Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Breastfeeding

What is Polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Your breast tissue starts to develop during puberty. Your breasts might seem to grow, but they are mostly filled with fat and lack the glandular tissue. A lack in breast tissue results in low milk supply. Your breasts may also develop normally in puberty, but fail to go through the vital changes in pregnancy that make milk production possible.

Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOS) is an (hormonal confusion) endocrine disorder that affects 5 - 10% of all women. PCOS is recognised by enlarged ovaries that have many small, painless polycystic ovarian cysts. Women who have PCOS do not ovulate, they do not release an egg every month. This is why they do not have regular periods.

Research shows that moms with PCOS struggle with low milk supply more often than other mothers.

- The biggest problem is insufficient mammary tissue.

- Another problem that PCOS can cause during breastfeeding is the inability to produce mature milk.

- Insulin resistance is another symptom of PCOS. This can also cause lactation problems.

Herbs that can help increase milk supply if you have PCOS:

- Goat's Rue: Helps to build breast tissue and can improve milk supply

- Saw palmetto

- Chasteberry

- Fenugreek is a good herbal treatment widely used by nursing mothers

If you have PCOS you should check with a certified lactation consultant when your baby is born so that you can get help working through these issues.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome treatments associated with low milk supply:

- Metformin and polycystic ovarian syndrome: Women with PCOS induced insulin resistance can increase their milk supplies by taking metformin. Many women with PCOS take metformin during pregnancy regardless of their insulin levels and have excellent results breastfeeding.

- Weight loss and stress management can help reduce PCOS symptoms and then increase your milk supply

- PCOS cure : Cure The Root Cause Of Ovarian Cysts

What causes Polycystic Ovarian syndrome?

The exact cause is not known

Polycystic Ovarian syndrome symptoms?

- Infertility

- Irregular or missing periods

- Excess hair growth on the face and/or body

- Hair loss

- Undeveloped breast tissue

- Acne

- Obesity

- Lipid abnormalities

Who gets PCOS?

PCOS usually begins with the start of menstruation, but can begin earlier with the preteen years or can also develop at any time throughout a woman's childbearing years.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is not as common among older women and is very rare in post-menopausal women.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Blood tests for specific hormones are done. These hormones are created by the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland.

Tests are also done for cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and insulin.

The cysts in the ovaries are fluid-filled sacs which can easily be recognized with ultrasound.

You can get support and further help at the Polycystic ovarian syndrome association

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