PCOS and Pregnancy
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a complex chronic condition that can affect up to eight to thirteen percent of adult persons with female reproductive organs.
What is PCOS?
As someone who has this condition, I can speak to it that it is a pain in the you-know-what; but, it can be controlled. My symptoms were caught late, about two years ago or so. I had/have the whole shabang: Weight gain, acne, hirsutism, no periods to speak of, spontaneous pelvic pain, and even the skin tags! In the past two years, my symptoms have steadily improved over the months with medication, habit changes, and monthly waxes for some self care.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition characterized by insulin resistance, high androgen levels and fluid filled cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is a hormonal condition that can lead to many complications and symptoms if left untreated.
Symptoms and Complications
Like any condition and disease, PCOS comes with its list of symptoms and complications. Most of these symptoms can make it hard to diagnose PCOS as they fall under many under umbrellas and can be brushed off as puberty at the time it starts.
Some possible symptoms are:
Excessive weight gain
Acne
Hirsutism, male pattern hair growth typically on face
Male pattern baldness
Skin tags on neck and in armpits
Irregular or absent periods
Pelvic pain
Some possible complications are:
Infertility
Gestational Diabetes
Miscarriage or still birth
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, severe liver inflammation
High blood pressure and blood sugar
Risk of cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Depression and/or anxiety
Eating disorders
Endometrial cancer
Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no forever cure for this condition but there are many mays to treat and manage it.
One of the most common routes being birth control.
Birth control
Weight loss and habit management
Exercise
Spironolactone
Androgen blockers
Metformin
Since PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance, 30 minutes spent a day doing low impact exercise, walking for example, can make a huge difference!
PCOS and Pregnancy
Even though one of the complications is infertility, you can still become pregnant with PCOS! Managing the symptoms through medications and life style changes can increase your fertility and improve your menstrual cycle. Talking with your health care provider or endocrinologist to set a game plan is the best course of action.
While you can become pregnant with PCOS, there are some possible complications to be aware of such as:
Risk of preeclampsia due to high blood pressure
Gestational Diabetes
Possible higher risk of cesarean due to baby being too large, associated with GD
Baby can have a lower APGAR score
There is also talk about PCOS leading to a higher risk of miscarriage and still birth although there is a lot more research that needs to be done to confirm. A low risk birth with this condition is possible! If you are concerned at any point in time, consult your HCP.
Weight loss and overall bettering yourself is harder for a person with this condition but keeping your head up and staying motivated is key. Try to find some support groups, local gyms, recruit your friends and family to help you on this journey. Never forget, you're worth the effort!
Emily - Doula
References
Brusie, C. (2016, November 2). Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and pregnancy: Symptoms. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pcos#next-steps
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 8). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
PCOS and pregnancy. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and pregnancy – symptoms and treatments | Pregnancy Birth and Baby. (2024, May). https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pcos-and-pregnancy#fertility
World Health Organization. (2023, June 28). Polycystic ovary syndrome. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=PCOS%20can%20cause%20hormonal%20imbalances,condition%20and%20cannot%20be%20cured.