Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. As we mark PCOS Awareness Month, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the condition, its symptoms, causes, and how functional medicine can play a pivotal role in managing PCOS naturally and holistically.
At Aura & Meta, we specialize in addressing complex hormonal imbalances such as PCOS using functional medicine, offering individualized care to help women regain balance and vitality. Let’s dive into what PCOS is, its symptoms, causes, and how to approach it with a holistic lens.
Understanding PCOS: What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It’s characterized by the development of small cysts on the ovaries and is often accompanied by a range of symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive androgen levels (male hormones), and polycystic ovaries, which contain multiple immature follicles.
PCOS can significantly impact a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin levels, and overall metabolic health. Functional medicine aims to address these underlying issues by focusing on root causes rather than just symptom management.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular Periods: One of the hallmark signs of PCOS is irregular or missed periods, as the ovaries often fail to regularly release eggs.
- Excess Androgens: Elevated levels of male hormones can lead to physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), acne, and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic Ovaries: On an ultrasound, ovaries with multiple immature follicles may be seen, though this feature alone doesn’t confirm a PCOS diagnosis.
- Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight: Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, making it harder to manage weight.
- Skin Problems: PCOS can lead to oily skin, acne, and dark patches of skin, particularly around the neck, under the breasts, and in the groin area.
- Fertility Challenges: Because of irregular ovulation, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s vital to consult with a healthcare provider. Functional testing, such as hormone and metabolic panels, can provide detailed insights into the root causes of these symptoms, allowing us to craft a personalized treatment plan for you. Learn more about the hormonal and functional testing we offer.
Root Causes of PCOS: A Functional Medicine Perspective
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it’s believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several underlying mechanisms can drive the condition:
- Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Dysregulation One of the key drivers of PCOS is insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher levels of both insulin and glucose in the bloodstream. This can contribute to weight gain, increased androgen levels, and the development of cysts in the ovaries. Addressing insulin resistance through diet, exercise, and targeted supplementation can help improve symptoms.
- Hormonal Imbalance PCOS is often marked by elevated levels of androgens, which disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Oestrogen dominance and imbalances in progesterone are also common in women with PCOS, further exacerbating symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, and irregular periods. Functional hormone testing, such as the DUTCH Test, can help determine the exact imbalances, allowing us to create a personalized plan. Explore our hormone testing services.
- Inflammation Chronic low-grade inflammation is often found in women with PCOS, and this can stimulate the ovaries to produce androgens, contributing to the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle approaches are crucial in managing inflammation and alleviating PCOS symptoms.
- Gut Health Emerging research shows a connection between gut health and hormonal balance. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to systemic inflammation and hormone dysregulation. Restoring gut health through a nutrient-rich diet and probiotics can help support hormonal balance in women with PCOS. Learn more about how gut health plays a crucial role in hormone balance on our gut health page.
Holistic Management of PCOS
Functional medicine approaches PCOS by focusing on balancing hormones, supporting insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. Here are some strategies that may help:
- Nutritional Therapy: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, fibre, and low glycemic index foods can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce PCOS symptoms. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, berries, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can be beneficial.
- Exercise and Movement: Regular physical activity can help regulate insulin and manage weight. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga are excellent options.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms by increasing cortisol levels, which further disrupts hormonal balance. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress effectively.
- Hormonal Support: Addressing hormonal imbalances is key to managing PCOS. The DUTCH test can offer insights into oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and androgen levels, providing a clear picture of what needs to be balanced. Learn more about the DUTCH Test and other functional testing options on our functional testing page.
PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that requires a multifaceted approach to effectively manage. By addressing the root causes—such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances—functional medicine can help women regain control of their health and alleviate the challenging symptoms of PCOS.
At Aura & Meta, we’re committed to supporting women with personalized care. If you’re struggling with PCOS and its symptoms, let’s work together to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more or to book a consultation.