How to Get Pregnant With PCOS Without Pills

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of infertility, affects a woman's reproductive cycle through fluctuating hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

While the cause of PCOS is not known, the latest research suggests strong links to an excess of insulin. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and allows the body to use sugar ingested for energy. High levels of insulin contribute to an increase in androgens (also known as male hormones) and abnormally high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This abnormality often causes less-frequent ovulation or a lack of ovulation all together.

For a woman with PCOS who hopes to get pregnant, regular ovulation is the goal. While most reproductive endocrinologists treat their patients with a Type 2 diabetes medication called Metformin (Glucophage), there are natural ways to control insulin levels.

Instructions

1




Limit or eliminate all simple carbohydrates. High-carbohydrate diets can severely increase insulin levels, and women who suffer from PCOS are usually particularly sensitive to these insulin spikes. Some doctors suggest a low-carbohydrate diet, but restricting carbohydrates can have other health repercussions, such as high cholesterol and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Simple carbohydrates--such as fruit juice, cookies, candy, cake and other processed foods--break down too quickly in the body's digestive system and cause a sudden soar in blood sugar levels. A complex carbohydrate, on the other hand, has more fiber, which slows down digestion and helps to regulate insulin levels and keep blood sugars constant. Multigrain breads, cereals, pastas, beans and brown rice are a few good options to choose when looking for a complex carbohydrate. Pay attention to the fiber content; the more fiber, the slower the digestion. Including protein with your carbohydrates will also slow down the rate of digestion.

2




Be consistent with exercise. A regular exercise program is absolutely crucial for someone with PCOS, especially if weight management is a struggle. Doctors recommend that a woman with PCOS should engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise three to four times per week. Begin slowly and work up to a comfortable pace that you can sustain for 30 to 45 minutes. If you are consistent, exercise and weight management have been shown to improve the regularity of menstrual cycles, which will significantly increase the chances of pregnancy through regular ovulation.

3

Seek out an expert. Diet and exercise will vastly improve your chances of conceiving with PCOS, but you also want a reproductive endocrinologist on your side. A reproductive endocrinologist specializes in hormone disorders, menstrual problems, infertility and/or pregnancy loss. Hormones directly affect your ability to get pregnant, so making sure your hormones are functioning properly is imperative. A reproductive endocrinologist will most likely do a series of blood tests to determine your current hormone levels, and can then discuss the appropriate plan of action.

4

Track your menstrual cycles. As your diet and exercise habits improve, many times, menstrual cycles will begin to be regulated. If your cycles have always been inconsistent and almost impossible to predict, keep a record of when they begin, noting the length of each cycle. This will also assist your reproductive endocrinologist as she helps you decide on a plan that is right for you.