What is it?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a health problem with no known cause which affects about 10% of women trying to conceive.
When eggs developing in the ovarian follicle are ripe they’re released each month at ovulation.
When PCOS is present eggs don’t get to mature. They stay trapped in the fluid-filled follicle, due to a lack of Progesterone. This is caused by an overload of Testosterone. All women produce a certain amount of testosterone but an overload leads to the problems experienced by PCOS sufferers.
Disruption of the fine-line hormonal balance produces everything from ovulation and period problems and pelvic pain, to weight gain, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, sleep apnoea, and body hair overgrowth on face, arms, chest, thumbs and toes and male-pattern baldness to acne and dandruff. There’s also a far-reaching effect of PCOS on heart attack and stroke risk.
PCOS has been dramatically linked with high levels of insulin in the body. These are known to cause devastating testosterone surges. Insulin regulates the sugar pathway, whether it’s used up for energy or stored as fat – too much leads to diabetes.
The good news for those trying to conceive is that you can make a huge difference to your chances of conceiving by shedding weight and reducing your BMI (Body Mass Index).
Even a 10% weight reduction can work wonders in restoring or regularising periods.
A relatively new technique of Ovarian Drilling offers new hope for women with PCOS. This is like ECT for the ovary. Laparoscopic drilling into the ovary to destroy part of it helps lower hormone levels for a crucial fertility-fuelling few months.
 PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & InfertilityÂ
Taking charge of your PCOS involves knowing exactly how it affects you and then making the changes. Fertility Coaching helps you project manage your fertility. Weight management is key. It uses hypnotherapy to help you shed resistant weight, while reducing appetite and changing eating patterns. Setting up exercise goals is one thing but with Hypnotherapy you also get the motivation. Getting a decent night’s sleep is more important than you’d imagine in feeling well and happy. During deep sleep the body is working hard at repair, replenishment and rebooting hormone levels. Mindfulness teaches coping skills to balance moods, emotions and libido. Regular sex is vital for conceiving.
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