What is PCOS?
In PCOS the ovaries are bigger and have many tiny cysts that contain immature eggs. It affects between 5-10% of women.
Hormone imbalance
PCOS causes a woman’s body to produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens. These are hormones that are usually thought of as male hormones, because men have much higher levels of androgens than women. In women, androgens are usually converted into the hormone oestrogen.
Ovulation Problems
High levels of androgens interfere with the development of your eggs and with ovulation. If a healthy egg isn’t released, it can’t be fertilized bysperm.
PCOS can cause you to miss your menstrual period or have irregular periods.
Other risk factors
Women with PCOS present an increased risk of:
PCOS and Fertility
Lifestyle Changes
For some women, gaining a lot of weight can affect their hormones. In turn, losing weight if you’re overweight may help get your hormones back to normal levels. Losing 10% of your body weight may help your menstrual cycle become more predictable. This should help you get pregnant.
Losing weight may be challenging but a balanced diet as recommended in the most recent guidance and support from a coach for accountability and motivation can make a big difference.
Book an appointment with our nurse consultant to discuss PCOS, lifestyle and fertility and create your health improvement plan that is based in the most recent guidelines.
You can get more information at PCOS UK.
Andreia Trigo RN BSc MSc
Fertility Nurse Specialist | NLP Coach of 2017 | TEDx Speaker