Making the connection between PCOS and weight gain
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, you are not alone. This hormone disorder affects an estimated 7% to 10% of women of childbearing age. In fact, PCOS is one the most common causes of female infertility. One of the reasons for this problem is PCOS and weight gain. Our Tulsa fertility specialists will check for PCOS as part of our standard evaluation during infertility testing.
What is PCOS?
PCOS occurs because of a hormone imbalance and can cause irregular periods, ovarian cysts, excessive facial hair and weight gain. Women with PCOS often have higher than normal levels of androgens, which are male hormones, such as testosterone. When hormones are out of balance, getting pregnant can be difficult.
If left untreated, PCOS can contribute to other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, increased risk of stroke, and female infertility. The infertility testing we conduct can ensure an accurate diagnosis, so that your doctor can determine next steps for treatment.
Why does PCOS cause weight gain?
Although many women deal with weight issues at some point in their lives, the link between PCOS and weight can create an almost constant struggle for our PCOS patients.
Because of the hormone dysregulation caused by PCOS, women with PCOS often contend with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. If the insulin isn’t processed correctly, glucose, or blood sugar, levels continue to rise. Over time, this can lead to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Additionally, women with PCOS tend to gain weight in the abdomen, which is the most dangerous area to carry any extra pounds.
Tips to manage PCOS and weight gain
Our Tulsa fertility specialists understand that managing PCOS is challenging. Once we confirm PCOS through infertility testing, your physician will work with you to create a customized action plan. Controlling your PCOS symptoms can increase the odds of pregnancy, so we offer several recommendations to help patients achieve this goal.
- Understand the numbers. As you evaluate your weight, look at your BMI, or body mass index, too. Your BMI evaluates how much body fat you have, based on height and weight measurements. Reducing your BMI by 5% to 10% can improve your overall health.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. With PCOS, it is important to focus on consuming lean protein, non-starchy fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and healthy carbs, while limiting processed foods.
- Move your body. Regular exercise will not only burn calories, but will also increase muscle mass and build your stamina.
- Prioritize sleep. Getting a good night’s rest can play a role in improving hormone imbalance and insulin resistance, so set yourself up for success by establishing a nighttime routine, getting six to eight hours of sleep, and limiting screen time right before bed.
Learn more about PCOS and infertility testing
Our Tulsa fertility specialists understand that PCOS and weight gain can add to the stress of female infertility. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn more about the full scope of our infertility testing options.
