Treating beyond just the symptoms in PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting up to 15% of women of reproductive age (1). Because it’s both misunderstood and misdiagnosed, it’s likely that the numbers of those with it are in fact significantly higher. PCOS can be characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. Women who have it may also experience hair loss, excessive hair growth in areas like the upper lip, chest, and back), and difficulty getting pregnant. In fact, PCOS has become a leading cause of infertility. 

While the exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Insulin resistance and inflammation play significant roles, and emerging research suggests that environmental toxins, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and pesticides, may contribute to the development of PCOS by disrupting hormonal balance (2). 

Traditional treatment of PCOS focuses on symptom reduction which is largely done with oral contraceptives. While these may mask irregular periods, hair growth, and acne it does not address the root cause and symptoms are likely to return once oral contraceptives are stopped. At our practice, PCOS is addressed by treating the whole body. We offer specialized testing to investigate environmental toxicity, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Treatment plans I offer for these patients would likely include targeted supplementation, lifestyle and diet modifications involving stress reduction, blood sugar balance, and personalized lab tests. 

Inositol is one supplement that I regularly may suggest for patients with PCOS. It may be one of the most studied supplements in PCOS and has been shown to improve menstrual cycle length, lower androgens, and improve egg quality (3). Getting your hands on this supplement would be a great starting place for someone in their PCOS journey along with dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that shows promising studies in the management of PCOS (4). This is a service available in addition to your provider appointment at BEMC. You can read more about acupuncture, Dr. Wang, and find some fertility studies under the ‘Acupuncture’ section of our website. 

While PCOS can cause disruptions to fertility, mood, and overall wellbeing, I know myself and our team of practitioners at BEMC are equipped to look beyond just the symptoms, address potential root causes and help women feel their best.

1.  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos. Accessed August 4, 2024. 

2. Jozkowiak M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Kobylarek D, et al. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Relevant Role of the Theca and Granulosa Cells in the Pathogenesis of the Ovarian Dysfunction. Cells. 2022;12(1):174. Published 2022 Dec 31. doi:10.3390/cells12010174 

3. Unfer V, Nestler JE, Kamenov ZA, Prapas N, Facchinetti F. Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Endocrinol. 2016;2016:1849162. doi:10.1155/2016/1849162 

4. Lim CED, Ng RWC, Cheng NCL, Zhang GS, Chen H. Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;7(7):CD007689. Published 2019 Jul 2. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007689.pub4 

Author

Jade Russell MSN, RN, FNP-C Jade is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016 from Cedarville University. After graduation she began her nursing career in the neurology department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Shortly thereafter Jade went back to school and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing from Cedarville University in 2020. During her career in healthcare Jade has worked in a number of different settings, including IV therapy and family practice, giving her a wide variety of experiences to draw from. Jade has a passion for integrative health care and is excited to improve the health and well being of those in the mid-Michigan area. Her goal is to partner with patients to obtain the highest quality of life possible. In her spare time Jade enjoys vacationing with her husband, cooking, and exercising outside on warm summer days.