Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects millions of people worldwide, presenting a variety of symptoms ranging from irregular menstrual cycles to hormone imbalances and difficulty conceiving. While conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief, they often fail to address the root cause. However, managing PCOS symptoms with functional medicine can offer insights into personalized care that goes beyond traditional medicine.
At Regeneration Health, we understand how difficult managing PCOS can be. No two individuals’ experiences with the condition are the same, and your treatment plans shouldn’t be either. If you are struggling with your symptoms, keep reading to see how managing PCOS symptoms with functional medicine can help you find relief.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that most frequently affects people through their reproductive years. There are many symptoms that may accompany PCOS, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Excess Facial or Body Hair (Hirsutism)
- Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
- Insulin Resistance
- Mood Swings
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Conceiving
While the exact cause of PCOS is unclear, it is believed that it may be caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors. Due to the associated insulin resistance, the body may produce more androgen hormones, contributing to overall symptoms of PCOS.
There are several tests involved in the PCOS diagnosis process, including a physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasounds. Managing PCOS often focuses on addressing symptoms and reducing the risk of long-term complications, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How Functional Medicine Can Help
While there are many traditional medical approaches that can aid in managing PCOS symptoms, functional medicine can complement these treatments. Functional medicine looks at the body as a whole, allowing your practitioner to create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs. By emphasizing prevention and lifestyle modifications, functional medicine empowers you to take an active role in managing your PCOS over time.
Appropriate Testing
To begin the process, your functional medicine practitioner will utilize a range of tests to understand the imbalances you may be experiencing. These tests may measure hormone levels and insulin resistance. Your team may also recommend a metabolic and thyroid panel to uncover any additional contributing factors that may contribute to your hormone dysregulation. By starting with these tests, your team can create a personalized treatment plan to address the root causes of PCOS and promote overall health and well-being.
Nutrition Suggestions
Your nutrition plays a critical role in managing PCOS. Your team may make nutrition suggestions to help balance your blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and support hormone regulation. They may recommend a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Additionally, your team may suggest incorporating fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and spices to help mitigate inflammation. These nutrition suggestions may emphasize meal timing, portion control, and mindful eating practices to help optimize your metabolic health.
Addressing Gut Health
Improving your gut health can significantly help in managing PCOS symptoms. Functional medicine offers accessible solutions, like probiotics and prebiotics, to promote a healthier gut environment. Probiotics combat inflammation, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation. Prebiotic fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, maintaining balance. Additionally, gut healing involves eliminating inflammatory foods, identifying sensitivities, and using natural remedies. By prioritizing gut health, individuals with PCOS can enhance metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and potentially alleviate symptoms, providing a pathway to improved well-being.
Hair Loss Treatments
Combatting hair loss linked to PCOS becomes more manageable with the holistic approach of functional medicine. This method targets the root issues: hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Tailored treatment plans are crafted, considering your PCOS profile. Solutions include herbal supplements, nutrients, and lifestyle tweaks to balance hormones. Dietary changes and targeted supplements also tackle insulin resistance. Plus, optimizing nutrient intake boosts hair health. By tackling hair loss from its core with functional medicine, you can restore hair growth, regain confidence, and improve overall well-being.
Thyroid Wellness
Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to improving thyroid health, acknowledging how thyroid function intertwines with hormonal balance. With their tests, your team should be able to spot any thyroid issues. By tackling inflammation, insulin resistance, and adrenal problems, they can boost thyroid function. Nutritional tweaks aid hormone production, while lifestyle changes further support thyroid health and hormonal harmony. With these treatments and regular monitoring, your team can help you make significant improvements to your thyroid health.
Managing PCOS Symptoms with Regeneration Health
No matter what symptoms you are trying to manage, working with a reliable functional health team, like our team at Regeneration Health, is an essential first step. With years of experience helping patients across the Northern Utah area manage their symptoms, we are confident that we can do the same for you.
From hormone replacement therapies to IV nutritional therapy and everything in between, our team provides a variety of treatments to help our patients feel like their best selves. If managing PCOS symptoms with traditional medicine isn’t cutting it anymore and you’d like to speak to our team about how functional medicine can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.