Alma Bax 
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a problem with the way a woman’s ovaries work. PCOS is one of the most common hormonal imbalances, affecting 10 to 15 percent of women of childbearing age. PCOS is more than just an inconvenience—it can cause fertility problems, and cysts on the ovaries can cause pain and possibly an impeded menstrual cycle . But does PCOS go away after pregnancy? The answer is complicated.
The post is about PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), a condition that affects a woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive system. It is the most common cause of infertility in women, and some of the most common symptoms include excess facial hair, acne, excessive hair growth on the legs, and water retention.
When a woman sees the words PCOS in her pregnancy test, she may assume she has the condition forever. But new research shows that to get pregnant, women with PCOS may only need to take one pill, and everything will be fine after that.
Is PCOS reversible after pregnancy? If you have PCOS and hypoglycemia spells, is intermittent fasting a problem? Is it possible to develop PCOS after having a hysterectomy?
Get the answers to these questions in this week’s Q&A with fertility specialist Dr. Fox:
Is it true that PCOS “goes away” after pregnancy?
Hello,
After failing to get a period for almost a year after quitting birth control pills, I was diagnosed with PCOS in my twenties (which were prescribed to me for heavy irregular periods in my teen years). I’ve had a normal BMI for the most of my life (in fact, when I was diagnosed with PCOS my BMI was on the low end, around 20).
With the assistance of acupuncture and lifestyle modifications (reducing sugar, etc.) I was able to reclaim a normal cycle of 35-40 days, although not strictly LCHF. Traditional Chinese medicine, I believe, aided in the regulation of my menstrual cycle. After a few years, I was 37 years old when I had a “surprise” baby. My post-baby periods are now 32 days long (BMI 23.6).
Is it feasible for PCOS to resolve spontaneously after having a kid, as my inquiry suggests? Is PCOS a lifelong condition? You stated in one of your lectures that 32 days (the duration of my current cycle) is still irregular — and that it shows “mild” PCOS.
The plan is to go keto in order to increase my chances of becoming pregnant… But I’m not sure whether PCOS is permanent or reversible.
Elina
Dr. Fox:
That is an excellent question. PCOS and its underlying insulin resistance are typically a lifetime problem, as is the case with your inquiry. In my view, the true issue is whether you have PCOS or stress-induced ovulation disruption.
While slim PCOS is genuine, I believe the majority of lean PCOS sufferers suffer from stress problem. My many postings on stress condition may be found here. The discovery of an increase in insulin during a 3-hour tolerance test is the distinguishing element for us (PCOS). Many women have physiologies that are a mix of the two.
Acupuncture and the addition of a kid to your life most likely decreased physiologic stress, allowing your cycles to return to normal. The stress or ‘hypothalamic’ dysfunction is not well understood or documented. Female athletic triad is a search keyword. This is the worst-case situation, but many women who aren’t as severe but have the same physiology show it as well, and it isn’t necessarily triggered by exercise.
Best wishes. In any case, LCHF remains the best dietary strategy.
Is intermittent fasting risky for someone with PCOS who suffers from hypoglycemia?
When my buddy goes a few hours without eating, she has “glycemic episodes” of shakiness, sensations of unreality, and anxiety. Is there any reason to believe that fasting is harmful? Is it possible to go through these episodes? We want to use fasting and a ketogenic diet to assist her with her PCOS and migraines.
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for all you do! Erica
Dr. Fox:
That is an excellent question. In general, I am not a supporter of intermittent fasting for women – read previous articles. It only works like bariatric surgery in individuals who are very overweight. Many people are unaware that intermittent fasting should not begin until ketadaptation has occurred in both men and women. For these reasons, I am not a huge admirer. When you’re on a keto diet, you should have less symptoms of low blood sugar.
Is it possible to have PCOS after having a hysterectomy?
Is it possible to have polycystic ovaries after having a hysterectomy? My ovaries are still intact.
Sharon
Dr. Fox:
Without a doubt. Insulin resistance persists even in the absence of ovaries. Some skin issues may improve as a result of hormonal changes, while others may deteriorate as a result of reduced estrogen. Nutritional changes must be made for the rest of one’s life to treat the illness.
Best of luck!
More inquiries and responses
Low-carbohydrate questions and answers
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects an estimated 2.5 million women in the United States alone. Though the cause of PCOS is still unknown, it is most often assumed that the disorder is caused by an imbalance in female hormones. In fact, it is thought that PCOS is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the small amount of male hormone (androgens) that is normally made by women’s ovaries is instead produced by their adrenal glands.. Read more about what precautions to take during pregnancy with pcos and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pregnancy improve PCOS?
Yes, pregnancy can improve PCOS.
Can PCOS go away on its own?
PCOS cannot go away on its own. It is a chronic condition that requires treatment with medication and lifestyle changes to manage.
Has anyone got pregnant naturally with PCOS?
Yes, it is possible.
Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- pcos and pregnancy success
- how to get pregnant with pcos quickly
- getting pregnant with pcos after 30
- pcos pregnancy diet
- babies born to pcos mothers
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Ben Austin