Centre for Advanced Medicine
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder, affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. From a functional medicine perspective, PCOS is viewed as a multifactorial condition rooted in a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Functional medicine approaches PCOS by seeking to understand and address the underlying imbalances and dysfunctions in the body, rather than just treating the symptoms. Key areas of focus include:
Insulin resistance is a common feature in many women with PCOS, leading to elevated insulin levels. This can exacerbate androgen production, contributing to symptoms like acne, hirsutism and irregular periods. Functional medicine aims to improve insulin sensitivity through dietary modifications, exercise and targeted supplementation.
PCOS involves an imbalance in reproductive hormones, particularly elevated androgens and disrupted estrogen-progesterone balance. Functional medicine explores the root causes of these imbalances, including adrenal stress, thyroid dysfunction and exposure to environmental toxins. Many PCOS patients present with ‘normal’ blood work, according to the large medical reference ranges, but looking through a functional medicine lens or exploring urine/saliva hormone testing can provide us with a much more comprehensive understanding of the hormonal imbalances. Personalized interventions, such as herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathics or bio-identical hormones can be used to balance hormones.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is often present in PCOS and it may contribute to insulin resistance and ovarian dysfunction. Functional medicine addresses inflammation by identifying and eliminating inflammatory triggers, as well as using specific natural health products to calm the inflammatory pathways.
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