What Is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It’s often misunderstood, frustrating, and can make you feel like there’s no clear solution. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take a holistic, Functional Medicine approach—addressing not only symptoms but also the root causes of PCOS to help restore your body’s balance.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
If you’ve been living with PCOS, you may recognize these symptoms:
- Weight struggles: Gaining weight easily and finding it hard to lose.
- Skin changes: Acne and unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, arms, or feet (hirsutism).
- Hair loss: Thinning hair on the scalp, often mistaken for regular hair thinning.
- Fertility issues: Trouble conceiving or repeated miscarriages.
- Mood swings and fatigue: Anxiety, depression, and irritability are common companions.
- Pelvic pain: Pain during your cycle or at other times.
PCOS doesn’t just affect your body—it can also impact your emotional health, self-esteem, and relationships. That’s why understanding the full picture is key.
What Makes PCOS So Complex?
PCOS affects multiple systems in the body, making it a multifaceted condition. It’s connected to:
- Endocrine function: Hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgens, disrupt normal body processes.
- Metabolism: Insulin resistance affects up to 70% of women with PCOS, disrupting hormone regulation.
- Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation from infections, food sensitivities, or toxins can worsen symptoms.
Mainstream Treatments for PCOS
Traditional medicine often targets individual symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. Common approaches include:
- Metformin: A diabetes medication that helps regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
- Birth control pills: Prescribed to balance hormones and manage irregular periods.
While these treatments can help temporarily, they don’t resolve the root issues driving PCOS. Functional Medicine offers a deeper, more personalized approach.
Our Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we believe true healing starts with understanding the whole person. Our PCOS protocol addresses underlying causes through comprehensive evaluation and natural solutions.
Step 1: Comprehensive Testing
We begin by exploring your health history and running detailed lab tests to assess:
- Inflammation markers: Identifying hidden infections or yeast overgrowth.
- Food sensitivities: Detecting triggers like gluten or dairy.
- Hormone levels: Evaluating how your hormones interact with metabolism.
- Insulin resistance: Determining if blood sugar dysregulation contributes to your symptoms.
These insights allow us to create a customized treatment plan built around your unique needs.
Step 2: Resetting Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance plays a major role in PCOS. Many women with the condition struggle to process insulin efficiently, which disrupts hormonal balance. We help reset insulin sensitivity through:
- Dietary adjustments: Adopting a nutrient-dense, low-glycemic eating plan.
- Exercise routines: Incorporating movement to stabilize blood sugar and boost metabolism.
Step 3: Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can worsen PCOS symptoms. We identify and eliminate key triggers such as:
- Hidden infections
- Food intolerances
- Environmental toxins
Reducing inflammation allows your hormones and metabolism to function more efficiently, improving overall health and well-being.
Step 4: Balancing Hormones Naturally
Instead of synthetic hormones, we focus on natural balance through:
- Supporting adrenal health
- Encouraging healthy ovulation
- Reducing excess androgens (male hormones)
This natural approach promotes harmony throughout your hormonal system and reduces PCOS symptoms long term.
Why Functional Medicine Works for PCOS
Functional Medicine views PCOS as a whole-body issue. By addressing metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle together, we achieve outcomes that are:
- Long-lasting: Solutions designed for sustainable results, not temporary fixes.
- Comprehensive: Root-cause analysis for true healing.
- Empowering: You gain the knowledge and tools to take control of your health.
Your Journey to Better Health Starts Here
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we’re passionate about helping women with PCOS reclaim their health and vitality. What sets us apart:
- Personalized Care: Every woman’s experience with PCOS is unique, and so is her care plan.
- Whole-Body Focus: We restore balance across all systems, not just hormone levels.
- Natural Solutions: Our treatments prioritize long-term health, not quick fixes.
Real Stories, Real Results
“Dr. Barter is a very gifted healer! After just a few sessions, I felt a complete turnaround in my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She is incredibly intuitive, highly knowledgeable, and uses techniques that truly work. I can always count on feeling tremendously better after seeing her. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
Take the First Step Today
PCOS doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support, you can reduce or even eliminate symptoms and regain control of your health. Book your appointment today and start your journey to balanced hormones and renewed energy.
FAQs
- What is PCOS? PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and excess androgen levels.
- What are common symptoms? Irregular cycles, weight gain, acne, hair loss, excessive hair growth, and fertility issues.
- What causes PCOS? The cause is multifactorial—insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and genetics play key roles.
- How is PCOS diagnosed? Through symptom review, bloodwork (hormones, insulin), and ultrasound imaging.
- Can PCOS be cured? There’s no cure, but symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle and medical support.
- How does PCOS affect fertility? PCOS can disrupt ovulation, making conception harder, but treatments can restore fertility.
- What diet helps with PCOS? A low-carb, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber and healthy fats supports hormone and blood sugar balance.
- Is exercise beneficial? Yes, regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation.
- Can Functional Medicine help? Absolutely—by addressing the root causes through nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle adjustments.
- What natural remedies support PCOS? Supplements like inositol, omega-3s, and vitamin D, plus good sleep and stress management, can help regulate hormones.