Are Your Hormones Playing Hide and Seek with you?: PCOS, Endometriosis and Fertility Challenges

Hormonal imbalances are often underestimated in women's health. When I was in my much younger years, I suffered from extremely irregular periods. Yes, I was very thin (not by choice) but my Doctor at the time used this as an explanation for it, and put me on birth control pills. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have looked into my body's current hormone levels, rather than going on the pill and accepting everything that came along with that. Our hormones can significantly impact conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, leading to painful symptoms and difficulties with fertility. I was actually told by a Doctor when I was 22 that I would never be able to conceive. Happily this was not the case, but I spent a lot of time taking Naproxin for cramps that were so extreme, they would lay me out in bed. Did it occur to me at the time that this was not normal? No. I was told that some women just "have it worse" than others. By understanding the role of their body's hormone levels and making connections, today's women can better navigate their health challenges and pursue effective treatment options.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, making it a common hormonal disorder. A woman's symptoms can include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. The guilty party at the root of PCOS is the imbalance of reproductive hormones, which contribute to the formation of the ovarian cysts.

This hormonal disruption can also cause insulin resistance, which affects nearly 70% of women with PCOS. This makes blood sugar regulation difficult, increasing the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. We now know from recent studies that women with PCOS are four to seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

The Dilemma of Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women in their reproductive years and occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can lead to severe pain, especially during menstruation, and is associated with infertility challenges.

A common symptom of this is irregular menstrual cycles. The relationship between endometriosis and hormones is intricate, particularly concerning estrogen and progesterone. Higher levels of estrogen can intensify the growth of endometrial-like tissue, worsening pain and further complicating fertility. (Consider Xenoestrogens in your diet and environment)

Research shows that about 30-50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility.

The Fertility Connection

Both PCOS and endometriosis are major factors contributing to fertility issues in women. The hormonal imbalances linked to these conditions can disrupt ovulation, making conception difficult. For instance, women with PCOS may have infrequent or absent ovulation, while those with endometriosis may face complications due to scar tissue and hormonal fluctuations.

Understanding the importance of hormones being in balance, and having those levels checked, is an important first step. This allows today's women to explore root causes,changes and treatments alongside of their health professionals that may provide better outcomes than previously offered. Fertility treatments can range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. For women with PCOS, adjustments in diet and exercise can help regulate hormones and improve ovulation rates. In fact, a study revealed that women who adopted a balanced diet and regular physical activity saw a 40% improvement in their chances of conceiving:).

For those dealing with endometriosis, strategies may include diet and lifestyle changes, hormonal treatments to reduce estrogen levels or surgical procedures to remove endometriosis implants.

Strategies for Management

Managing hormonal imbalances requires a comprehensive approach. It's essential for women to partner with a good healthcare team specializing in women's health to receive accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

For women with PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight can lead to significant health improvements. Incorporating regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can help decrease BMI and improve reproductive outcomes. Women with fertility issues, endometriosis or PCOS need to investigate their hormone levels through testing, and get those in balance as a starting point to navigating any of these. When it comes to hormones you can't guess, you have to test, and a good thorough, deep dive is the best place to start, to find your way forward.