Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common but complex hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It is a leading cause of irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, weight gain, acne, and metabolic issues. PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances that impact overall health.

At Caring for the Body, we take a root-cause approach to PCOS, offering functional medicine solutions that go beyond symptom management. Our goal is to help women restore hormonal balance, support metabolic health, and achieve lasting well-being through personalized nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies.

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Key contributors include:

1. Insulin Resistance

• Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies struggle to regulate blood sugar.
• This leads to higher insulin levels, which stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens (male hormones like testosterone), causing symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, and excess hair growth (hirsutism).

2. Hormonal Imbalance

• Elevated androgens (testosterone, DHEA) disrupt ovulation, leading to missed or irregular periods.
• Low progesterone can result in infertility, anxiety, and PMS-like symptoms.
• Higher estrogen levels may contribute to weight gain and mood swings.

3. Chronic Inflammation

• Many women with PCOS have elevated inflammatory markers, which worsen hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and weight gain.
• Inflammation is often triggered by diet, stress, gut health issues, and environmental toxins.

4. Genetic & Environmental Factors

• PCOS can run in families, but epigenetics (how lifestyle influences genes) plays a critical role in its development.
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can interfere with hormone balance.

Common Symptoms of PCOSPCOS symptoms can vary widely but often include:

• Irregular periods or absent cycles
• Excess facial & body hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne & oily skin
• Thinning hair or scalp hair loss
• Unexplained weight gain & difficulty losing weight
• Fatigue & low energy
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Sugar cravings & blood sugar imbalances
• Fertility challenges & difficulty conceiving
• Ovarian cysts (not always present in PCOS)

Many women with PCOS are misdiagnosed or struggle for years before receiving the right care. Functional medicine offers a proactive, personalized approach to managing PCOS naturally.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?‍

A PCOS diagnosis is based on the Rotterdam Criteria, which requires at least two of the following three:

1. Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
2. Signs of high androgens (testosterone, DHEA), such as acne, hair loss, or excess hair growth
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

At Caring for the Body, we go beyond standard diagnostic tests and assess:

• Hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, insulin, cortisol)
• Blood sugar & insulin resistance markers (fasting insulin, HbA1c, glucose)
• Inflammation levels (CRP, homocysteine, omega-3 balance)
• Thyroid function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies)
• Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins)

This comprehensive testing helps us create a personalized, root-cause treatment plan.Holistic & Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS

‍At Caring for the Body, we believe that PCOS can be managed naturally through a targeted, integrative approach that addresses hormones, metabolism, gut health, and lifestyle factors.

‍1. Nutrition & Blood Sugar Balance

• Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet to stabilize blood sugar
• Balancing carbohydrates with protein & healthy fats to reduce insulin resistance
• Increasing fiber intake (leafy greens, flaxseeds) to support hormone detoxification
• Eliminating processed foods, sugar, and inflammatory oils

2. Hormone Support & Natural Balancing

• Herbs & adaptogens like spearmint tea, maca root, and chasteberry to regulate cycles
• DIM (diindolylmethane) & calcium D-glucarate to balance estrogen metabolism
• Inositol (myo-inositol & D-chiro-inositol) to improve insulin sensitivity & ovulation

3. Stress Management & Cortisol Regulation

• Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to lower cortisol levels
• Restorative exercise (yoga, walking) instead of high-intensity workouts to prevent stress-induced hormone imbalances
• Prioritizing sleep (7-9 hours/night) for optimal hormonal function

4. Exercise & Movement for PCOS

• Strength training to improve insulin sensitivity
• Low-impact cardio (walking, cycling, swimming) to reduce inflammation
• Avoiding excessive high-intensity workouts if cortisol levels are elevated

5. Gut & Liver Detoxification

• Supporting gut health with probiotics & prebiotic-rich foods
• Detoxifying the liver with cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, and dandelion root
• Eliminating endocrine-disrupting chemicals (plastics, toxins in personal care products, pesticides)

6. Personalized Supplementation

• Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro-Inositol for insulin sensitivity
• Magnesium & Zinc for hormonal balance & inflammation reduction
• Omega-3s & Vitamin D for metabolic and immune health
• NAC (N-acetylcysteine) & Berberine for blood sugar regulation

PCOS & FertilityMany women with PCOS struggle with ovulatory dysfunction, making conception difficult. Restoring ovulation naturally is possible through:

• Balancing insulin levels
• Supporting progesterone production
• Using targeted supplementation
• Optimizing thyroid health

For women trying to conceive, a functional medicine approach can improve egg quality, ovulation, and overall reproductive health without reliance on medication alone.

‍Take Control of Your PCOS & Hormonal HealthPCOS is a manageable condition that responds incredibly well to lifestyle and functional medicine interventions. By addressing insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, women can regain energy, regulate cycles, improve fertility, and feel their best.

At Caring for the Body, we offer:
✔ Comprehensive hormone & metabolic testing
✔ Personalized nutrition & lifestyle plans
✔ Natural supplements & botanical medicine
✔ Stress & gut health optimization
✔ Holistic support for fertility & cycle regulationYou don’t have to navigate PCOS alone.

Our team is here to support you with science-backed, natural solutions to help you thrive in your body.Schedule a consultation today and take control of your hormonal health, metabolism, and well-being.