Can You Donate Plasma With PCOS? [2026 Medication & Eligibility Guide]

PCOS and Plasma Donation

Why PCOS Is Acceptable

• Not autoimmune: PCOS is an endocrine/metabolic disorder, not an immune condition
• Doesn't affect plasma quality: No abnormal antibodies or plasma proteins
• Common condition: Affects 6-12% of women; excluding them would significantly reduce donor pool
• Medications allowed: All standard PCOS treatments are acceptable

When You CAN Donate

• Diagnosis of PCOS: With or without symptoms
• Taking PCOS medications: Metformin, birth control, anti-androgens all allowed
• Stable weight: Not experiencing rapid weight changes
• Normal blood pressure: <140/90 at donation screening
• No diabetes: Or well-controlled diabetes with A1C <6.5%
• Regular periods: Or amenorrhea that doesn't affect health

When You're Deferred

• Uncontrolled diabetes: A1C >6.5% or on insulin (see diabetes policies)
• High blood pressure: >140/90 consistently
• Severe obesity: BMI may affect venous access (center-specific policies)
• Active infection: Ovarian cyst rupture, pelvic infection
• Recent hospitalization: For PCOS-related complications

PCOS Medications (All Allowed)

Insulin Sensitizers

Hormonal Birth Control (All Allowed)

Anti-Androgens

Ovulation Induction (for Fertility)

Pregnancy note: If you become pregnant while taking fertility medications, you cannot donate during pregnancy or for 6-9 months postpartum.

Other PCOS Treatments

• Inositol supplements: Allowed
• Vitamin D: Allowed
• NAC (N-acetylcysteine): Allowed
• Omega-3 supplements: Allowed

PCOS-Related Complications

Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Women with PCOS have higher diabetes risk:

Hypertension

PCOS increases high blood pressure risk:

• Normal (<120/80): No issues
• Elevated (120-129/<80): Acceptable
• Stage 1 (130-139/80-89): May donate if on medication and controlled
• Stage 2 (≥140/90): Deferred until controlled

Obesity

PCOS often involves weight struggles:

• BMI eligibility: Most centers accept up to BMI 40-45 (varies by center)
• Venous access: Higher BMI may make vein location harder but doesn't automatically disqualify
• Comfort: Donation chairs have weight limits (usually 350-400 lbs)
• Health screening: Higher BMI prompts careful BP and diabetes screening

Ovarian Cysts

• Asymptomatic cysts: Normal with PCOS, no deferral needed
• Recent rupture: Wait 30 days after resolution
• Surgery: Standard post-surgical waiting periods apply
• Ongoing pain: May interfere with ability to sit comfortably for donation

What Screening Staff Will Ask

PCOS-Specific Questions

1. "Do you have PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome?"
2. "What medications do you take for PCOS?"
3. "Do you have diabetes or pre-diabetes?"
4. "Are you trying to get pregnant or currently pregnant?"
5. "Do you take metformin or other diabetes medications?"
6. "When was your last menstrual period?" (pregnancy screening)

Vital Signs Monitoring

PCOS patients get extra attention to:

• Blood pressure: Checked each visit (PCOS increases hypertension risk)
• Weight: Tracked to monitor stability
• Protein levels: Finger-stick test (can be affected by insulin resistance)
• Pulse: Some PCOS medications affect heart rate

Information to Provide

• Complete medication list (including supplements)
• Last A1C result if you have diabetes/pre-diabetes
• Blood pressure readings if you monitor at home
• Any recent PCOS-related hospitalizations or procedures
• Fertility treatment status (if applicable)

Donation Tips for PCOS Patients

Managing Metformin Side Effects

Metformin can cause GI issues that complicate donation:

• Timing: Take metformin after donation, not before (reduces nausea risk)
• Food intake: Eat protein-rich meal 2-3 hours before donation
• GI symptoms: If metformin causes diarrhea, ensure well-hydrated before donating
• Extended release: Metformin ER has fewer GI side effects if you can switch

Blood Sugar Management

• Pre-donation meal: Balanced with protein, complex carbs, healthy fats
• Avoid simple sugars: Don't load up on candy/juice before donation (insulin spike then crash)
• Snack availability: Bring protein bar in case of low blood sugar during/after
• Monitor symptoms: Dizziness, shakiness, confusion could indicate hypoglycemia

Hydration Considerations

• Extra water needed: PCOS patients may have subtle dehydration from insulin resistance
• 20+ oz before donation: Drink 2-3 hours prior
• Avoid caffeine excess: Can affect blood pressure and hydration
• Post-donation fluids: 8-10 glasses water over next 24 hours

Weight Management While Donating

• Protein replacement: Donation removes 50-70g protein; replace with lean protein
• Not a weight-loss tool: Don't use plasma donation to burn calories (unhealthy approach)
• Stable weight best: Rapid weight changes affect protein levels and eligibility
• Nutrient-dense foods: Focus on quality nutrition to support both PCOS and donation recovery

Fertility Considerations

• If trying to conceive: Inform staff (pregnancy creates 6-9 month deferral)
• Pregnancy tests: Some centers test before each donation
• First trimester risk: Unknown pregnancy could be harmed by donation stress
• Document LMP: Keep track of last menstrual period for screening questions

When to Pause Donations

• Pregnancy confirmed
• Starting insulin for diabetes
• Blood pressure becomes uncontrolled
• Significant weight gain affecting venous access
• PCOS medication changes causing instability
• Ovarian cyst complications