Everything You Need to Know About PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and How a Functional Approach Can Help
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s not always fully understood. It’s often described as a “metabolic syndrome,” and it affects many women differently. In this post, we’ll break down what PCOS is, its symptoms, why it happens, and how a functional, holistic approach can help manage it.
What Exactly Is PCOS?
PCOS is a spectrum of symptoms that can vary greatly from one woman to the next. For some, PCOS is barely noticeable, while for others, it can have a significant impact on daily life. Some of the more common symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), trouble losing weight, infertility, and even mood changes like depression and low libido.
The most common way to diagnose PCOS is through the Rotterdam Criteria, which says that if you have two out of three signs (hirsutism, irregular periods, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound), you can be diagnosed with PCOS.
But here’s the thing: PCOS is a syndrome, meaning it looks different for everyone. The symptoms can swing wildly, and the good news is, they can be controlled with the right combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and sometimes, medications.
Why Does PCOS Happen?
PCOS often comes down to hormonal imbalances, specifically a misalignment between estrogen and progesterone, sometimes with high levels of testosterone. These imbalances, combined with insulin resistance, put women at a higher risk for developing metabolic conditions like diabetes. This hormonal rollercoaster makes it difficult to lose weight, and can even cause changes to your body shape.
What causes these imbalances? New research shows that it may be linked to changes in our genes, along with environmental factors like exposure to chemicals called xenoestrogens. These chemicals, found in plastics, detergents, pesticides, and even food, mimic estrogen in the body and can make PCOS symptoms worse.
Who Can Get PCOS?
PCOS can affect any woman, and certain groups may be more susceptible than others. However, the condition can start at any age, often beginning in puberty, but symptoms may not show up until later in life. If you’ve been dealing with irregular periods or other signs of PCOS, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.
How Can We Manage PCOS?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are plenty of ways to manage PCOS. The best strategy is a multi-pronged approach that focuses on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Here’s what we do through our LAMPS approach:
Lifestyle Changes: Losing just 10-15 pounds through diet and exercise can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms. Even without medication, making these changes can have a significant impact on how you feel.
Alternative Medicine: Natural remedies, including herbal supplements and alternative therapies, can also help balance hormones and manage symptoms without the side effects of traditional medications. A holistic approach can help “swing the pendulum” to a healthier state.
Mental Wellness: Stress management is key. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can worsen hormonal imbalances. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and focusing on self-care can make a big difference.
Pharmacological Approaches: If needed, medications like oral contraceptives, metformin, and spironolactone are commonly used to regulate periods and manage excess hair growth. These are often part of a broader treatment plan.
Social Wellness: Surround yourself with positivity. Having a supportive community, whether it’s family, friends, or a support group, can make all the difference in managing PCOS.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome and How Does It Relate to PCOS?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease. If you have PCOS, you’re at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which includes traits like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels.
You don’t need to have all the characteristics of metabolic syndrome to be affected, but having just one can increase your risk of developing others over time. The good news? By eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can avoid the full-blown effects of metabolic syndrome and improve your overall health.
How Can I Get Tested for PCOS or Metabolic Syndrome?
To find out if you have PCOS or metabolic syndrome, you can start by visiting your doctor for a physical exam. Blood tests to check fasting glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides are common ways to diagnose metabolic syndrome. For PCOS, your doctor may check hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, to understand how your body’s hormones are functioning.
If your blood work comes back normal, don’t be discouraged—especially if you’re in the early stages of PCOS. You may not see changes in your lab results right away, but it’s still important to follow a holistic approach to avoid further progression.
The Power of Lifestyle and Functional Medicine
One of the best things you can do for PCOS is to focus on your lifestyle. Diet and exercise are often the best ways to help regulate your hormones, manage your weight, and improve your overall well-being. Functional medicine takes a deeper dive into your unique health needs, offering a holistic treatment plan that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes of PCOS.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are plenty of options for managing PCOS, including herbal remedies, medications, and stress management techniques. The most important thing is to take a comprehensive approach and get support from professionals who understand the complexity of the condition.
Where Should You Start?
Start by scheduling a GYN check-up to discuss your symptoms and get a proper diagnosis. From there, a Functional Medicine approach can provide you with personalized treatment options that include lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and other tools for managing PCOS.
If you’re already receiving care but feel like something’s missing, consider joining a support group or exploring customized treatment packages designed to give you a holistic, multipronged approach to PCOS management.
How is functional approach different?
We can do much deeper level cutting edge hormone/ urine/ toxins and genetic testing to see exactly what might be going on at the cellular level and then design personalized precision medicine protocols to assist you in your journey.
This is medicine 3.0!!
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the right support, you can take control of your health and feel better again.
Be safe, be ready and be prepared,
Dr. Gupta