Approximately 5 – 10 % of women of reproductive age – the time in our lifes when fertility matters – are affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The syndrome is, in fact, a hormonal disorder with a variety of symptoms including excess facial hair, acne, irregular cycles and ovarian cysts.
How does PCOS interfere with fertility?
PCOS is one of the most common reasons for female fertility issues. The hormonal changes seen in PCOS alter ovarian function. This leads to problems with oocyte maturation and ovulation. As a consequence of this, patients often have multiple ovarian cysts and experience irregular and even missing cycles.
Good News
While many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (polycystic ovary syndrome) have non-ovulatory cycles, the number is lower than many people think. Studies show that more than a third of the women affected ovulate and can therefore become pregnant naturally despite PCOS. If medical support is required, the cumulative chances of pregnancy after therapy are very good (over 70%).
Treatment options
I. Weight Loss: If you are overweight, the first step is losing weight. Even a weight loss of only 5% can bring significant improvements in hormonal balance. For a body weight of 80 kg, this corresponds to only 4 kg of weight loss. The reward: beautiful skin, less hair growth, more regular cycles. Learn more…
II. Metformin: The majority of patients with PCOS also suffers from insulin resistance, exacerbating the hormonal turmoil. Insulin resistance can be treated with metformin, an active ingredient normally used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin optimizes insulin action. This has a favorable effect on PCOS. Once insulin resistance decreases, production of male hormones is stimulated less. In addition to this, lipid metabolism changes as well. However, the drug metformin is not yet approved for the treatment of PCOS and many women do not tolerate it very well.
III. Nutrition: Due to the close connection between metabolism and hormone system, a lifestyle change in combination with nutritional measures is a gentle and often very helpful approach. Learn more: https://www.pcos-info.eu/p.php?c=ernaehrung
IV. Supportive micronutrient therapy: A wide range of micronutrients have been used in studies to examine their benefits for PCOS patients. According to research, targeted supplementation can gently contribute from within to more metabolic and hormonal balance in PCOS.
Product tip: Based on current research, the triple action formula of Fertilovit® F PCOS has been designed to supply women with PCOS who are planning for pregnancy with all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that have been found to be important in this special situation.
- Fertility Treatment: Very often, the artificial induction of ovulation by a specialist, e.g. with clomiphene, is necessary. Sometimes surgical measures can help. In the so-called Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling, mechanic destruction of theca cells can break the hormonal vicious cycle and regulate hormone production. Also, hormonal treatment with FSH is a treatment option.
Pregnancy
Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. They should therefore be examined regularly and insulin resistance treated properly.
Is PCOS curable ?
Unfortunately not. However, most patients benefit from medical therapy and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, there is an improvement after pregnancy and menopause.
