Solving PCOS: The Functional Medicine Approach
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common yet complex endocrine disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. At Back On Track 2 Wellness in Roseville, California, we emphasize a holistic, functional medicine approach to understanding and managing PCOS. By addressing root causes and systemic imbalances, functional medicine offers hope for women struggling with PCOS and its myriad symptoms.
Insulin Resistance as a Driving Factor in PCOS
One of the primary drivers of PCOS is insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels. When the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, the pancreas produces more of it, leading to hyperinsulinemia. High insulin levels can increase androgen production, contributing to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and hirsutism (excess hair growth).
Insulin resistance is a key factor in weight gain and difficulty losing weight, common issues for many women with PCOS. This creates a vicious cycle where weight gain further exacerbates insulin resistance, and vice versa. Addressing insulin resistance through dietary changes, exercise, and targeted supplements can significantly improve PCOS symptoms. According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance.
PCOS and Miscarriages
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and miscarriages. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which can impair ovulation. Additionally, the hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance associated with PCOS can affect the uterine environment, making it difficult to maintain a pregnancy.
Studies indicate that women with PCOS are three times more likely to experience a miscarriage compared to women without the condition. Functional medicine focuses on restoring hormonal balance and improving insulin sensitivity to enhance fertility outcomes. By addressing these underlying issues, women with PCOS can improve their chances of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term.
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Immune Resilience Issues in PCOS
Women with PCOS often experience immune resilience issues, making them more susceptible to infections and inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a common feature of PCOS, contributing to insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. This inflammation can also lead to oxidative stress, further exacerbating hormonal imbalances and PCOS symptoms.
A functional medicine approach aims to reduce inflammation through dietary modifications, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, lifestyle changes like stress management and regular physical activity can enhance immune resilience and overall health.
Root Causes of Menstruation Changes in Teenagers and Adults
PCOS is a leading cause of menstrual irregularities in both teenagers and adults. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, such as elevated androgens and insulin resistance, can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
These hormonal changes can also cause severe PMS symptoms, cystic acne, depression, and anxiety. Addressing the root causes of these symptoms through a functional medicine approach involves rebalancing hormones, improving insulin sensitivity, and supporting overall hormonal health. Personalized treatment plans may include dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate these distressing symptoms.
Weight Loss Resistance and PCOS
Weight loss resistance is a significant challenge for many women with PCOS. The interplay between insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation makes it difficult to shed excess weight. Traditional weight loss methods often prove ineffective, leading to frustration and despair.
Functional medicine offers a more individualized approach to weight management. By addressing the underlying causes of weight gain and resistance, such as insulin resistance and inflammation, functional medicine practitioners can develop tailored strategies to support sustainable weight loss. This may include specific dietary plans, exercise routines, and targeted supplements to enhance metabolism and promote fat loss.
Mood Swings and Mental Health
PCOS can have a profound impact on mental health, contributing to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. The hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance associated with PCOS can affect neurotransmitter function, leading to mood disorders. Additionally, the stress and frustration of dealing with PCOS symptoms can further exacerbate mental health issues.
A functional medicine approach recognizes the importance of mental health in overall well-being. Integrative strategies such as stress management techniques, counseling, and mindfulness practices can support emotional health and improve the quality of life for women with PCOS. Addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances and supporting neurotransmitter function can also alleviate mood swings and enhance mental well-being.
PCOS and the Connection to Other Autoimmune Conditions
Research indicates that women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and lupus. The chronic inflammation and immune system dysregulation associated with PCOS can predispose women to these autoimmune disorders.
Understanding the connection between PCOS and autoimmune conditions is crucial for comprehensive care. Functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address the underlying inflammation and immune dysfunction that contribute to both PCOS and autoimmune diseases. By reducing inflammation, supporting immune resilience, and rebalancing hormones, functional medicine can improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing autoimmune conditions.
Symptoms Associated with PCOS
PCOS manifests through a wide range of symptoms, which can vary significantly from woman to woman. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irregular Periods: Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles, which can include infrequent, prolonged, or absent periods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), menstrual irregularities affect about 70-80% of women with PCOS.
- Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Elevated levels of androgens can lead to excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back.
- Acne and Oily Skin: High androgen levels can cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne outbreaks.
- Thinning Hair: Androgens can also cause thinning hair or male-pattern baldness.
- Weight Gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to insulin resistance.
- Darkening of the Skin: Areas of dark, thickened skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, can appear, particularly around the neck, groin, and under the breasts.
- Polycystic Ovaries: Enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts are a hallmark of PCOS, visible via ultrasound.
Deeper Dive into Irregular Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS for many women. These irregularities can manifest in various ways, including oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). These disruptions are often due to anovulation, where the ovaries do not release an egg during the menstrual cycle.
The lack of regular ovulation can cause the endometrial lining to build up excessively, leading to heavy bleeding when menstruation does occur. This can also increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. Functional medicine practitioners work to restore regular ovulation through hormonal balance and lifestyle interventions, improving menstrual regularity and reducing associated risks.
Statistics and Facts
Understanding the prevalence and impact of PCOS is crucial for raising awareness and encouraging women to seek appropriate care. Here are some key statistics and facts about PCOS:
- PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women.
- Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for better awareness and diagnostic criteria.
- Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for several serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
- According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, women with PCOS have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to women without the condition.
- The economic burden of PCOS in the United States is estimated to be around $4.36 billion annually, including the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and management of associated conditions.
Conclusion
PCOS is a multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment. At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we utilize functional medicine principles to address the root causes of PCOS, offering hope and healing for women struggling with this condition. By focusing on insulin resistance, hormonal balance, immune resilience, and overall health, functional medicine provides a path to improved well-being and a better quality of life.
For more information on how functional medicine can help manage PCOS, visit our website at www.backontrack2wellness.com or schedule a complimentary consultation with us.
Schedule a Consultation TODAY!
We would love to sit down with you and chat about your experiences and current pain points.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Dr. Todd W. Bunning, DC, PC
Dr. Todd W. Bunning’s chiropractic and functional medicine services reach far beyond the local Roseville area, with webcam consultations available for patients in any location. With over 20+ years of Private Practice experience, Dr. Todd continues to focus on the individual: science-based methods to address whole-body health factors.
Dr. Todd’s education didn’t stop when he graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in 2003. Today, he’s continuing to receive training and is chipping away on numerous post-graduate degree programs. This unique blend of clinical health investigation and Lifestyle Medicine application helps people of all ages find the underlying factors that result in chronic disease.