Polycystic ovary syndrome is a medical condition that affects a woman's hormones and ability to become pregnant. Women with PCOS commonly experience enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts. According to WomensHealth.gov, nearly 5 million American women of childbearing age are affected by this condition in a given year. The cause of PCOS is unknown; however, heredity, increased insulin levels and diet can predispose you to the condition.
Hormones, Infertility and Pregnancy
Infertility, due to irregular ovulation, is a common symptom of PCOS. For most women, infrequent or lack of ovulation occurs, and when menstruation presents, it is abnormally heavy and longer in duration than a normal cycle. To become pregnant, you have to get your menstrual cycle regulated to restore normal ovulation. MayoClinic.com notes that medication such as antiestrogens, gonadotropins and follicle-stimulating hormones are typically used to induce ovulation. In the event of medications failing to facilitate pregnancy, outpatient laparoscopic ovarian surgery is an option. The lack of hormones produced by your body, resulting in irregular menstruation and infertility, is also influenced by weight and dietary practices. In addition to medical intervention, you increase your chances of successful pregnancy by changing lifestyle habits.
Insulin, Glucose and Carbohydrates
Excessive insulin production is a symptom of PCOS that you can manage with dietary changes. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by your pancreas that allows your cells to use the glucose ingested from foods for energy. Insulin levels are affected by consuming too much glucose. Consistently high insulin contributes to an increase in the amount of androgen hormones produced by your ovaries, resulting in disruption of menstruation and ovulation. The types of carbohydrates you consume make a difference in how your body uses glucose, or sugar. Insulin levels normally rise soon after you eat a meal. Foods containing added sugars, or simple carbohydrates, cause a spike in your blood glucose and insulin, followed by a crash.
Diet to Improve Pregnancy Success
Complex carbohydrates are high in dietary fiber, which digests slower in your body. Slow digestion helps you maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin levels as opposed to the spike and crash from consuming simple carbohydrates, notes MayoClinic.com. To increase the complex carbohydrates in your diet, replace simple carbohydrate foods like white breads or pastas with whole grains and whole wheat products. Drink water and whole fruit juices instead of sodas with added sugar. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over canned or frozen produce, which has added sugars for packaging. Snack foods like potato chips, cookies and cakes contain simple sugars. Instead of junk food, try peanut butter on whole wheat bread to supply you with energy and a source of protein and fat, which is important for absorbing carbohydrates slowly and keeping your insulin level low.
Portion and Weight Control
Choose healthier foods to encourage a successful pregnancy, but also keep in mind that how much you eat affects your insulin levels. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, eating seconds or larger portions causes a rise in your insulin level and contributes to weight gain. Excess weight gain is associated with high insulin and androgen levels. Work with your physician to create a healthy diet to regulate your insulin, as well as promote weight loss. WomensHealth.gov notes that a 10 percent loss in body weight prompts normalization of your hormones and menstruation cycle regulation.
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