Polycystic ovarian syndrome might not sound as familiar as PCOS, but they actually are the same thing. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common chronic hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It affects the women's reproductive cycle, and thus, it's one of the most common causes of infertility.

Women with PCOS have altered hormonal levels (testosterone levels are higher than normal) and that gets in the way of ovulation, causing women with PCOS to have irregular or absent periods and ovulation. As a result, the follicles don't burst, and instead remain in the ovaries as cysts — thus the name poly (meaning many) cystic ovarian syndrome. It also impacts women´s weight maintenance, insulin production, and body appearance. Infertility because of PCOS is reversible - it's possible to get pregnant with PCOS. Some women will be able to conceive with a combination of lifestyle changes and fertility drugs, but it is quite difficult.

How to Cure PCOS Naturally and Get Pregnant

1. Start with losing weight

PCOS affects negatively how your body processes insulin, which can, in turn, cause many women with the syndrome to struggle with obesity. Losing some of the extra weight may bring back ovulation. Studies show that losing 5 to 10% of your current weight may be enough to jump-start your menstrual cycles. Start with doing exercise and modifying your diet, which are key to this aspect. Unfortunately, there's not much evidence to say losing weight will help you conceive on your own. If you were wondering how to cure PCOS naturally and get pregnant, you may still need fertility drugs, which act better after you have lost some weight.

2. Regular exercise

Studies argue that insulin resistance also alters the women's hormonal cycle. Exercising helps in dealing with insulin resistance, as well as supports weight loss. Regular exercise has also been found to help with PCOS symptoms. In one study, a combination of regular walking and eating a healthier diet improved menstrual cycle regularity by 50%. You can choose any kind of exercise to deal with the issue of PCOS and pregnancy. Whether it is aerobic exercises, weight training, swimming, or dancing, any form of exercise will help as long as you are doing it regularly.

3. Changes in lifestyle

Losing weight through diet and exercise will improve PCOS symptoms. Studies have found that 95% of women with PCOS who followed a low-glycemic diet experienced an improvement in regulating menstrual cycles. This diet will keep your blood glucose stable, which helps with insulin resistance present in PCOS.

4. Take dietary supplements

Many women with PCOS have a vitamin D deficiency, which can increase insulin resistance, and a vitamin D supplement is sometimes prescribed.

Get Advice from Your Doctor

This is key, due to the fact that changes in lifestyle might not be enough to overcome PCOS, and you still may require medications, especially for the baby's sake during pregnancy. However, a healthy lifestyle may help your fertility treatments work better, help you feel better overall, and of course, help you to get pregnant with PCOS.

1. Metformin treatment

Occasionally, it is necessary to take diabetic medication (called metformin), which helps to control the excess production of insulin and stabilize blood sugar. This drug is relatively safe and may help women with PCOS get pregnant. It may also help you lose weight, restart regular menstrual cycles, improve the effectiveness of some fertility drugs, and reduce the rate of miscarriage.

2. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)

In women who are keen to conceive, medication can be prescribed which prompts ovulation. This helps to increase the number of eggs which are matured and released by the ovaries. It has been a standard infertility treatment for years, including in women with PCOS. The risk of taking this is that the chances of having a multiple pregnancy are increased. However, it's not successful for everyone. Studies have found that a combination of metformin and Clomid may help beat Clomid resistance. If this is not successful, your doctor may consider the drug letrozole or either try IVF or undergo a routine surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling, which destroys the tissue in the ovaries that causes the hormone imbalance.

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS

Natural methods are very helpful to reduce PCOS symptoms and recover fertility. However, they might not be enough, and a combination of lifestyle changes is the healthiest choice. Always check with your doctor for these treatments and undergo close monitoring with your doctor if you are thinking of getting pregnant or are expecting a baby.