Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects at least 1 in 10 women. So many women have it, and it can look very different depending on the woman. It can affect weight, skin, hair, energy, periods, and fertility, and all of these things affect mood and quality of life. As someone who struggles with PCOS and endometriosis, I am no stranger to how frustrating conditions like these can be. While PCOS may not be a very well understood condition, it doesn’t mean we don’t have options. A key part of treatment is getting accurately diagnosed, and treating the symptoms and systems that are most prominent for that woman.

For example, thyroid issues are extremely common in women with PCOS, and if you’re one of them, treating PCOS alone is only going to get you half way. Or if your gut microbiome is a major contributor to inflammation and nutrient deficiencies. PCOS can involve so many systems, so treating the right ones for you is going to get you the best results!

PCOS and Pregnancy

A common question I get is around pregnancy and PCOS. Pregnancy with PCOS is totally achievable, and any fertility related goal is going to look a little bit different treatment wise than just treating that condition, with extra focus to ovulation, egg quality, and implantation factors. Naturopathic therapies have so much to offer both with and without IVF and other reproductive technologies. There are also some additional supports throughout the pregnancy and postpartum that are helpful in women with PCOS.

Insulin Resistance

A major theme of PCOS is insulin resistance, which is when insulin receptors on cells are basically numb to the signal of insulin and need more and more insulin to achieve the same amount of glucose control, also sometimes called hyperinsulinemia. This is different than frank diabetes, although people with diabetes can have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be created by several different systems, like inflammation, stress, thyroid, gut health, gallbladder and liver function, and the most effective treatment solution is going to depend on which/how many systems are involved. It is also important to note that you can have insulin resistance and not PCOS, but some of the symptoms may look similar.

Possible Symptoms

and Signs of PCOS:

  • Acne
  • Male pattern hair loss
  • Dark, coarse hair growth on face and body
  • Pigmentation spots on the skin
  • Irregular periods
  • No periods
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Multiple cysts on ovaries

Problems with Insulin

or Glucose:

  • Diabetes
  • High testosterone or other androgens
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa

A person with PCOS can have some of these symptoms and not others, and you do not have to have polycystic ovaries in order to be diagnosed with PCOS. You can have a regular cycle and still have PCOS. You can also be lean and still have PCOS. The good news is that no matter your presentation of PCOS, there are so many amazing evidence based therapies (including diet, lifestyle, herbs, and supplements) out there that help reduce the underlying testosterone, blood sugar, and insulin dysregulation, and therefore can improve the symptoms. While there are so many to choose from, your naturopathic doctor or health care practitioner can help guide you to which ones fit you and your symptoms the best!

To learn more about the basics of PCOS, please see my blog article!