Getting Pregnant with PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It’s a condition that can make it challenging to conceive, but with the right understanding and approach, pregnancy is still very possible. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of PCOS and how tools like the GoPreg app can support you on your journey to parenthood.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects how a woman’s ovaries function. Women with PCOS may have irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), and polycystic ovaries—where the ovaries contain multiple small follicles that can hinder the regular release of eggs.

Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, but common signs include:

• Irregular Periods: Women with PCOS may have fewer periods (fewer than eight per year), periods that are far apart, or no periods at all.
• Excess Androgen: High levels of male hormones can lead to physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries may become enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. This can result in the ovaries failing to function regularly.
• Weight Gain: Many women with PCOS experience unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
• Insulin Resistance: PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin, especially in creases like those on the neck, groin, and under the breasts, can occur.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors are believed to play a role:

• Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link.
• Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their bodies have difficulty using insulin effectively. This can lead to higher insulin levels, which may increase androgen production, causing difficulties with ovulation.
• Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation is common in women with PCOS, which can lead to higher androgen levels and contribute to heart disease.
• Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance in the production of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens can disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries.

Diagnosing PCOS

There’s no single test for diagnosing PCOS. Healthcare providers typically look for a combination of symptoms, medical history, and test results to confirm the condition. The following methods are commonly used for diagnosis:

• Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycles, weight changes, and any other symptoms you may have.
• Physical Exam: A physical exam will include checking for signs of excess hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance.
• Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam can help your doctor check for abnormalities in your ovaries or other parts of your reproductive system.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure hormone levels to identify any imbalances, as well as check glucose tolerance and lipid levels.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can reveal the presence of polycystic ovaries by showing multiple follicles or cysts on the ovaries.

Getting Pregnant with PCOS

While PCOS can make it more difficult to get pregnant due to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation), many women with PCOS successfully conceive. The following approaches can help:

• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can improve ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy.
• Medications: Fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole can stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In some cases, treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be recommended to help achieve pregnancy.
• Surgery: In certain cases, a surgical procedure known as ovarian drilling may be performed to improve ovulation.

Support with the GoPreg App

Navigating pregnancy with PCOS can be challenging, but the GoPreg app is here to help. GoPreg offers comprehensive guidance on pre-pregnancy planning, including personalized recommendations for managing PCOS. The app also provides resources on Garbh Sanskar—a holistic practice that nurtures the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of both mother and baby. By incorporating these practices, you can create an environment that supports a healthy pregnancy.

The GoPreg app’s pre-pregnancy planning feature offers tailored advice to help you prepare your body and mind for conception. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or looking for ways to enhance your chances of pregnancy, GoPreg is your companion every step of the way. Download the GoPreg app today to explore all its features and register for our upcoming webinar to learn more.