The reason it's difficult for me to concieve is because I have what is called, Polycysitc Ovarian Syndrom..AKA(PCOS)!! Here are some FACTS about PCOS.
*****What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's:
•Menstrual cycle
•Ability to have children
•Hormones
•Heart
•Blood vessels
•Appearance
With PCOS, women typically have:
•High levels of androgens (AN-druh-junz). These are sometimes called male hormones, though females also make them.
•Missed or irregular periods (monthly bleeding)
•Many small cysts (sists) (fluid-filled sacs) in their ovaries
*****How many women have PCOS?
Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS. As many as 5 million women in the United States may be affected. It can occur in girls as young as 11 years old.
*****What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is unknown. But most experts think that several factors, including genetics, could play a role. Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother or sister with PCOS.
A main underlying problem with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
Researchers also think insulin may be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies because they have problems using it. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. High androgen levels can lead to:
•Acne
•Excessive hair growth
•Weight gain
•Problems with ovulation
That sould explain what my husband and I go through on a daily basis. It's soo hard to fathum but it's our life.
*****One of the most common questions in PCOS is, "Why do women with PCOS have trouble with their menstrul cycle and firtility?"
The ovaries, where a woman’s eggs are produced, have tiny fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts. As the egg grows, the follicle builds up fluid. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open, the egg is released, and the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) for fertilization. This is called ovulation.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for an egg to fully mature. The follicles may start to grow and build up fluid but ovulation does not occur. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. For these reasons, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Plus, the ovaries make male hormones, which also prevent ovulation.
The little top picture on the right hand side is an ovary that is a 'normal ovary'.
The little bottom picture on the right hand side is an ovary that is a "polysystic ovary"*****How is PCOS treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatment goals are based on your symptoms, whether or not you want to become pregnant, and lowering your chances of getting heart disease and diabetes. Many women will need a combination of treatments to meet these goals. Some treatments for PCOS include:
Lifestyle modification. Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, which can cause health problems. You can help manage your PCOS by eating healthy and exercising to keep your weight at a healthy level. Healthy eating tips include:
•Limiting processed foods and foods with added sugars
•Adding more whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to your diet
This helps to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, improve the body's use of insulin, and normalize hormone levels in your body. Even a 10 percent loss in body weight can restore a normal period and make your cycle more regular.
Birth control pills. For women who don't want to get pregnant, birth control pills can:
•Control menstrual cycles
•Reduce male hormone levels
•Help to clear acne
Keep in mind that the menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone (proh-JES-tuh-rohn), like Provera, to control the menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer (See “Does PCOS put women at risk for other health problems?”). But, progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth
Too familiar. I don't have PCOS but they doctors did originally believe that I had it. They say I am kind of in the middle. Not quite PCOS, but not normal either. Haha. I pray that God will surprise you both one day with a miracle baby!
ReplyDeleteDIET AND METFORMIN are key. The best thing I am doing for my pcos is doing the Zone diet. It balances carbs with protein and fat so you don't have the insulin spike. The metformin helps your body utilize insulin better too which can also help with weight loss... SO important for pcos in order to prevent diabetes. We have a higher risk, unfortunately.
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