How Do I Talk to My Partner About PCOS?

Question: How Do I Talk to My Partner About PCOS?

Answer:

Depending on your relationship and when you were diagnosed with PCOS, you will most likely want to tell your partner at some point. Chances are they’ll have lots of questions. The most important thing you can do to prepare is make sure that you understand the syndrome well enough yourself to answer them.

What Causes PCOS?

PCOS is associated with an imbalance of the endocrine system but it is still not known exactly what causes those changes.

The main theories behind PCOS include genetics, a misfiring of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis and a relationship between insulin and androgen.

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis is a hormonal control system in the body.

The hypothalmus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone that travels to the pituitary gland, which releases a slew of hormones, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH).

LH stimulates the ovaries to produce androgens. One theory is that high levels of LH and androgens, such as testosterone, cause PCOS.

The insulin-androgen connection theorizes that insulin — which is typically high in women with PCOS — decrease the production of sex-hormone binding globulin, or SHBG. When SHBG is present, testosterone is carried in the blood, but if a reduced amount of SHBG is available, more free testosterone is in the blood. High insulin levels are also believed to increase the amount of androgens that the ovary produces.

Can We Have Children?

Having PCOS and pregnancy is possible, though it may a little bit more difficult. While it can be a challenge, the good news is that there are a number of treatments available.

There are lots of medications and new technologies that are available to help couple have children if they are not able to on their own. Having an idea about what to expect when starting infertility treatment can help your partner feel more in control of and less intimidated by the process of infertility treatment.