Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that no single test can diagnose. 

PCOS is not a disease but a whole body disorder; there could be many different symptoms due to elevated androgens (male hormones such as testosterone). 

PCOS affects so many women of fertility age in the world. Today PCOS is acknowledged as the prevailing endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age across the globe. In fact, PCOS is one of the most common conditions affecting women suffering with infertility, and one of the top reasons for visits to the gynecologist.

PMID: 29794677, 26509855 

PCOS can have a wide range of symptoms, and not all women with PCOS will experience the same symptoms. However, some common symptoms of PCOS that may indicate a need for medical attention include:

1. Irregular periods: Women with PCOS may have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles.

2. Excessive hair growth: PCOS can cause excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, or other areas of the body.

3. Acne: PCOS can cause persistent acne on the face, chest, or upper back.

4. Weight gain: Many women with PCOS may have difficulty losing weight and may gain weight easily.

5. Hair loss: Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp can be a symptom of PCOS.

6. Fatigue: PCOS can cause fatigue and low energy levels.

7. Infertility: PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women.

8. Mood changes: Women with PCOS may experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety.

PMID: 24151290, 27406348, 25756387

PCOS can have various contributing factors. While the exact causes of PCOS are not fully understood, several underlying factors are believed to play a role:

1. Genetic Factors: There appears to be a genetic component to PCOS, as it tends to run in families. Certain gene mutations or variations may contribute to the development of the condition, although specific genes involved have not yet been identified conclusively. (PMID: 27423183, 31920361)

2. Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. These imbalances can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and interfere with ovulation. (PMID: 27419327)

3. Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin, is commonly associated with PCOS. This can lead to increased insulin levels in the bloodstream, triggering the ovaries to produce more androgens. (PMID: 15866584)

4. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body may be linked to PCOS. Inflammatory factors can disrupt normal hormone production and function. (PMID: 33917519, 33920227, 22178787)

5. Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors, such as exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, have been suggested to contribute to the development or exacerbation of PCOS symptoms. (PMID: 27559705, 36676087, 26825073)

6. Withdrawal from the Birth Control Pills: Symptoms can be caused by a withdrawal from the synthetic hormones in HBC. (PMID2947544)

7. Deficient in essential nutrients: Women with PCOS often exhibit deficiencies in several essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrient deficiencies are believed to be associated with both psychological effects such as depression and anxiety, as well as physiological consequences like insulin resistance, diabetes, and infertility commonly observed in individuals with this condition. (PMID: 34970669)

It is important to note that PCOS is a complex and multifactorial condition, and different individuals may have varying combinations of these factors contributing to their symptoms. Additionally, the interplay between these factors and the exact mechanisms by which they lead to PCOS are still being studied.

While PCOS cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed.  Each individual has a unique combination of causes and symptoms, so there's no single way to treat it. Treatment plans for PCOS should be made for each individual's case. Working collaboratively with your doctor, a treatment plan will be tailored to your specific symptoms, reproductive plans, and long-term health risks, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

PMID: 27419327

The treatment plan may involve a combination of the following approaches:

1. Lifestyle modifications: Changing lifestyle, such as dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, are recommended as the primary approach to improving long-term outcomes. These modifications are typically initiated before or in conjunction with pharmacological interventions.

2. Prescription medications: To address acne and reduce excess hair, your doctor may recommend hormonal birth control methods such as pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). Additionally, medications may be prescribed to inhibit androgen effects or lower insulin and androgen levels. If you are trying to conceive, fertility medications like clomiphene (Clomid) may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.

3. Weight loss: Achieving weight loss can contribute to the regulation of blood glucose levels, improved insulin utilization, and the restoration of hormone balance. Even a modest reduction in weight, typically around 10 percent (e.g., 15 pounds for a woman weighing 150 pounds), can have beneficial effects, such as enhancing menstrual regularity and increasing the chances of successful conception.

4. Hair removal or reduction: There are several approaches available to address unwanted hair growth, including the use of facial hair removal creams, laser hair removal, electrolysis, or the application of prescription skin treatments like eflornithine HCl cream, which can effectively reduce the rate of hair growth.

