POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by multiple hormonal disturbances leading to a constellation of symptoms.

What are the common signs and symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? 

• Irregular or missed menstrual periods

• Elevated male hormones

• Oily skin, acne, skin discolorations

• Excessive hair growth on the body

• Male pattern baldness

• Insulin resistance, weight gain

• Infertility

How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Polyystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is usually based on a patients history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to identify cysts in the PCOS patient.

What laboratory findings are consistent with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

• Testosterone, Leutinizing hormone, and DHEA can be elevated on blood tests

How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) commonly treated?

• Birth control drugs

• Progestin drugs

• Anti-androgen drugs

• Diuretics

• Metformin

What are the hormonal imbalances, or deficiencies associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Many female hormone related health conditions such as; Endometriosis, Ovarian cysts, Uterine Fibroids, Pre-Menopause, Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods), and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) are characterized by a deficiency of the hormone Progesterone leading to a condition known as Estrogen Dominance Syndrome (EDS). Long term Estrogen Dominance Syndrome (EDS) can then manifest as one of the conditions mentioned above. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) however, is more complicated. Though Estrogen Dominance Syndrome (EDS) is routinely present in PCOS, there are two other hormones, Insulin and Testosterone, which when abnormally elevated can contribute to many of the symptoms seen in PCOS. Elevated insulin contributes to the weight gain, inflammation, and carbohydrate cravings often seen in PCOS. Elevated testosterone contributes to the oily skin, acne, body hair growth, and male pattern baldness often associated with PCOS.

What should a Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocol for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) include?

A Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocol should always be customized to meet the unique needs of each person. Not only do people have different genetic variations, but differ in important lifestyle factors that influence their overall health outcomes. A persons diet, stress levels, professional and family responsibilities, sleep patterns, exercise choices, as well as past and present medical history all must be considered in protocol design. Of the over 11,000 Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocols we have designed in the last 27 years of clinical practice, no two have been exactly the same. The four main components of an appropriately designed Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocol for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) would include:

1.  A customized diet; Specific to the patients individual needs

2.  A general nutritional supplement strategy; To support basic health needs

3.  A targeted nutritional supplement strategy; Specific to the patients individual needs

4.  A hormone modulating nutritional supplement strategy; Using Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE)  that can affect the levels of various hormones within the human body.

How do these Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) work?

Some Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) work by encouraging the body to produce appropriate and balanced levels of important hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone and Prolactin on its own. Additionally, other extracts can be used to stimulate hormone receptor sites creating a “Hormone Like” effect without the hormone being present. By combining different Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) we can achieve healthy hormonal restoration and balance in many cases.

What if these Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) do not work?

Occasionally, a woman will use Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) for 8-10 weeks and see very little improvement in her condition. The usual reason this occurs is that part of her own hormone producing system consisting of the Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Ovaries, has suffered from aging, inflammatory, and environmental damage, and is no longer capable of producing appropriate and balanced levels of important hormones. In these cases, it now becomes appropriate and clinically necessary to use low dose Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHR).

What is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHR)?

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHR) is defined as the clinical use of a hormone that is made in a laboratory and has the exact same molecular structure as the hormone that the body makes on its own. Once the hormone is in the blood stream the body’s tissues would have no idea where the hormone came from. It could have come from a laboratory, or from a hormone producing gland within the body, it doesn’t matter because it is the exact same molecule, and it will have the exact same effect on the body’s tissues.

What is the correct way to use Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) and Bio-Identical Hormones (BHR)?

Every woman is different and the appropriate dosing, and dosing patterns of Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) and Bio-Identical Hormones (BHR) will vary depending on numerous factors including: age, weight, medical history, and current medical conditions. Having designed thousands of Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocols in 27 years of clinical practice ensures that our patients and clients receive the most scientifically advanced, and clinically effective healthcare available.

Is the brand or source of Standardized Botanical Extracts (SBE) and Bio-Identical Hormones (BHR) important?

Absolutely, like most products available to the public, Standardized Botanical Extracts and Bio-identical Hormones vary in quality depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, many of the products used in Holistic Healthcare are classified as “Dietary Supplements”. These products are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs. Essentially, walking into a health food store, drug store, or supermarket and purchasing a nutritional supplement off the shelf is no guarantee of quality, potency, safety, or efficacy. This makes the integrity of the manufacturers of these products of paramount importance. Over the past 27 years we have visited numerous dietary supplement manufacturing and laboratory facilities, and spoken to dozens of company executives, scientists, and laboratory personnel. We have verified raw material sourcing, and consulted independent third party certification institutions to ensure that we utilize the highest quality, most effective products for ourselves and our patients.

How can I find out if one of your Comprehensive Holistic Health Protocols would be beneficial to me?

Please feel free to contact us via phone or email. We would be happy to listen to your health concerns, and answer any questions you may have. If after corresponding with you, we feel we may be able to help you, we would be happy to offer you an appointment for a consultation.