Can PCOS Cause Infertility? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Can PCOS cause Infertility?

Women empowerment, stopping Female infanticide, Female Education and Women equality is helping build a stronger society and better India. But the number of women visiting Gynecologists is a concern! Due to living away from homes in hostels and PGs, young girls have to compromise with quality of food, overwork and stress. Many families also pamper their girls and don’t let them do the daily chores along with their mother.

Young girls regularly eat from outside putting in lot of toxins into their body in form of artificial colours, tastemakers, incompatible foods (virudha ahara), which directly affect their hormones. Hence the occurrence of PCOS/PCOD, Infertility, pelvic infection, anemia, etc.

What is PCOS/PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is hormonal imbalance in the body of the female, which has multiple symptoms like irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth and infertility in some. Women with PCOS/PCOD have higher risk of Diabetes, Obesity and High Blood Pressure.

PCOS and Infertility

In PCOS, androgen hormone levels (male hormone) increases. Hence excessive hair growth in body and facial hair is seen. These hormonal fluctuations do not allow the egg in the ovary to mature and get released (Ovulation). So, when sperm enters the uterus, there is no egg to fertilize resulting in Infertility.

Ovulation in normal Women occur during the 14th day post Menstruation. If a Woman has PCOS, the exact day for ovulation is difficult to know as day of ovulation every month can differ. Even if there is ovulation, the quality of egg is doubtful. Hence, it becomes difficult for the woman to keep a track for pregnancy.

PCOS and Thyroid

Studies show that women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing Thyroid disorders, particularly Hypothyroidism. And similarly, vice-versa. Hence the symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, hair fall, constipation and cold intolerance. Repeated miscarriages occur if Thyroid hormone is not balanced during pregnancy. Hence a reason for Infertility.

PCOS and Diabetes

Women with PCOS have increased risk of developing type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. In this condition, the body doesn’t use Insulin effectively to regulate blood sugar levels. Gestational Diabetes usually occurs during the 3rd trimester and needs to be monitored. Symptoms of excessive hunger, excessive thirst, craving for starchy/sugary food and drinks. Excessive urination, weight gain, etc. are noticed. Diabetes interferes with the environment of the uterus. Fatty deposit in liver and abdomen interferes with normal flow of hormones, directly hampering the fertility of the woman.

Overlooked causes of PCOS/PCOD

A good Menstrual hygiene, Proper home-cooked food according to seasons, eating right combination of food, Physical work or exercise stimulating the abdominal muscles, Sleeping and resting the body correctly, etc. all falls under the Menstrual Regime (Ritumati charya).

Pills to prepone or postpone periods should be avoided, as it directly interferes with normal flow of hormones. Avoid eating hybrid food items like fruits without seeds, which have chemicals to alter the hormones. Avoid keeping mobiles in pant pockets, the radiation of which directly affect the reproductive organs.

Food stored in Plastics vessels and polythene packs also affect the hormones, as microplastic leach into food and into our systems.

There are cases of girls starting periods at the age of 6 and 7 years. All because of parents’ ignorance in right diet, wrong lifestyle and convenient living!

Treatments for PCOS/PCOD

When it comes to treatment in Ayurveda, the first line of treatment is “Avoiding the cause (prevention).” Following a disciplined/balanced life is the key! Medicines and treatments are always there to support of-course.

As mentioned above the various symptoms and diseases associated, treatment is hence customized person to person. If a PCOS woman is lean, its treatments are different, if Obese, the protocols are different. It also depends on whether the woman is married or not. If it is infertility due to PCOS, then again medicines and treatment will differ.

Panchakarma is the main treatment practiced, to detoxify the body and bring it to the normal. Automatically the hormones flow correctly and in right amount. Once the blockages are removed and circulation has improved, medicines for maturing and strengthening the eggs are given for correct ovulation. This corrects the irregular periods and increases the chances for fertility.

Diet and lifestyle counselling with emphasis in yoga-Exercise is also given.

Dr. Jobby George (BAMS, CCAG, YIC)

Sr. Gynac and Infertility Consultant

Ayufy Ayurveda