Naturopathic PCOS and Functional Medicine Approaches to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are now being offered in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding communities of Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and Chandler by a Board-Certified Naturopathic Physician and primary care doctor, Dr. Michelle Barraza, NMD.
Overview
PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the leading cause of infertility. It also increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular disease and endometrial carcinoma. (1) It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, affecting up to 12% of women. (2)
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The clinical manifestations of PCOS vary widely from each case, the signs and symptoms include:
- Irregular and/or infrequent menstrual periods
- Amenorrhea or lack of menstrual period
- Infertility
- Hirsutism: excess hair– above upper lip, surrounding nipples, along lower abdomen
- Weight gain to obesity
- Hormone dysregulation
- High androgens
- High LH
- High insulin
- Abnormal blood sugar
- Abnormal Estrogen / Progesterone
- Dyslipidemia: LDL, triglycerides
- Mood disorders: depression, anxiety
- Eating disorders: bulimia, binge-eating
Causes of PCOS
PCOS is considered to be multifactorial, involving complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Studies show this interaction affects the fetus, and many cases of PCOS begin in-utero. (3) Additionally, the cause of PCOS can vary in each individual case. (4) Some causative factors include:
- Genetics /Epigenetics
- Environmental toxins
- endocrine disrupting chemicals: plastics, BPA, phthalates
- Heavy Metals
- Maternal drugs
- Maternal nutrition during pregnancy
- Poor nutrition/diet.
Oral contraception is one of the main treatment approaches for PCOS. Though oral contraceptives lead to an increase risk of clots, especially in obese women; the oral contraceptives lead to artificial management of hormones. The management of hormones in PCOS through oral contraception however does not address the cause of hormonal dysregulation and does not solve infertility. Many women with PCOS desire to become pregnant, additional hormone therapies are typically recommended. Additionally, conventional doctors encourage weight loss through diet, exercise or bariatric surgery. Insulin resistance / diabetes type 2 is typically treated with metformin or other blood sugar medications. Lastly, abnormal lipid levels are managed with statin drugs. Conventional approaches to PCOS can require several medications, some of which must be taken permanently or for the long-term.
Naturopathic PCOS Approaches
Our Functional Doctor, Dr. Michelle Barraza will specifically tailor the PCOS treatments to your individual case to get better results. Dr. Barraza has designed effective treatment protocols to address the causative factors in her patient’s case of PCOS. Treatments can include:
- Comprehensive evaluation (1-1.5 hours) and diagnostic testing
- Medical Nutrition
- Medical-grade vitamins & mineral supplementation
- Herbal Medicine
- Hydrotherapy
- Lymphatic Therapy
Our team of Naturopathic Doctors in Gilbert, AZ have extensive experience in hormonal dysfunction such as PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and health optimization. We run conventional screening labwork plus additional testing that creates a clearer and comprehensive assessment of our patients. We have developed a proven system that incorporates personalized care, supplementation, dietary changes, and hands on health coaching by our doctors. This strategy has allowed our patient to balance their hormones and return to living the life they intended. For more information about Naturopathic PCOS treatments, Stem Cell Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, or our Gilbert, AZ location, please contact us at: 480-648-1534 or email us at: atlashealthmedicalgroup@gmail.com.
Sources:
- Uptodate.com Definition, clinical features and differential diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents. Rosenfield 2018
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/256806-overview
- Consult Dr. A Webinar: PCOS– Assessment & Treatment Considerations Lecture 2018
- Uptodate.com Clinical manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome in adults Barbieri, Ehrmann 2016
- Uptodate.com Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in adults. Barbieri, Ehrmann 2016
