Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 10 women in the U.S. have PCOS, though many remain undiagnosed. Women often come into my St. Louis office frustrated—they’ve been told to just “lose weight,” take birth control pills, or start metformin, but these approaches rarely address the root causes.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we take a functional medicine approach to PCOS. Instead of focusing only on symptom management, we look deeper into the body’s hormone balance, metabolic function, and lifestyle factors to create a plan that restores health naturally.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Excess androgen (male hormone) levels leading to acne, excess facial/body hair, or hair thinning
• Polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound (though not always present)

PCOS is also strongly linked to insulin resistance, which drives weight gain, fatigue, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Because it’s a spectrum disorder, symptoms can vary widely from one woman to another.

Why the Traditional Approach Falls Short

Conventional treatment usually involves:

• Birth control pills to regulate cycles
• Metformin for insulin resistance
• Fertility medications when trying to conceive

While these medications can help with symptom control, they don’t fix the underlying imbalances. Many women find that once they stop medication, symptoms return.

The Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS

Functional medicine asks a different question: Why is the body out of balance in the first place? We look at root causes such as insulin resistance, inflammation, hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and gut health. By addressing these drivers, we help women not only manage PCOS, but also improve energy, fertility, and long-term health.

1. Balancing Blood Sugar and Insulin

Insulin resistance is central to PCOS. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, which worsens irregular cycles and symptoms like acne and hair growth.

Functional strategies include:

• Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet
• Prioritizing protein and fiber with each meal
• Supplements such as inositol, chromium, and magnesium
• Strength training to improve insulin sensitivity

2. Supporting Hormone Balance

PCOS is not just about the ovaries—it involves the entire endocrine system. Cortisol (stress hormone), thyroid function, and estrogen/progesterone balance all play roles.

Functional strategies include:

• Testing adrenal and thyroid function
• Using adaptogens like ashwagandha for stress resilience
• Supporting progesterone naturally by optimizing ovulation cycles
• Correcting estrogen dominance through liver detox support and fiber intake

3. Healing the Gut and Reducing Inflammation

Many women with PCOS also struggle with gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, or chronic inflammation. This not only worsens insulin resistance but also increases fatigue and weight gain.

Functional strategies include:

• Comprehensive stool testing to assess microbiome balance
• Anti-inflammatory diet (rich in greens, berries, fatty fish, olive oil)
• Probiotics and prebiotics tailored to restore gut health
• Omega-3 supplementation to lower inflammation

4. Nutrient Optimization

Nutrient deficiencies are common in PCOS, especially when diets are restricted. The right nutrients can improve hormone balance, fertility, and energy.

Key nutrients include:

• Vitamin D for insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation
• Zinc for ovulation and skin health
• B vitamins (especially B12 and folate) for energy and fertility
• Omega-3s for lowering inflammation

5. Lifestyle and Stress Management

Stress is often underestimated in PCOS. Elevated cortisol makes insulin resistance worse and further disrupts hormone balance.

Functional strategies include:

• Restorative exercise like yoga, walking, or Pilates (in addition to strength training)
• Consistent sleep routines
• Mind-body practices such as meditation or journaling
• Red light therapy with PEMF, which we offer in-office, to improve stress resilience and support metabolic health

Advanced Therapies for PCOS at Sheen Vein

Beyond nutrition and lifestyle, we also integrate regenerative therapies to support women with PCOS:

• Red Light Therapy with PEMF: Helps reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and support metabolic health.
• IV Nutrition Therapy: Delivers key vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream for optimal absorption.
• Hormone Optimization: For women with significant imbalances, we may use bioidentical hormones under careful supervision.

Why the Functional Approach Matters

PCOS is not just about irregular periods or unwanted hair—it’s a whole-body condition that affects metabolic, reproductive, and mental health. Women with untreated PCOS are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility.

The good news? With the functional medicine approach, many women experience:

• More regular cycles
• Easier weight loss
• Clearer skin and healthier hair
• Better mood and energy
• Improved fertility

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been struggling with PCOS and feel like you’ve only been offered band-aid solutions, know that there are other answers. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use advanced testing, personalized nutrition, and regenerative therapies to help women get to the root of PCOS.

By addressing insulin resistance, hormones, inflammation, and gut health, you can restore balance, improve your quality of life, and finally feel in control of your health again.

👉 Call our office today to schedule your consultation and discover how a functional medicine approach can transform your PCOS journey.

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