A condition that affects many women and is not always detected as it should be. Many do not know there is treatment available and, at times, suffer for years trying to get pregnant without success. Do you know what I am talking about? This is polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as SOMP or PCOS when referring to polycystic ovaries, simply1.
Most of the time, polycystic ovaries prevent a woman from having the same chances of getting pregnant as a woman without the condition. But what is often not mentioned is that women with polycystic ovaries can, in fact, get pregnant! For this, however, treatment is necessary. So, when you hear about polycystic ovaries and pregnancy, don’t panic—there is treatment2.
One of the newest treatments uses myo-inositol, a vitamin that efficiently combats polycystic ovaries by restoring ovarian health and thus fertility. Many studies have associated higher levels of myo-inositol in the body with better ovarian function. Therefore, taking this vitamin is highly recommended to help regulate the menstrual cycle and increase the chances of pregnancy. The vitamin FamiSitol is a supplement specially formulated for women with polycystic ovaries as it contains 2000mg of myo-inositol3, along with other important components such as folic acid4. You can learn more and purchase this vitamin here in our online store.
What Are Polycystic Ovaries?
But what exactly are polycystic ovaries? Simply put, it is a hormonal imbalance affecting all hormones involved in a woman’s menstrual cycles: progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, and others.
Can Women with Polycystic Ovaries Get Pregnant?
The problem arises when the hormone levels change so much that they even disrupt hormones present in small quantities, such as testosterone. These changes are damaging to the follicles that are maturing for ovulation, as the hormonal imbalance prevents them from reaching the ideal stage to be released.
If they do reach the ideal level of maturity, they may not be released naturally, resulting in “scarring”—that is, the well-known cysts on the ovaries. These eggs that are not released become hardened cysts, which then block new eggs from being released and maturing for ovulation, preventing women with polycystic ovaries from getting pregnant. But with appropriate treatment, such as using FamiSitol, and with medical guidance, yes, pregnancy is possible!
What Are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries?
Some women complain of abdominal pain and bloating during the cycle—this is a sign of polycystic ovaries. However, the most common symptoms of polycystic ovaries are:
- Absence of menstruation – Since the cycle consists of three phases—menstruation, the follicular phase, and luteal phase—this cycle does not complete. As a result, the period might not come for months, and women may notice that something is not right with their bodies.
- Acne – The hormonal changes cause the skin to become extra oily, which leads to acne appearing in large quantities.
- Excess and thick hair – This is one of the most frequent symptoms among women with polycystic ovaries. Areas such as the upper lip, legs, underarms, and other regions where hair is usually thin become thick enough to be bothersome.
What Tests Detect Polycystic Ovaries?
If you have two or more of the above symptoms, it is advisable to see a professional to get tested. But which tests can detect polycystic ovaries? Polycystic ovary syndrome can be diagnosed with hormonal tests such as progesterone, estrogen, FSH, and LH, as well as a transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries.
It may sound complicated, but in practice, a woman with polycystic ovaries does not ovulate as she should. For this reason, doctors often prescribe contraceptive treatments.
What Is the Treatment?
Some doctors prescribe birth control pills, but it’s important to note that the pill may help relieve some symptoms, but it does not cure the condition. Birth control is not a treatment for PCOS.
Other medications, like metformin, can also help in the treatment. Since polycystic ovaries involve insulin resistance, metformin—used for diabetes—can also help manage polycystic ovaries. It’s worth highlighting again the strong scientific evidence supporting myo-inositol supplementation. Myo-inositol increases insulin sensitivity and is effective in improving ovarian function and boosting the chances of pregnancy.
However, each case requires special attention and it’s best to have a medical professional’s approval before using these medications. Indiscriminate use of medicine may worsen the condition and further reduce the chance of pregnancy for women with polycystic ovaries.
Interview with a TF Reader
Marta, a Famivita reader, found out early, at age 17, and even now, married and trying to have children, she is still undergoing treatment to get pregnant. She shared some of her experiences with polycystic ovary syndrome with us through a few questions I asked her.
1- How did you find out you had polycystic ovary syndrome?
Marta: I found out at 17 because of irregular periods with long gaps of about three months between cycles, and sometimes I went without a period altogether. During an ultrasound, cysts were detected (the follicles that didn’t “ovulate”), and that’s how I found out I wasn’t ovulating every month. My cycle was never regular.
2- What problems have you faced because of this?
Marta: I have hormonal imbalances, I ovulate less than I should, and as a result, I have difficulty getting pregnant.
3- Have you undergone any treatments? Which ones are working?
Marta: My treatment started a year ago, as soon as my doctor diagnosed me with PCOS through tests and symptoms. She prescribed six months of birth control pills to give my ovaries a rest and prepare for ovulation induction. This induction took place right after that period and consisted of three ovulation induction cycles, which ended in June. My doctor advised me to keep trying without any medication and told me that infertility is only considered after a year of trying. In my case, that time hasn’t passed yet as six months were spent on birth control.
Other symptoms that may appear in women with PCOS include weight gain, hair loss, acne, and oily skin—all due to increased male hormones. Not all symptoms are present in every woman, but she must have some in order to receive a PCOS diagnosis. Like all illnesses, the treatment is lengthy and requires patience. If you are trying to get pregnant and have not succeeded, the ideal is to get tested to investigate what’s going on. Also, remember to do regular checkups so you can detect this problem early and avoid infertility when your biological clock and desire for motherhood begin to tick.
A skilled professional is also very important. They can help a woman with polycystic ovaries get pregnant more quickly and naturally. Don’t give up on your dream. Seek treatment and fight for your positive result!
Readers’ Questions
What are the risks of getting pregnant with polycystic ovaries?
If the pregnant woman is under the care of a qualified professional, the risks and chances are practically the same as any other pregnant woman. However, there are higher reported incidences of gestational diabetes, premature birth, and preeclampsia in women with polycystic ovaries. For this reason, it is extremely important to attend prenatal visits and undergo all the necessary tests during pregnancy.
Are there any teas that help you get pregnant with polycystic ovaries?
Many women avoid medications for the treatment of polycystic ovaries and increasingly turn to natural options. As teas, the most recommended and commonly used are yellow uxi, cat’s claw, green tea, and cinnamon. However, these should only be consumed in the first phase of the cycle since they may be harmful during pregnancy.
