Have you ever come across the Internet about how to get pregnant with PCOS or can you get pregnant with PCOS?

If you have done your research online on this topic, this article can help you gain some confidence.

Women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can experience fertility issues, due to the hormone imbalance associated with PCOS. The good news is that nutrition can play an important role in helping women with PCOS improve their fertility outcomes.

Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference when it comes to PCOS and fertility. Fuelling your body with a diversified and nutrient-packed diet can help regulate hormones, enhancing fertility. Consuming the correct blend of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats as well as vitamins and minerals will aid PCOS sufferers in maintaining balanced levels of hormones.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 10% to 20% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by an imbalance in hormones, including an increase in androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone, which can prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. PCOS can also cause cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and other issues related to fertility. The name sounds a bit scary when you first hear the diagnosis, but women with PCOS actually don't have “cysts” on their ovaries.

The “cysts” are actually tiny, underdeveloped follicles all competing to ovulate — and no one [follicle] is winning. In women with PCOS, many of these follicles won’t mature and will instead rest on the ovaries. On an ultrasound scan, the ovaries can appear polycystic (or contain multiple cysts) due to the increased volume of resting follicles. If no mature egg is released, there is no chance of conception.

What causes PCOS?

While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t known, potential causes could be high androgen levels, genetics, and insulin resistance.

High levels of androgens can prevent the ovaries from ovulating (or releasing an egg) during the menstrual cycle, increase body hair growth, and trigger scalp hair loss.

Insulin resistance will cause high levels of insulin, the hormone that’s responsible for converting food into energy. High levels of insulin can turn into insulin resistance as your body cells can not use insulin properly. When this happens, the pancreas goes into overdrive, trying to pump out enough insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Without adequate levels of insulin, the cells in the body can’t properly absorb blood sugar for energy. You could feel fatigued and have cravings for carbohydrates and sugars.

Diet is the key to managing PCOS

Carbohydrates

To regulate blood sugar and improve PCOS symptoms, it is critical to incorporate a diet that is low in refined carbs. Eating excessive amounts of foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates (think: sugary, processed foods such as chocolate, biscuits, and white bread) makes the pancreas work harder to produce more insulin, making insulin resistance even worse.
Try opting for complex carbohydrate options that have lower glycemic indexes, such as legumes, nuts, whole grain bread, and whole wheat tortillas.
Additionally, consuming high-fibre foods will support overall health for those with PCOS-related fertility issues. Foods such as quinoa, oats and vitamins are complex carbohydrates ideal for supporting the body's needs when battling these conditions.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet can provide the necessary antioxidants to support reproductive health. Foods high in fibre are also beneficial for PCOS because they can help to reduce inflammation that PCOS often causes. Fibre will also lower the glycemic index number of the whole meal and help you stablise your blood sugar.
Include at least 3 different colours of vegetables or fruits per day! Try as many colours as you can!

3. Healthy Fats

Eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado, salmon, and walnuts, can also be helpful in regulating hormones associated with PCOS. Omega-3 fatty acids’ inflammatory function will reduce chronic inflammation in your body that could be caused by chronic stress, imbalanced hormone, and lack of sleep.

4. Stay Active

In addition to eating a nutritious PCOS-friendly diet, incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle is also beneficial for PCOS management and fertility. Exercise helps to regulate hormones that are associated with PCOS and can reduce PCOS symptoms. It also helps to improve overall health and well-being, which can have a positive effect on fertility.
Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day is the key to improving insulin sensitivity! Let’s start from getting up and stretching every 30 minutes now.

5. Stress Is Usually Underestimated

Finally, managing PCOS and optimizing fertility may involve some lifestyle adjustments such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and establishing healthy relationships with friends and family. These measures can go a long way in improving PCOS symptoms and fertility. Stress has a huge impact on your hormonal health.

What’s the next step?

Nutrition plays an essential role in PCOS management and optimizing fertility. The PCOS diet should be personalized for each individual, taking into account their overall health, lifestyle and goals. By making the right food choices, PCOS sufferers can reduce PCOS symptoms and increase their chances of conceiving.

To assist with PCOS management and achieving your fertility goals, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional such as a fertility dietitian. They can provide tailored advice and support throughout your PCOS journey and help you reach the best possible outcomes.

Check out the PCOS Remedy Bootcamp to find out your root problems and get a tailored plan to tackle PCOS!

Fertility Ready Program