Cyst Talk

September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Month. PCOS.

PCOS is an imbalance of the HPO axis.

HPO = Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Ovary.

AKA the Brain to Ovary pathway.

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age.

It's a complex diagnosis, with multiple possible causes and a variety of clinical presentations, some of which do not involve having cysts on the ovary.

Some possible features of PCOS may include:

• irregular or absent menses

• heavy or dysfunctional bleeding with menses

• infertility due to anovulation

• hair growth in unwanted places

• acne

• loss of hair

• darkening of the skin in specific areas of the body- on the back of the neck, under the arms, in between the thighs, etc

• obesity (especially android type)

• mood disorders

• recurrent miscarriages

• ultrasound findings consistent with PCOS- typically a "string of pearls" type pattern of follicles on the ovary. Thus the C in PCOS can be misleading. Most PCOS ultrasound findings thankfully do not show large cysts on the ovary.

As a conventional OB-GYN, I learned how to treat PCOS medically, with medications.

As an Integrative Medicine fellowship and herbal medicine trained Doctor, I added additional Integrative modalities of treatment and support for people with PCOS.

These additional Integrative modalities include

• Nutrition

• Movement practices

• Lifestyle medicine

• Mind Body practices

• Herbal and supplement support

• Sleep support

On their own, or combined with medications if needed, these Integrative modalities are powerful, and most importantly empower people to learn to care for themselves in a personalized way.

xo,

Kristin

Are you looking for help with PCOS and want a personalized Integrative approach with the guidance of a Doctor and an Integrative team? Please reach out. I would love to help.