PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that affects a large number of women throughout the US. This condition occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce a larger-than-normal amount of androgens, causing small cysts to form in the ovaries. The Office on Women’s Health estimates that 10% of women experience PCOS symptoms sometime in their life. PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because there is not one single test that can fully identify this condition. At Champion Naturopathic Health, our medical team is well-versed in diagnosing and treating PCOS. If you’re interested in learning more about the complexities of this condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office today.
Symptoms of PCOS
Some of the common symptoms of PCOS can include:
• Weight gain, especially in the belly region
• Missed, irregular, or light periods
• Increased body hair
• Enlarged ovaries
• Cysts on ovaries
• Acne
• Infertility
• Baldness or thinning hair
• Dark skin patches, particularly on the back of the neck, under the breasts, and in the armpit area.
How is PCOS Typically Diagnosed?
Diagnosing PCOS can be difficult, especially if your medical provider is not well-versed in the common symptoms of this complex condition. Your provider will likely start with a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to check the health of your reproductive organs.
Some symptoms of PCOS can be shared with other health conditions, which is why a PCOS diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. Some tests that may be used to diagnose PCOS can include:
• Ultrasound – Using an ultrasound machine can help to look at the size of the ovaries and any cysts that may be present. An ultrasound can also look at the thickness of the uterine lining.
• Blood tests – A number of blood tests can be performed to look for high levels of androgens and other hormones. Below are some of the blood tests we perform at Champion Naturopathic Health to help with PCOS diagnosis:
o Hormones (Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc.)
o hA1c, insulin and glucose
o Other hormones such as FSH/LH, Prolactin and DHEA
o AMH
o And many others such as thyroid, Vitamin D and an adrenal stress profile are also often screened at the same time.
How is PCOS Treated?
Treatment for PCOS depends on several health factors, such as your age, the severity of your symptoms as well as your overall health. The treatment options also will likely depend on whether you’re looking to get pregnant in the near future.
Below are some of the more common PCOS treatment options:
• Dietary and activity changes – A healthy diet and more exercise can help to reduce your PCOS symptoms. This can also help to lower your blood glucose levels and allow your body to use insulin more efficiently, which can, in turn, help you ovulate more normally.
• Nutrients and herbal support – At Champion Naturopathic Health, we recommend several nutrients and herbal supplements that can help ease the symptoms of PCOS.
• Lifestyle changes – Reducing stress in your life, increasing physical activity, and watching what you eat can all make a big difference when it comes to reducing the symptoms of PCOS.
Testimonial from a Client Who Came to CNH for PCOS Treatment
Read a testimonial from one of our patients, Noel Miller, who came to our practice for help with PCOS treatment:
“After 3 discouraging years of trying to find care, support and treatment for PCOS in conventional medicine, I finally found Dr. Nita Champion at Champion Naturopathic Health. What a gift! Dr. Nita worked closely with me to understand the root causes of my PCOS. It was a steady process where I got to see improvements almost immediately. My absent menstrual cycles returned. My blood sugar and insulin stabilized. My hormone imbalances moved into normal ranges. I do not even present the traditional symptoms associated with PCOS anymore. I am also overjoyed to share that my husband and I were able to conceive naturally with no fertility interventions. Our healthy baby boy was born just 3 months ago after a very healthy pregnancy. Dr. Nita has been instrumental in helping me reach the health and wellness I was craving for years. I recommend CNH to everyone I come in contact with who feels frustrated with their health. So grateful for this team.”
Interested in a Consultation with One of our Doctors?
If you’re tired of dealing with medical providers who won’t listen to your symptoms or who are quick to prescribe medications that don’t address the root cause of your condition, the time is now to reach out to Champion Naturopathic Health. Our team of Naturopathic Doctors are focused on lessening your PCOS symptoms, but also on treating you as a whole person. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, call our office today at (952) 417-1912 or email us at info@ChampionNH.com.
