There are a lot of women in the world walking around with an endocrine disorder who don’t even know it. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short, is known to affect up to 13% of all reproductive-aged women around the world, but this percentage is likely much higher. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 70% of all women with PCOS are undiagnosed. How is this possible? Because hormone disorders in women tend to mimic each other in symptoms, like stubborn weight gain, irregular periods, thinning hair, and acne. Each woman with PCOS may have her own symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or a delay in determining the cause.
Why PCOS Treatment Matters
It’s important to treat PCOS, since women with this condition are at a higher risk of certain health problems. Research shows that by age 40, 40% of women with PCOS will develop pre-diabetes or diabetes. They are also more susceptible to endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
While PCOS is often thought of as a reproductive disorder, it also affects inflammation, adrenal function, thyroid balance, and estrogen metabolism. Because multiple systems are involved, effective care requires a holistic approach. The goal is to restore metabolic function, balance hormones, and support adrenal and thyroid health for long-term wellness.
Understanding PCOS
No one knows why, but occasionally a woman of reproductive age isn’t able to produce enough hormones needed to ovulate. When an egg fails to release, the ovaries can become inflamed with small fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs. These cysts stimulate the production of androgens, which can accumulate rapidly depending on the quantity and size of the cysts. Androgens are usually found in abundance in men, but women with PCOS also have elevated levels of androgens. This interferes with menstruation and causes a host of symptoms attributed to PCOS.
Symptoms may include:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Infertility
- Oily, acne-prone skin
- Extra body hair, including the face, stomach, chest, or back
- Dark or thickened skin around the neck, underarms, or beneath the breasts
- Weight gain, particularly around the stomach
- Hair loss or male-pattern baldness
- Skin tags
Family history of PCOS can make a woman’s risk of developing it greater, as well as a history of insulin resistance. Obesity, a sedentary life, or exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can also contribute to the onset of PCOS.
Taking the Natural Approach to Treatment
Healing PCOS isn’t about targeting a specific hormone, but about restoring balance across multiple body systems. It also means making detox pathways as efficient as possible, so symptoms are relieved, and the body can enjoy balance.
Goals of Treatment:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar
- Reduce excess androgens
- Support ovulation and menstrual regularity for pre-menopausal women
- Reduce inflammation
- Support adrenal and thyroid function
- Promote health estrogen and progesterone balance
The best way to treat PCOS is by addressing the affected body systems together. This can be done with a four-part approach:
- Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Support: Stabilizing blood sugar and metabolic function is a top priority. Focus on low-glycemic foods and preventing insulin spikes. This means eating more whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruit, and more protein. Aim to eat protein every 4 hours to prevent insulin spikes, and 25-30 grams of fiber. Drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, and don’t forget to move your body for at least 45 minutes a day.
- Insulin and Hormone Support: PCOS can interfere with insulin even if your blood sugar looks okay. Supporting insulin and hormone balance can improve menstruation and reduce symptoms. Supplements and hormone therapy can help target different aspects of PCOS.
- Insulin support:
- Inositol improves insulin sensitivity, lowers testosterone, and supports ovulation
- Berberine enhances insulin signaling and metabolic function
- Chromium and magnesium help support stable blood sugar
- Hormone Support:
- Progesterone reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and counters estrogen dominance
- Estrogen balance with DIM or Calcium D-Glucarate supplements can help metabolize excess estrogen
- Androgen support with saw palmetto, zinc, and inositol to reduce elevated testosterone and other androgens
- Adrenal, Thyroid, Liver, and Gut Health: Chronic stress, thyroid issues, and poor gut health or detox can worsen PCOS. Better support for these systems means more balanced hormones, reduced inflammation, and improved energy.
- Adrenal support:
- Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil) and L-theanine help regulate cortisol, reduce stress, and improve sleep
- Magnesium glycinate helps support relaxation, and aids in detox
- Thyroid support:
- Iodine and selenium support thyroid hormone production, if low
- Thyroid nutrients or medications improve energy, metabolism, hair health, and menstrual regularity
- Liver and detox support:
- Fiber and cruciferous vegetables support estrogen metabolism and elimination
- DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate for healthy estrogen detox
- NAC or glutathione increases antioxidants and liver function
- Gut health support:
- Probiotics improve the gut microbiome
- Gut repair nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc, carnosine, and aloe reduce bloating, inflammation, and prevent excess estrogen reabsorption
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Many people take omega-3s (EPA and DHA) as a daily supplement, but they are especially helpful for treating PCOS. These fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, balance androgens, stabilize mood, regulate menstruation, and protect the liver.
The Happy Hormone Cottage Way
Even though PCOS is a complex condition with many treatment options, you don’t have to manage PCOS on your own. With a knowledgeable and experienced team, women with PCOS can live healthier, more comfortable lives with minimal symptoms.
Ready to start your wellness journey? The experts at Happy Hormone Cottage are here to answer your questions and provide comprehensive testing and recommendations for PCOS treatment.
Call us today at (513) 444-6343 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
