should always have your labs checked first. Some herbs that are the best for one woman may cause more imbalances in another woman with PCOS.

Want to work with our naturopathic doctors?

Working with an experienced naturopathic doctor, such as the doctors at Onyx, can help you determine what the best treatments will be for helping you get pregnant with PCOS.