A Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS
Restoring Hormonal Balance Naturally
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with up to 1 in 10 women being affected. Characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen production (like testosterone), and symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, and fertility struggles, PCOS can feel overwhelming.
However, there is hope. A functional medicine approach to PCOS looks beyond just symptom management and focuses on the root causes of the condition, addressing them through diet, supplements, lifestyle changes, and personalised testing.
By restoring the body’s natural rhythms and hormonal balance, functional medicine empowers women with PCOS to take control of their health and wellbeing.
What is PCOS
PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce higher than normal levels of androgens (male hormones), which can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, and thinning hair. Insulin resistance is another key feature, meaning the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in higher insulin levels.
This insulin imbalance can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. Additionally, women with PCOS may experience estrogen dominance, where estrogen levels are disproportionately high compared to progesterone.
Root Causes of PCOS
Functional medicine views PCOS as more than just a collection of symptoms; it seeks to understand and address the underlying causes. Key contributors to PCOS include:
Insulin Resistance
Elevated insulin levels, common in PCOS, can cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens, leading to many of the symptoms associated with PCOS, like irregular periods and infertility.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation is a common feature of PCOS and can worsen insulin resistance and hormone imbalances.
Estrogen Dominance
When estrogen is high relative to progesterone, it can lead to symptoms like heavy periods, mood swings, and irregular cycles.
Diet Suggestions to Support Women with PCOS
A nutrient-dense, balanced diet is a key component of managing PCOS naturally. The focus should be on stabilising blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormonal balance. Here’s a dietary approach that can benefit women with PCOS:
Whole, Unprocessed Foods
Incorporate a variety of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and colorful fruits like berries help reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients.
Healthy Fats
Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts. These healthy fats support hormone production, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Complex Carbohydrates
Focus on complex carbs like quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are digested more slowly, helping to stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels.
High-Quality Protein
Incorporate lean proteins such as grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, eggs, and plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu. These support muscle health and stabilise blood sugar.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugars
Reduce refined sugars, processed snacks, and fast foods. These can cause insulin spikes and worsen symptoms of PCOS.
By following a diet that focuses on whole, anti-inflammatory foods and balanced macronutrients, women with PCOS can experience improved energy, reduced symptoms, and better overall hormonal health.
Natural Therapeutic Supplements for PCOS
To support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, functional medicine incorporates various natural therapeutic supplements. Here are some key supplements that can help women with PCOS:
Myo-Inositol
Myo-inositol helps regulate insulin sensitivity and ovarian function. It’s especially effective in reducing elevated testosterone levels and improving ovulatory function. This supplement has been shown to support fertility and reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
Berberine
Berberine is an herbal supplement that helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, making it a natural alternative to metformin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve ovulation and restore hormonal balance.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s, found in sources like fish oil or flaxseed, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Reducing inflammation is vital for women with PCOS, as it can improve insulin sensitivity and support hormonal regulation. Omega-3s also help reduce androgen levels, thus alleviating symptoms like acne and hirsutism.
Zinc
Zinc plays a critical role in hormone production and immune function. It is especially beneficial for managing acne and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women with PCOS. Zinc also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports overall ovarian health.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, which is crucial for women with PCOS. It also supports the nervous system, making it beneficial for reducing stress, improving sleep, and reducing cortisol levels, which can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D are commonly seen in women with PCOS. Vitamin D is crucial for hormone regulation, immune function, and metabolic health. Supplementing with vitamin D has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate menstrual cycles, and support fertility.
Sporebiotics (Probiotics)
Sporebiotics, a type of probiotic, help restore gut balance and improve the health of the microbiome. A healthy gut is essential for hormone metabolism and insulin sensitivity. By supporting gut health, sporebiotics can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and enhance overall well-being.
Healthy Methylation and PCOS
Methylation is an important biochemical process that involves the addition of a methyl group to molecules like DNA, proteins, and neurotransmitters. Healthy methylation is critical for hormone metabolism, detoxification, and overall wellness. For women with PCOS, supporting methylation can help in several ways:
Hormonal Balance
Methylation helps detoxify excess estrogen, preventing estrogen dominance, which is common in PCOS. Proper estrogen metabolism helps balance hormones and reduce symptoms like heavy periods and mood swings.
Detoxification
Methylation plays a key role in detoxifying environmental toxins and excess hormones, helping the body eliminate substances that could exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Mental Well-Being
Methylation also supports the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are essential for mood regulation. Supporting methylation can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression that are common in women with PCOS.
To support healthy methylation, it's important to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like folate (B9), vitamin B12, and other B-vitamins, which are essential for this process.
The DUTCH Hormone Test: Personalised Treatment for PCOS
A personalised approach to managing PCOS is essential, and one of the best tools for this is the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test. This advanced test measures various hormones and their metabolites, giving a detailed picture of hormonal imbalances.
For women with PCOS, the DUTCH test is particularly beneficial for identifying:
Oestrogen Dominance
The DUTCH test provides detailed insights into how oestrogen is being metabolised in the body, helping to identify oestrogen dominance and guide treatment strategies.
Androgen Imbalances
Elevated levels of androgens like testosterone are common in PCOS. The DUTCH test reveals how these hormones are being produced and processed, which can help guide personalised interventions.
Cortisol and Stress
Since stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms, the DUTCH test also measures cortisol levels, giving valuable insights into how stress is affecting your hormonal balance.
With this information, healthcare providers can create a personalised treatment plan that may include dietary adjustments, supplements, and other interventions tailored to your unique hormonal profile.
Empowering Women with PCOS
Managing PCOS is about more than just symptom management, it’s about addressing the root causes of the condition and restoring hormonal balance naturally. Through functional medicine, personalised supplements, diet, and stress management, women with PCOS can regain control of their health and happiness. With the help of tools like the DUTCH hormone test, women can receive a tailored treatment plan that supports their unique needs.
By embracing a holistic approach, women with PCOS can restore their rhythms, regulate their hormones, and improve their quality of life.