Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that occurs in about 9 to 21% of women who are of reproductive age. The phrase “polycystic ovary syndrome” is not really accurate in describing this condition because it implies that the cause is always ovarian cysts, when in fact, there can be multiple causes, and not all of these are fully understood. PCOS, since it is a misunderstood condition, is often under-diagnosed, and conventional medicine usually relies upon pharmaceuticals as the mainstay of treatment. However, Aligned Modern Health offers you another treatment option. Because PCOS is likely to be a metabolic and endocrine disorder, we go to the root of the problem and assess imbalances, which empowers us to prescribe lifestyle changes that enable your body to heal naturally.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a condition involving hormone imbalance in women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several issues are suspected as possible contributors. Insulin resistance, or a reduction in the body’s ability to metabolize sugar, is one of these possible causes, and is known to increase the production of androgen, the male hormone. This can compromise ovulation and lead to infertility. Chronic inflammation may also be a cause of PCOS and may also lead to chronic health problems further down the road.
Why is PCOS so often Under-diagnosed?
Since the causes of PCOS are not fully understood, clinicians often find it difficult to diagnose. There is not a fixed set of diagnostic criteria, and there is not one simple test or group of tests whose results give a definitive answer as to whether or not a woman has PCOS. It is not uncommon for an adolescent girl to have irregular periods and hormone fluctuations as well as acne, which are also all symptoms of PCOS, so it’s hard to tell whether the problem is truly PCOS or simply part of growing up. Conventional medicine does offer some tests and guidelines for diagnosis, but these can vary with the source.
The Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS Treatment
The source behind PCOS varies, which is why Functional Medicine is a great approach. PCOS itself is misunderstood. Rather than trying to control symptoms with pharmaceuticals, Functional Medicine takes a distinct diagnostic approach for each woman in order to understand the unique factors contributing to your PCOS.
In regards to PCOS, we use natural methods to assess and treat underlying causes and imbalances that may include insulin resistance, high androgens, and various hormonal imbalances. At Aligned Modern Health, we also offer acupuncture as a important part of integrative medicine for women’s health. Acupuncture may be beneficial for improving menstrual frequency and decreasing circulating testosterone in women with PCOS.
Come see our team if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you’re experiencing infertility – or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness.
Schedule an Appointment for Help with PCOS Today
If you are having symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, call to schedule an appointment for help with PCOS today. Fill out our form to let us know about the services you will need, and our team will contact you as soon as possible. We are looking forward to helping you find out what being healthy truly means. Call us at 773-598-4387 and let us help you on your journey back to health. Click the button below to schedule an appointment!
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