Ovarian and uterine issues are a leading cause of female infertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome, PCOD (polycystic ovary disease), Syndrome O and Syndrome X, is a hormonal disease affecting between 5-10% of women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS produce greater than normal amounts of androgens, a male hormone normally produced in small amounts in a woman’s body. The hormone insulin is also linked to PCOS.
- Infertility due to lack of ovulation
- Infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual periods
- Hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um): Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
- Weight gain or obesity, usually with extra weight around the waist
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs that are thick and dark brown or black
- Skin tags: excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
- Pelvic pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep apnea: breathing stops for short periods of time while asleep
- Exercise is an absolute must.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Avoid conventionally raised beef and dairy products, which may contain residues of estrogenic hormones used as growth promoters.
- Increase your intake of whole soy foods, including tofu, tempeh, soymilk, and edamame. The isoflavones in soy may help with the hormonal imbalances.
- A study in Fertility and Sterility showed that one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder reduced insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
- There may be additional herbs and acupuncture that can help, but you would need to see a trained practitioner for specific advice.
- More than 50 percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) before the age of 40.
- The risk of a heart attack is 4 to 7 times higher in women with PCOS than women of the same age without PCOS.
- Women with PCOS have a greater risk of having high blood pressure.
- Women with PCOS often have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Sleep apnea, when breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep, is common.
- Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for endometrial cancer.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature ovarian failure and premature menopause, is defined as the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Technically, premature menopause is when menstruation stops completely, but these terms are often used interchangeably.
- Irregular or skipped periods
- Hot flashes/Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Reduced sexual desire
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are tumors growing in the wall of the uterus, ranging from many small masses to singular larger masses that are typically benign (non-cancerous). They are comprised of muscle tissue and can grow into the uterine space on the inside or outside wall of the uterus. Uterine Fibroids affecting 20-80% of women, mostly in their 40s and 50s. They are more common in African American women–in fact, by menopause, 80% of African-American women have Uterine Fibroids.
Creating a Family has many resources for women with PCOS, POF, uterine fibroids, and other ovarian/uterine issues. A few of the most recent that we think you will find particularly helpful are:
- What You Need to Know about Living With Fibroids (article)
- What is PCOS and What Can I Do About It? (article)
- 5 Things You Must Know About Fibroids If You Want to Get Pregnant (article)
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (1 hr. podcast w/ expert)
- Uterine Fibroids: Causes, Treatment, Impact on Fertility (1 hr. podcast w/ expert)
- How Nutrition and Lifestyle Impact PCOS (1 hr. podcast w/ expert)
- Books about Ovarian Issues (recommended book lists)
Many more Creating a Family radio interviews with experts, videos, blogs, fact sheets, and Q and A’s with Experts on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Premature Menopause can be found at the icons below.
Sources: Creating a Family Radio Shows listed below, www.womenshealth.gov; www.drweil.com; www.mayoclinic.org
Additional Resources
