Fertility and PCOS: How much time do I have left? #119

Hello everyone,

Today we start discussing a super important topic: fertility.

This will be a five part series to deep dive into our ability to conceive with my colleague Daria, a Nutritional Therapist who specialises in fertility. In these series we will answer some key questions about our fertility.

1. Episode 1: PCOS and fertility - how do I know how much time I have left?

2. Episode 2: How can I prepare my body for pregnancy?

3. Episode 3: Finding ovulation when your cycles are irregular

4. Episode 4: The other side of the coin -> checking your partner’s fertility and optimising for a family

5. Episode 5: Fertility assistance - what are my options and when should I seek help?

It’s my birthday on Tuesday and I would love to give you a 20% discount on the paid version of The PCOS Newsletter. Available till 19th of February only. We have some incredible content coming up on top of our fertility series, including interviews with GPs and Gynaecologists. Don’t miss out on this offer.

I know this is a worry for all of the women with PCOS. We hear about the probability of struggling to become pregnant from early on. It’s a worry for me.

In addition to our struggles with fertility, there is also the annoying clock. Unfortunately finding the right husband it’s a bit trickier these days. If you have not found him at university or college, you are likely to be pushed with dating in your late twenties. By the time marriage comes along it will be early thirties. Unfortunately this age it’s also the time when your career picks up. You have enough experience to go up the ladder. With that comes access to more income which opens the doors to travelling and adventure. For me, the decision to have a baby now in my early thirties it’s though. I think I want to have children but I don’t want to give up my great life. Anyone feels the same?

In today’s insightful conversation we discuss if and how you can find out your fertility status and why women with PCOS might struggle with fertility.

In this article and video:

1. Who is Daria?

2. What is Nutritional Therapy in PCOS?

3. Why do women with PCOS struggle with fertility?

4. How do androgens impact fertility?

5. How do I know how much time I have left?

6. How does age impact fertility?

7. How long before planning should I prepare?

8. How do I know how much time he has got left?

Who is Daria?

Daria is Nutritional Therapist specialising in Fertility. She is a lecturer and academic tutor at CNM and a good friend of mine.

You can find Daria at www.nutridaria.com, Instagram or email at: daria@nutridaria.com

What is Nutritional Therapy in fertility?

Nutritional therapists working in the realm of fertility prioritise two aims:

1. Getting the couple to optimal health

2. Replenish nutrients stores for a health baby

Rather than focusing solely on the woman, the approach emphasises that fertility is a shared journey, where both parties must be in optimal health. As a result we look at both the women and the man and address any imbalances.

We leverage food and lifestyle as primary tools for health improvement. An essential aspect of the approach involves replenishing critical nutrients—such as iron, which plays a vital role in supporting the increased blood volume demands during pregnancy and preventing anemia. Addressing nutrient deficiencies prior to conception is crucial because correcting them during pregnancy can be significantly more challenging. Overall, the strategy is to prepare the couple holistically, reducing potential health risks and paving the way for a successful and healthy pregnancy journey.

Why do women with PCOS struggle with fertility?