Most people have never heard of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, otherwise known as PCOS, even though it is one of the most common hormonal conditions found in women of child-bearing age. Whether you have known about your PCOS for many years or you have just been diagnosed with PCOS, you should have a frank discussion with your doctor or reproductive specialist to get the most current, up-to-date information available. Be sure to discuss the following with your doctor sooner rather than later…
PLANNING YOUR TREATMENT
What are your specific symptoms? Think about which ones are most concerning to you? Find out which symptoms most concern your doctor. Between you and your doctor, you may have completely different areas of concern, so it is important to establish a joint set of goals as the doctor puts together an effective treatment plan. For example, your doctor may be focused on making sure you have regular menstrual cycles, yet you may be more focused right now on getting rid of excess hair or acne. Having a two-way treatment plan discussion will help ensure that all issues are addressed.
CHECKING FOR COMPLICATIONS
In some cases, PCOS can impact more than just your fertility, monthly cycles or appearance. Women who have been diagnosed with PCOS have a very real and serious risk of developing some critical heart-related issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, that can possibly lead to a heart attack or stroke. Research has also linked PCOS to metabolic disorder, diabetes, and endometrial cancer.
Talk to your doctor about how or when these conditions should be monitored. The doctor may suggest self-monitoring for blood sugar and blood pressure levels. If that is the case, make sure that you know how to handle any abnormal values. Your doctor should let you know when you will need to make an office appointment and when to visit urgent care or the emergency room.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES
In order to decrease the possibility of developing complications, your doctor will most likely advise that certain lifestyle changes are necessary. You may already know what some of the suggestions may be. Regular exercise, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation are but a few of the suggestions that doctor may recommend. Dietary changes may be proposed as well. Your doctor may suggest that you eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein while cutting back on the amount of processed fats and refined sugars that you eat.
You must get enough sleep every night. While you can survive on as little as 5-6 hours of sleep, most people really need 7-8 hours of sleep to feel fully rested. On a really positive note, getting the right amount of sleep will also help you control unwanted cravings so you can make better food choices throughout the day.
Another lifestyle change to consider is related to stress reduction. Finding productive ways to handle stressful issues will lessen your chances for depression and help you make more positive decisions every day. Talk to your doctor if you have a great deal of stress in your life. Your doctor may be able to suggest stress reductions methods that work or may make a referral for counseling or support.
MANAGE THE WEIGHT
Keeping a healthy weight is an integral part of managing PCOS. Research shows that even a small drop in weight (5-10%) can be effective in reducing the intensity of certain symptoms and the risk of possible complications. A decrease in weight often helps regulate ovulation, making it easier to conceive. During your conversation with your doctor or fertility specialist, be sure to ask about what a realistic weight is for you.
PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY
For most women with PCOS, pregnancy doesn’t typically happen without advanced planning, since most women with PCOS don’t usually ovulate regularly. Ovulation is needed to get pregnant and timing is everything, therefore irregular menstrual cycles make it much more difficult to get the timing right. In addition, a doctor may prescribe medication to help women manage their PCOS symptoms, that medication, however, may actually be incompatible with pregnancy. If you decide that the time is right for a family or to expand your family, it is important to discuss with your doctor whether you’ll be able to stay on your current medication.
If you have irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all and you are planning to expand your family soon, consider seeking specialized assistance at an infertility clinic. Make an appointment with a reproductive specialist for a consultation. Whether you stick with your OB/GYN or you choose to see a specialist, the doctor will more than likely recommend basic diagnostic testing and a prescription for medication to induce ovulation.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
The fertility specialists and professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) are well known for their high level of success in helping couples to conceive. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. At CORM, our professional staff is committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine, ensuring exceptional care is given to every patient/couple undergoing fertility treatment.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Our highly trained doctors will work with you to determine appropriate testing needs and they will help you choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.