PCOS
A Holistic Approach to Addressing PCOS
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is an increasingly common hormonal condition that may cause mismanaged blood glucose and Insulin levels, body composition changes, and in some cases, infertility.
Each month, your ovaries produce the egg that is to be released as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop properly, may release prematurely, or it may not even be released at all (this is referred to as “anovulation”).
PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting up to to 20% of US women in their childbearing years. Several factors play a role, including first and foremost lifestyle and diet, - genetics, Insulin resistance, and inflammation, all of which can be supported by and modulated with naturopathic medicine, nutritional counseling and acupuncture sessions.
Over the years, our team has treated many patients with PCOS. Dr. Lana specializes in PCOS and treats patients holistically to address the root causes of this hormonal imbalance. Hormonal dysregulation comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and symptoms, and understanding the interconnectedness of hormones in relation to stress, weight management, bloat and acne is essential in starting your wellness journey. Dr. Lana’s goal in working with her patients is always to educate them as to the WHY of their symptoms, as well as to promote self-advocacy and empowerment within the medical system.
Holistic approach to treating PCOS symptoms
Team DLW specializes in hormone balancing and consults with patients on how to make diet, lifestyle, and supplementation changes that will help rebalance their hormones, lower inflammation, support stable blood sugar, and encourage ovulation.
Nutrition and lifestyle changes have been proven to have some of the biggest impact on PCOS symptoms, so we treat PCOS with a multifaceted approach that includes diet / nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements.
Nutrition / Supplements for PCOS
Dietary changes are an important part of managing PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of Insulin, which can result in blood sugar levels remaining high as well as the development of Insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes.
Insulin resistance is very common in PCOS, and it can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and also raises Androgen levels (think elevated Testosterone) and inflammation systemically.
Eliminating simple carbohydrates and sugars from the diet help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep Insulin levels low. This means avoiding products such as white breads, pastas, rice and cereals. Opting for more complex carbohydrates, such as squashes, lentils / beans, and sweet potato, can minimize blood sugar spikes. Additionally, pairing carbohydrates with a quality protein source + healthy fat will slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in more stable blood sugar and energy levels.
We also recommend a variety of supplements based on what your body needs. Based on your bloodwork, lifestyle, and symptoms, our team will recommend a diet and supplementation protocol to help you get back to balance.
Lifestyle Changes to Support PCOS
Adopting certain lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing PCOS. Depending on the type of PCOS, recommendations may vary slightly, however there are a few tips that remain constant among all forms of PCOS.
Some of these tips include reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, and reducing exposure to toxins. We work one-on-one with each patient to find lifestyle changes that will be the most impactful and maintainable.
Hear from our past patients
“I began seeing Dr. Lana to help naturally treat my PCOS symptoms and have definitely seen a great improvement... I highly recommend her to anyone suffering from hormonal imbalance issues.”
“Going to Dr. Lana was the single best thing I could have done for my health. Upon working with her, I had been struggling with hormonal issues for years. I was in a cynical place and had a hard time believing I’d ever find a solution to my issue. I had seen many doctors and been through a lot of disappointment. To put it simply, Dr. Lana healed me and brought my body back to a balanced place. And quickly. She is a receptive, kind, and passionate doctor that will take your unique situation into account, and alchemize an approach that works. I have never felt better — I would recommend her services to any and all.”
Take our 10-part PCOS course
After successfully helping hundreds of women balance their hormones and regain control of their lives, we developed a comprehensive self-paced PCOS course designed to support women worldwide on their wellness journey. This course outlines exactly WHAT is happening internally, WHY you may be experiencing certain symptoms, HOW you can optimize your diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms and rebalance hormones, and WHEN you can expect to start feeling better. Join us and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!
The course includes:
10 self-paced modules
Supplement guide
Downloadable reference materials
And many more resources!
Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:
Irregular, heavy or absent periods
Acne - often deep and painful along the jawline that worsen during PMS + during menses
Thinning hair
Painful cramps
Dysregulated Cortisol levels
Ovarian cysts
Irregular hair growth - on chin, neck, nipples, and happy trail
Oily skin and hair
Weight gain
Infertility
Types of PCOS
The four main types of PCOS are:
Insulin-Resistant / Classical PCOS
The most common type of PCOS, which accounts for 70% of all cases, is Insulin-resistant PCOS. Insulin resistance can lead to increased production of Androgens (male sex hormones) which can lead to cystic acne and hirsutism.
Women with Insulin-resistant PCOS are more likely to experience weight gain, sugar cravings, mood swings/dips, fatigue and even skin tags due to the dysregulation of blood sugar and an improper production and secretion of hormones such as Insulin, Cortisol and even some Thyroid markers.
Adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS may be caused by chronic stress or an abnormal stress response. Women with adrenal PCOS will likely have elevated DHEA-S, with normal Testosterone levels and dysregulated Cortisol.
Managing stress levels, eating meals at consistent times, watching caffeine intake and prioritizing rest and recovery are critical for managing this type of PCOS.
Inflammatory PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS is caused by a variety of reasons, from dysregulated gut health and food sensitivities to autoimmune imbalances as well as generalized inflammation. Women with this type of PCOS will have elevated inflammatory markers, such as hs-CRP, homocysteine, and ESR (sedimentation rate). Symptoms of inflammatory PCOS may include fatigue, brain fog, skin conditions, digestive distress + complaints, and even muscular and/or joint pains. Prioritizing gut health and removing inflammatory foods from the diet are critical for managing this type of PCOS.
Post-Pill PCOS
Post-Pill PCOS is the most common type of PCOS seen in our clinic. This type of PCOS is caused by a temporary dysregulation of sex hormones that one can experience when coming off of the pill.
Anything from Estrogen dominance, irregular ovulation, an increase in Androgens, mismanaged or poorly responsive Insulin, and elevated Cortisol can be seen within this PCOS presentation.
This type of PCOS requires patience, stress reduction, and lowering inflammation while balancing hormones through dietary and supplemental modifications.
Ready to Work with Dr. Lana & the DLW Team?
Team DLW specializes in hormone balancing and consults with patients on how to make diet, lifestyle, and supplementation changes that will help rebalance their hormones, lower inflammation, support stable blood sugar, and encourage ovulation.