3 ways PCOS is Preventing Pregnancy
One of the most common hormonal conditions that affects women today is Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome and yet it is also the most misunderstood. Around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have PCOS. One of the most distressing consequences of PCOS is its impact on fertility.
If you’ve been trying to conceive and have PCOS, you’re not alone—and there is hope. Understanding the ways PCOS interferes with your fertility is the first step to reclaiming your reproductive health.
1. Irregular Ovulation (or No Ovulation at All)
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary—a necessary step for natural conception. In PCOS, hormone imbalances (particularly excess androgens and disrupted LH/FSH ratios) can prevent the ovaries from ovulating regularly—or at all.
Instead of developing and releasing a mature egg each cycle, the ovaries often contain many small follicles that stall in development. This can mean long, irregular cycles or even months without a period, making it incredibly difficult to predict fertile windows or conceive naturally.
Naturopathic insight: Supporting regular ovulation through diet, herbal medicine, and blood sugar balance can often restore more predictable cycles and boost fertility naturally.
2. Hormonal Imbalances That Disrupt the Entire Cycle
PCOS isn’t just about the ovaries—it’s a systemic condition involving multiple hormones. Elevated testosterone, insulin resistance, and altered progesterone levels can all interfere with a healthy menstrual cycle.
These hormonal disruptions may lead to:
Thinner or inadequate endometrial lining (making implantation harder)
Poor egg quality due to oxidative stress
Low post-ovulation progesterone, affecting embryo development
Naturopathic insight: Herbal and nutritional strategies can support hormonal harmony. Addressing insulin resistance with dietary changes, for instance, often leads to dramatic improvements in hormonal balance and menstrual regularity.
3. Inflammation and Metabolic Factors
PCOS is often linked with chronic low-grade inflammation, which can impact fertility in subtle but significant ways. Inflammation can interfere with hormone receptors, increase insulin resistance, and even affect the quality of the cervical mucus and the uterine environment.
In addition, women with PCOS often have a higher risk of metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, which can further impair ovarian function and egg quality.
Naturopathic insight: An anti-inflammatory lifestyle—incorporating nutrient-dense foods, gentle exercise, stress support, and targeted supplementation—can reduce inflammation and improve fertility outcomes over time.
Final Thoughts
If you're struggling with fertility and have PCOS, it can feel overwhelming—but you're not broken. With the right support, many women go on to conceive naturally or with minimal intervention.
As a naturopath, I work closely with women to uncover the root causes of their hormone imbalances and create tailored plans to support ovulation, balance hormones, and optimize reproductive health.
🌿 You deserve a plan that supports your body—naturally.
If you're ready to explore how naturopathic care can support your fertility journey, I’d love to help. Get in touch today.