TRYING TO CONCEIVE

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Sub-Fertility, PCO (and Excessive Body-Fat)

I have been married for over 4 years and not been able to conceive. My gyneacologist has diagnosed Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as the cause for my sub-fertility. I was asked to reduce at least 15 kg of weight to improve this condition. What is PCOS, and what has body weight got to do with fertility?

Today, Polycystic Ovaries (PCO)/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) /Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) is a commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female sub-fertility in ‘modern’, recent times.

PCO/S is predominately due to Insulin Resistance, which can be triggered by rapid or gradual weight gain, leading to an excessive body-fat percentage due to unhealthy eating habits, imbalanced nutrition and lack of regular exercise.

Insulin resistance means that excessive/increased body fat tissue is preventing the body’s insulin from performing effectively; a sedentary lifestyle exacerbates this further.

An early diagnosis and subsequent apt action is key to prevent possible long-term complications, such as infertility, early menopause, endometrial cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FOR PCO/S:

  • Infrequent/irregular/prolonged menstrual periods
  • Absence of menstruation
  • Inability to get pregnant
  • Multiple cysts in ovaries
  • Release of immature eggs
  • Thinning of scalp hair
  • Excess facial hair, body hair
  • Acanthosis Nigricans (dark, rough, thick skin on neck, armpits, groin)
  • Acne

MOST COMMON CAUSES (leading to hormonal fertility imbalance):

  • Abdominal obesity (tummy-fat)
  • Weight gain (sans exercise)
  • Excessive body fat
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Elevated Blood glucose levels (HbA1c, Post Prandial Blood Glucose), Pre-Diabetes
  • Fatty Liver (NAFLD), elevated liver enzymes

due to…

  • Imbalanced nutrition
  • Poor meal timing
  • Consumption of junk foods, highly processed foods
  • Regular intake of simple Carbohydrates, i.e. sugary foods, ‘soft’ drinks, all types of juices
  • Excessive stress
  • Erratic, unusual hours of sleep/work (i.e. shift work)
  • Sedentary lifestyle/lack of exercise
  • Being seated for most part of the day

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

It is of utmost importance to eat healthy, whilst reducing weight sensibly.

Increasing the intake of green leaves and colourful vegetables is an essential part of nutrition therapy due to the favourable influence of Folic acid and Phyto-chemicals.

Additionally, regular! suitable! physical activity (cardio) is necessary towards improving fertility.

Rx: Eat as healthy as possible whilst losing weight. Eat on time. Exercise regularly. Get sufficient night sleep. Get up at the same time every day, early. Don’t be seated for too long at a stretch. Avoid excessive stress. Aim for regular exposure to sunlight.

OUTLOOK:

Usually a weight loss/body fat reduction of 10 – 20 % will lead to a very favourable outcome, fertility increases significantly, whilst PCOS abates.

*LOSERS ARE WINNERS Diet-Book Weight Loss Therapy can safely be followed up to 13 weeks after conception http://www.sigrid-desilva.com/weight-loss

Read more:
http://sigrid-desilva.com/2016/05/03/fit-or-fat-facts-figures
http://sigrid-desilva.com/eat-drink-live

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