In the last blog post you learned all about what PCOS, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed. Now I will discuss the treatment including diet, lifestyle factors, and fertility treatments. Lifestyle factors can improve hormone dysfunction and regardless of whether you are trying to get pregnant, having your body function the best that it can is important.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

I like to consider PCOS to be a stubborn ovary. Basically the communication between the brain and the ovary is dysfunctional. So you probably know that the brain sends out two hormones, LH and FSH. They do different things. FSH (a well named hormone, follicle stimulating hormone) controls a follicle growing, which happens as an egg matures. LH (luteinizing hormone) helps trigger ovulation (egg release) and stimulate progesterone production in the luteal phase. LH is also very important in the production of hormones.

Even if your diet consists of many of these vitamins, it’s still important to consider taking supplements, but what should you take? More information on appropriate supplements when you are tying to conceive.

A study published in the American Journey of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019 showed that a fertility diet high in supplemental folic acid, B-12, and vitamin D, had low pesticide produce, whole grains over simple carbohydrates, dairy, soy foods, and fish over red meats had higher probabilities of live birth even with IVF. Female reproduction is a hormone dependent and sensitive process. Many things have to come together and function normally. This does not mean that you need to be vegan or vegetarian, although I am a huge advocate for a plant-based diet. However, if you choose to go vegan or vegetarian you likely need to supplement your diet with vitamins and nutrients. I also believe that everyone should be taking daily supplements.

Environmental contaminants and toxins play a large role in our ability to get pregnant. Things like alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and how much we of them we consume can negatively affect your fertility. We should also be aware of environmental contaminates such as BPA, phalates, PFCs, and pesticides that appear in our daily consumption.

This blog post is all about how you can take control of what you can to boost your fertility when it comes to age, ovulation, and sex. If you have listened to my podcasts or read previous blog posts, you know that as you get older your fertility decreases for two reasons. The first is that you start to run out of eggs and the second is your egg quality changes with time. The change in egg quality gives you in increased chance of genetic abnormalities and miscarriage. My take home message is that if you are starting your family earlier, you need to pay attention to what you are doing each month, lifestyle factors and try to optimize your chance of success.

Reviewing the basics of infertility . What to expect in infertility an evaluation? What are the different causes of infertility? What can be done to help you get pregnant?

Let’s talk about your fertility, understand how age impacts reproduction, and discuss when an evaluation by a fertility specialist is recommended. Even if you already have kids, learn more about what your friends and family may be going through.

Understanding your body is important. Your periods are a part of your body. Fertility awareness means being aware of your fertility. It also means understanding your body and your hormones, specifically, your menstrual cycle. I‘m bringing it back to the basics talking about your menstrual cycle.

As a woman...sometimes change is slow, sometimes it never happens. Sometimes we think progress is being made at the same time we realize some things are still the same.

In vitro fertilization and the embryo transfer. IVF and FET. Learn what it is all about and what you should be asking.

My thoughts on AMH screening to evaluate your fertility.

FAQs about my path in medicine and advice for those on the journey

Lifestyle and Fertility: Environmental toxins, diet, and supplements when you are trying to conceive

Finding my specialty: Switching residencies from Emergency Medicine to Obstetrics and Gynecology and how I became an infertility physician.

Age and Fertility: How does your age impact your chances of getting pregnant?

Motherhood: beautiful chaos - my thoughts on the blend of motherhood and the rest of your identity

Why medicine: Thoughts on my decision to become a physician

Welcome: Why I started this space.