PCOS: How Could this Happen to Me? Is There Truly Hope at the End?

by brenda
(Ontarie canada)

I am 29 years old and was just diagnosed with PCOS on Thursday Sept, 9 2010.

I have a 7 year old son. And now it's been 3 years since my husband to be and I have been trying to have a baby.

When the doctor told me about PCOS, I didn't really understand what he was talking about. But after doing some research of my own I can see where he is coming from.

The only thing different with me is that I do have my periods every month.

My GB put me on metformin, and clomiphene.

I want nothing more in life then to have another child, to provide my son with a brother or sister, and my future husband a child of his own.

When I think about maybe not being able to have another child, it brings tears to my eyes.

PLEASE tell me that there is truly hope out there.

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Editor's comments: Hi Brenda, there is ALWAYS hope. But hoping that something will happen does not make it happen.

It's time to go beyond hoping and consider all the possible positive actions YOU can take to increase the probability of becoming pregnant and having a successful pregnancy.

So what might you think about doing?

1) In general, about 40% or so of all infertility is due to male problems - inadequate sperm quality, function or motility. (This category also includes couples who are unable to have intercourse due to injuries or for other reasons.) Since you are apparently ovulating and not becoming pregnant, your husband could have his sperm function checked.

It's not uncommon for men to have a low sperm count, low sperm motility (ability to move), or abnormally shaped sperm. These and other factors will reduce your partner's ability to help you achieve a pregnancy. In addition, you could have a higher risk of miscarriage if your partner's sperm is abnormal.

2) Eat a very healthy diet. There is research evidence to indicate that you can get a better balance of your hormones and improve your ability to become pregnant if you improve the quality of your diet.

A healthy diet consists of natural, whole foods. Not processed, manufactured foods. This PCOS diet ebook has some suggestions for diet.

3) Since you live in Canada, where there is generally less sunlight, you may have a vitamin D deficiency. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, it may be more difficult to become pregnant. Ask your doctor for a vitamin D test.

4) Are you exercising? Exercise reduces insulin resistance, which is a contributor to infertility and egg quality problems that increase the risk of miscarriage.

5) Is your thyroid function optimal? If your thyroid function is suboptimal, it's more difficult to become pregnant. Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a thyroid disease called Hashimoto's disease. Have your thyroid function carefully evaluated.

6) Why are you taking metformin? Metformin is for treating insulin resistance. Do you have insulin resistance? How do know? How does your doctor know?

If you do have insulin resistance, then dietary improvements and increased exercise are especially important.

There are studies to suggest that the right diet plus exercise is as effective as metformin is in reducing insulin resistance.

7) Consider "alternative" therapies such as acupuncture. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help with achieving pregnancy and help PCOS women to ovulate.