Having PCOS Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Get Pregnant!

In Malaysia, about 12% of women are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. It is a hormonal condition where the ovaries produce too much androgen (a male sex hormone present in women’s bodies but in small amounts) affecting ovulation.

Symptoms include:

● irregular periods

● weight gain

● excess body hair

● acne or oily skin

● presence of cysts in the ovaries

● fertility problems

PCOS is a common but complicated condition for women of child-bearing age. But with a positive change in diet, activity and the right use of supplements and medication, the symptoms can be alleviated and pregnancy is possible! Let’s begin with these few key nutrients which are produced naturally by our bodies:

(1) NAC

N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a semi-essential amino acid with a wide variety of health benefits. Most importantly, it’s an antioxidant that decreases the inflammation in fat tissues that cause diabetes and obesity, which is common among women with PCOS. It also lowers androgens, clears acne, regulates menstrual cycles and improves fertility.

(2) Vitamin D

Vitamin D affects many systems in our body and plays an important role in PCOS. Research in endocrinology has proven that women with PCOS have low levels of Vitamin D. Therefore, taking a daily supplement will regulate mood, energy, insulin, glucose, estrogen, acne, menstruation and ovarian follicular development.

(3) Methylfolate

You may have heard that folic acid is important to support a healthy pregnancy, but it’s important for PCOS too. Folic acid is converted into methylfolate, a usable form in our bodies via the MTHFR gene, and it’s usually this gene that has mutated. To alleviate this, taking methylfolate supplements will help prevent birth defects if you’re trying to conceive.

(4) Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that aids in over 600 functions in our body to do with energy, protein, nerve and muscles. It’s a proven supplement for reducing pre-menstrual (PMS) symptoms and this can be applied for PCOS symptoms too. Magnesium reduces cramping, muscle pains, bloating, fatigue, depression – and helps you sleep better.

(5) Myo-inositol

Inositols are a type of glucose produced by our bodies to balance chemicals that control mood swings, blood sugar, metabolism and fertility. Because many women with PCOS are insulin resistant, taking myo-inositol supplements can restart ovulation, restore the menstrual cycle, enhance egg quality and improve fertility.

Women with PCOS are also at risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases. But do be aware that some women can have PCOS but still weigh normally or be underweight. Also, similar symptoms can be had for more serious illnesses like Cushing’s syndrome, tumours or metabolic syndrome.

This is why at Bespoke Health, we care for our patients individually and look into every one’s medical history. Our supplements will be carefully compounded and specially formulated for every single person. They are not commercially available and will be tailored specifically to you.

As we also provide fertility consultations, we can help you screen for comorbidities, endometrial cancer, mood and anxiety disorders, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to eliminate certain factors, while increasing your chances of conceiving. 

Speak to our consultant today!

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

2. https://jmrh.mums.ac.ir/article_12032.html

3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menstrual-abnormalities/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04434.x

5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29498933/

6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/inositol-for-pcos-info-2616286