Menstruation and Mystery

Menstruation is more than a mark of womanhood and readiness for pregnancy. It is more than the mystical monthly flow of lunar cycles. It is a complex process of hormonal secretions that influence each other: estrogen, progesterone, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). These hormones interact to control the changing phases of your menstrual cycle.

PCOS and Infertility

Infertility is defined as one year of trying to get pregnant without success. As women age, the number and health of eggs decreases. At age 35, infertility is defined as six months without pregnancy.

What is it about PCOS that makes getting pregnant so difficult?

PCOS affects our hormone communication at every level. The ovaries have multiple cysts on them that can inhibit ovulation of the healthy egg. There are hormonal imbalances that interfere with our cycles' ebb and flow. Three main processes make getting pregnant difficult when you have PCOS.

1. Luteal phase defect: FSH and LH abnormalities weaken follicle development and disrupt healthy uterine lining development.

2. LH hypersecretion: High LH levels signal the egg to prematurely disconnect from the follicle.

3. Insulin resistance: Increased circulating levels of insulin affect the LH and testosterone secretions and cause poor egg quality.

Getting pregnant with PCOS will require a battle mindset. There are many options to help you. Lifestyle modifications will combat insulin resistance. Medications will bring hormones into balance. Medical procedures will make the easiest access for the egg to be fertilized and implanted.

1. If your women's health provider determines that you are infertile, you will be referred to an infertility specialist. You will work closely together, so it should be someone who you trust and with whom you can communicate well.

2. Keep track of your cycles. There are online and mobile helps for this.

3. Learn your body's way of telling you when you are ovulating. Fertilization of the egg by a sperm takes place during this journey. You will learn to take your basal temperature and check the texture of your cervical mucus to determine ovulation.

4. You will want to get as healthy as possible to increase your chances of conception. This means healthy diet, exercise and, stress management. Sometimes, weight loss alone will be able to increase insulin sensitivity, and facilitate a woman with PCOS getting pregnant.

5. You will want to get educated about all of your medical alternatives so that you are an active participant in your reproductive process. Education will help you understand the process and stay motivated.

Know that 5% to 10% of women of childbearing age have PCOS. Many women with PCOS struggle to get pregnant. You may be able to regulate your periods and ovulation by simply losing weight, exercising, and managing stress.

Are you living with PCOS now and want to learn what it takes to get pregnant with PCOS?

Discover a natural cure for this troublesome condition that sadly, leads to infertility, by visiting http://www.pcostreatmentdigest.com

By Karen Kalata