5. In vitro fertilization (IVF): In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process that entails the fertilization of your egg with your partner's sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to your uterus, where it can implant and develop. Compared to medication-only approaches, IVF offers higher pregnancy rates and reduces the likelihood of multiple pregnancies by enabling the transfer of a single fertilized egg.

6. Surgery: In certain instances, surgery might be advised. One surgical option is ovarian drilling, a procedure in which lasers or fine needles heated with electricity are used to puncture the outer layer (cortex) of the ovaries. This procedure aims to address ovulation impediments and generally leads to the restoration of ovulation; however, its effects typically persist for a duration of six to eight months.

www.womenshealth.gov, PMID: 27419327

While pharmaceutical options may prove effective for certain individuals, there are those who may prefer a more natural approach or have concerns regarding potential medication side effects. If you are seeking an alternative method to address PCOS, my naturopathic medical PCOS care would be an ideal choice. 

In line with the principles of naturopathic medicine, it is essential to address the underlying cause of a condition rather than merely concealing the symptoms that manifest. Naturopathic care finds the root causes of insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Here are my main approaches to PCOS management:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans: I take into account each individual's unique symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to create personalized treatment plans. This customized approach allows for a more targeted and comprehensive treatment of PCOS. (PMID: 27419327)

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications: I emphasize the importance of nutrition and lifestyle changes in managing PCOS. I may recommend a tailored diet plan that focuses on meal timing, nutrient-dense foods, balanced macronutrients, and managing insulin levels. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and adequate sleep, are also encouraged to support hormonal balance. (PMID: 23688334, 28264433, 34371961)

3. Environmental Toxin Protocols: While more research is needed to fully understand the link between PCOS and environmental toxins, minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants and adopting a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. (PMID: 27559705, 21193545, 36676087)

4. Improving Gut Health: Emerging research suggests that there may be a connection between gut health and PCOS. The gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, including metabolism, inflammation, and hormone regulation. (PMID: 29370410, 33171400) 

5. Herbal and Nutritional Supplements: I may prescribe herbal medicines and nutritional supplements to address specific symptoms of PCOS. These supplements can help regulate hormone levels, support metabolic function, improve insulin sensitivity, and manage inflammation. (PMID: 30299265, 34371961, 19585478, 35916457)

6. Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. I emphasize stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, therapeutic body work, and counseling, to help patients effectively cope with stress and its impact on PCOS. (PMID: 19150179)

Our first session will involve a thorough assessment of your physical and mental health history to identify the underlying cause(s) of your PCOS related condition(s). 

As part of this process, multiple blood labs will be ordered. 

I will provide you with information on the specific labs that are needed or recommended, along with approximate costs.

Additionally, I utilize the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) to investigate your sex and adrenal hormone production and metabolism. This test also provides valuable insights into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, and melatonin levels.

If you have budget constraints, please don't hesitate to let me know. We can explore alternative routes of investigation. 

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

In our second session, we will dedicate an hour to reviewing the results of your labs and discussing the root cause(s) of your condition(s). 

During this time, I will provide you with personalized treatment plans, explaining them in detail. 

It is also an opportunity for you to discuss any new conditions, concerns, or questions you may have.

We will spend an hour to follow-up your last visit and check if we need to adjust our past treatment plans. 

You can bring up your new conditions/concerns/questions during this time. 

Available in person and/or Virtual 

I do not take insurance at this time. 

I am a provider who operates as an "out of network" practitioner, meaning that I do not accept health insurance plans. Instead, patients are directly billed for their treatment, and I can provide a superbill to assist with submitting a claim for reimbursement to insurance for naturopathic medical services. It is recommended to reach out to your insurance carrier to determine the specific coverage criteria and understand the associated out-of-pocket costs, as these can vary. 

When contacting your insurance carrier, you may want to inquire about the deductible amount and the percentage of reimbursement for the following visit codes after the deductible has been met:

Diagnostic assessment for the first visit (CPT code 99201 - 99205 with or without modifier 25,)

Follow up visit (CPT code 99212 - 99215 with or without modifier 25)

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) (CPT code 98925 - 98929 with or without modifier 59)

Electrical Stimulation (CPT code 97032 with or without modifier 59)

Therapeutic Exercise (CPT code 97110 with or without modifier 59)

Payment Options: 

I accept cash, check, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB), Zelle, or PayPal.