Can I Get Pregnant if I Have PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. One of the primary concerns for women diagnosed with PCOS is their ability to get pregnant when they want to start a family.

Top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX, understands the challenges and frustration that PCOS can pose to fertility in women trying to conceive. She is dedicated to helping women achieve their dream of pregnancy through safe, affordable, natural fertility treatments.

In this article she explains the relationship between PCOS and fertility – and explains how she can assist women with PCOS get their bodies back in balance, to improve chances of getting pregnant.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual periods, and is usually associate with obesity. Women suffering from PCOS have excess androgen (male hormone), and ovaries that become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs. Insulin resistance is also a common feature of PCOS, contributing to increased androgen production which interferes with ovarian function.

Women with PCOS may experience a variety of symptoms including weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and thinning hair on the scalp. Frustratingly, the exact cause of PCOS is not known, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How Many Women Have PCOS?

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6% to 12% of women in the United States have PCOS. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that about 5 million women in the U.S. have PCOS.

PCOS is generally recognized among fertility doctors as one of the leading causes of infertility. So if you are a woman who has been struggling with getting pregnant, and you have some or all of the symptoms above, PCOS may be at the root of your fertility problems.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PCOS typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and comprehensive blood tests. One of the key tests for diagnosing PCOS is the measurement of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. AMH is produced by ovarian follicles and is often elevated in women with PCOS, reflecting an increased number of small antral follicles.

Top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX will typically also conduct blood testing to measure levels of androgens, insulin, and glucose. Ultrasound imaging can be used to visualize the ovaries and assess the presence of multiple cysts. Diagnosis is usually confirmed if a woman has at least two of the following three criteria: irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.

How PCOS Interferes with Getting Pregnant

PCOS interferes with fertility primarily by disrupting normal ovulation. Women with PCOS often experience anovulation, meaning their ovaries do not release eggs regularly. This irregularity in ovulation makes it difficult to conceive.

Additionally, the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, such as elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance, further impair the reproductive process. These disruptions can lead to a buildup of immature follicles in the ovaries, preventing the release of a mature egg necessary for conception.

Traditional Treatments for PCOS Infertility

Traditional treatments for PCOS that aim to preserve and enhance fertility often involve the use of medications to regulate ovulation. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is commonly prescribed to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS. For those who do not respond to Clomid, letrozole (Femara) or gonadotropins may be used.

Metformin, a medication that improves insulin sensitivity, can also help regulate menstrual cycles and promote ovulation. In some cases, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, a surgical procedure, may be recommended to induce ovulation. These treatments are designed to restore normal ovulatory cycles and improve the chances of conception.

Natural Treatments for PCOS Infertility

However, before extreme measures such as surgery are considered, natural treatments for PCOS that focus on lifestyle changes and holistic approaches can often help manage symptoms and improve fertility.

A balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and high in fiber can help manage insulin resistance and promote weight loss, which can improve ovulatory function. Regular exercise is also beneficial in regulating insulin levels and maintaining a healthy weight.

Nutritional supplements may also be prescribed by top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX. Supplements such as inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, have shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in women with PCOS.

Medical grade vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements prescribed by top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX may also help reduce androgen levels. Acupuncture is another alternative therapy that has been reported to improve menstrual regularity and ovulation in women with PCOS.

Natural BHRT for PCOS

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is emerging as a safe, effective, and natural treatment option for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), particularly when the condition is driven by hormonal imbalances. PCOS symptoms, including infertility, stem from hormonal imbalances that disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries. BHRT restores these hormonal levels to their optimal state, often alleviating the symptoms associated with PCOS.

BHRT involves the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body, such as estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. This therapy is tailored to each individual’s specific hormonal needs, providing a personalized approach to treatment.

Research reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in 2019 showed that by balancing hormones with BHRT, women can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce the levels of excess androgens, and improve overall metabolic function in women with PCOS. And, unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are designed to mimic the body’s natural hormones, potentially reducing the risk of side effects, and improving efficacy.

Getting Pregnant with PCOS | Fertility Doctor | Austin, TX

It’s essential for women with PCOS who are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant to consult with a top fertility doctor like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX, who ensures a comprehensive evaluation and customized, natural treatment plan. This natural approach addresses the underlying metabolic and hormonal imbalances in PCOS, supporting overall reproductive health.

Dr. Harper’s personalized approach not only addresses the body’s hormonal imbalances, but also provides a natural and holistic method to manage and mitigate the symptoms of PCOS, ultimately improving quality of life as well as optimizing the chances of getting pregnant.

Living with PCOS can present challenges to getting pregnant, but with the right diagnosis and customized treatment plan, many women with PCOS can successfully get pregnant! Top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX offers comprehensive care that includes both traditional and natural fertility treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

If you have PCOS and have had difficulty getting pregnant, schedule a consultation with top fertility doctor Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX – and take the first step towards realizing your dream of growing your family.

Top Natural Fertility Doctor | Austin, TX: 512-343-9355