Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormone problem, affecting up to 5 million US women of child-bearing age. However, this condition can continue far beyond the reproductive years.
The National Institutes of Health states that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have at least two of the following conditions:
- Absence of ovulation, which leads to irregular or no menstrual periods
- High levels of androgens, such as testosterone and DHEA (often thought of as male hormones, but women have them as well)
- Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on one or both ovaries
However, while “polycystic” literally means “having many cysts”, some women diagnosed with PCOS don’t have cysts on their ovaries. What happens over time is that because the ovaries contain follicles, eggs that are released do not make it down to the uterus and be trapped in the follicles. The ovaries appear enlarged because the follicles that surround the eggs look like “cysts.” An ultrasound is usually required to confirm.
Underlying Causes of PCOS
PCOS is not a specific disease, but a set of symptoms with the common denominator of irregular ovulation.
The root causes of PCOS are both hormonal and metabolic, and many of the symptoms or conditions interact. When one symptom worsens, this can cause others to worsen, and this makes it sometimes difficult to determine cause versus effect. For example, women who have PCOS often have high androgen levels AND Insulin Resistance.
Some women are genetically predisposed to this condition, though there is no specific “PCOS gene.” However, studies have shown that genes affecting hormone levels and insulin resistance can be passed down from generation to generation. One such study, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, found that 24% of women with PCOS had mothers with the condition, and 32% had sisters with it.
It’s also possible to have PCOS and not notice any symptoms. Often, a woman won’t even realize she has the condition until she has trouble getting pregnant or gains weight for no known reason. A person can also have mild PCOS, where the symptoms aren’t severe enough to notice.
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Symptoms of and Conditions Associated with PCOS
- Irregular periods
- Absent periods
- Infertility
- Acne, excess body hair, and loss of hair on the scalp
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Low progesterone levels
- Estrogen dominance
- Hypothyroidism
- Abnormal cholesterol, including high triglycerides
- Prediabetic A1C ranges
- Ovarian cysts
- Sleep apnea
- Skin tags on the armpits and neck area
- Dark patches of thickened skin, particularly on the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts
- Fatigue
- Thinning hair
- Mood changes
- Pelvic pain
- Depression
Insulin Resistance
Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition where your body doesn’t respond as it should to the hormone insulin.
When blood sugar levels rise after you eat, your pancreas releases insulin. This helps the glucose in your blood move into the cells in your muscle, fat, and liver, so they can use it for energy. But when you develop insulin resistance, the glucose stays in your blood instead of moving into the cells. To compensate, your pancreas secretes more insulin, and over time, your blood sugar levels go up.
Insulin resistance can cause weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. And it can lead to a wide range of problems, including metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes.
Estrogen Dominance
Another condition associated with PCOS is estrogen dominance, where the ratio between estrogen and progesterone is out of balance.
The lack of ovulation with PCOS produces continual levels of estrogen as eggs are released into the follicles. But because the eggs don’t mature, the body doesn’t produce adequate levels of progesterone. This throws off the ratio between estrogen and progesterone, which can contribute to PCOS and also cause abdominal weight gain, infertility, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid dysfunction. Estrogen dominance also increases the risk of endometriosis, breast cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.
Conventional PCOS Treatment
Conventional medicine treats PCOS by prescribing synthetic birth control pills to make periods more “regular.” This type of “treatment” of prescribing birth control to manage symptoms of PCOS makes no sense since PCOS already makes it difficult for a woman to conceive! Birth control pills will make it almost impossible. Doctors may also prescribe statins to control the high cholesterol which may be associated with insulin resistance. And often, fertility drugs are prescribed for a woman trying to get pregnant. Plus, many patients undergo procedures to remove excess body hair.
Yet, none of these approaches addresses the root cause of the condition, and only treats or masks the symptoms. Additionally, some studies have shown that birth control pills can worsen insulin resistance — which contributes to PCOS.
Discovering and Treating the Root Causes of PCOS at Forum Health Las Colinas
As we have mentioned, PCOS can have both hormonal and metabolic causes, and it’s vital to get to the root cause of what’s going on. That’s why we address PCOS and the many associated symptoms and conditions through a multi-faceted, functional medicine approach. Our integrated, personalized, comprehensive, and regularly monitored program of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy incorporates:
- Comprehensive, scientific-based laboratory testing
- Provider consultation
- Comprehensive health assessment
- Nutritional/lifestyle education
- Medically proven supplements as needed
- Bioidentical hormones prescribed based on your individual needs
We also provide education that will empower you to take back your health. This includes diet and exercise, ways to reduce or manage stress, how to improve sleep, and much more. It’s all about helping you achieve optimal hormone balance and the highest possible quality of life. With the right tools, medical guidance, and lifestyle changes, you can enjoy a lifetime of wellness and vitality!
Free Phone Consultation With Our New Patient Coordinator
Our providers at Forum Health Las Colinas are devoted to understanding your health concerns and symptoms. We use scientific-based protocols to find the root cause of hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and more. We believe that spending quality, personalized time with each patient provides the foundation for optimal health and wellness. Our system incorporates provider consultation, comprehensive health assessment, and laboratory testing in a warm and caring environment.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Free Phone Consultation. She can explain our protocols and fees in more detail, answer your questions, and explain how our approach can help you enjoy a vibrant and healthy life!
You can reach us by phone at (972) 960-4800, or complete the form below and we will contact you. There is no obligation to do this consultation. If you feel we are a good fit for you, our New Patient Coordinator can also get you booked for your first appointment.
For More Information, call our New Patient Coordinator at 972-960-4800
Or Fill In the Inquiry Form Below and We Will Contact You!
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