Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It’s estimated to impact up to 1 in 10 women, but many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. PCOS isn’t just about ovarian cysts—it’s a complex metabolic and hormonal imbalance that can affect your periods, skin, weight, mood, fertility, and long-term health.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we take a functional medicine approach to PCOS—one that looks beyond symptom management and digs deep into the root causes of hormonal disruption. In this article, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of PCOS, the underlying drivers, and the most effective natural and conventional treatments available.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal and metabolic condition characterized by:

• Irregular ovulation or no ovulation
• Elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone)
• Multiple immature follicles ("cysts") on the ovaries

Despite the name, you don’t have to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed with PCOS. In fact, many women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on ultrasound at all.

Common PCOS Symptoms

PCOS can show up differently in each woman, but these are the most common symptoms:

1. Irregular or Missed Periods

One of the hallmark signs. You may have cycles that are very long (35+ days), very short, or missing altogether.

2. Acne and Oily Skin

Hormonal imbalances—especially elevated testosterone—can lead to persistent acne, particularly along the jawline and chin.

3. Hair Loss (Scalp) and Excess Hair Growth (Face/Body)

Thinning hair on the scalp paired with unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, or back is known as hirsutism and is a telltale PCOS symptom.

4. Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight

Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, which contributes to weight gain—especially around the abdomen—and makes it hard to lose weight despite healthy habits.

5. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression

Hormonal fluctuations and chronic inflammation can impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, affecting mood regulation.

6. Fertility Struggles

Irregular ovulation means many women with PCOS experience difficulty getting pregnant or sustaining healthy hormone levels during pregnancy.

7. Fatigue or Brain Fog

Blood sugar instability, cortisol dysregulation, and nutrient deficiencies commonly associated with PCOS can drain your energy.

What Causes PCOS?

There’s no single cause of PCOS—it’s a multifactorial condition. The most common root causes include:

• Insulin Resistance: Elevated insulin levels trigger the ovaries to produce more testosterone, leading to hormonal imbalance and disrupted ovulation.
• Chronic Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation disrupts hormone signaling and worsens insulin resistance.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), low progesterone, and high androgens are common in PCOS.
• Genetics & Epigenetics: Family history can increase susceptibility, but lifestyle and environmental exposures often trigger the expression of PCOS symptoms.
• Environmental Toxins: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like BPA and phthalates) mimic or interfere with hormones and may play a role in hormone dysregulation.

Functional Medicine Testing for PCOS

While conventional medicine may rely on symptoms and basic hormone panels, functional medicine digs deeper with:

• Comprehensive hormone testing (free and total testosterone, DHEA, LH:FSH ratio, estradiol, progesterone, SHBG)
• Fasting insulin and glucose markers (not just A1C)
• Advanced thyroid testing (including antibodies and free hormone levels)
• Inflammatory markers (like CRP)
• Cortisol testing to assess adrenal function
• Nutrient testing (vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins)

This approach allows for personalized treatment based on your unique biochemical makeup.

Conventional PCOS Treatments

Most conventional treatments aim to manage symptoms:

• Birth Control Pills: Used to regulate periods and reduce androgens but do not treat the root cause.
• Metformin: A diabetes medication used off-label to lower insulin levels.
• Spironolactone: A diuretic that blocks androgen receptors to help with acne and hair growth.
• Clomid or Letrozole: Medications used to induce ovulation for women trying to conceive.

While these tools can be helpful, they often mask symptoms without addressing underlying imbalances—and some women experience side effects.

Functional Medicine Treatment Strategies for PCOS

The functional medicine approach is about restoring hormonal balance by addressing the root cause.

1. Balance Blood Sugar and Improve Insulin Sensitivity

• Eat a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Avoid refined sugars, processed carbs, and seed oils.
• Use supplements like:
  • Inositol (myo- and d-chiro-inositol): Shown to improve insulin sensitivity and restore ovulation.
  • Berberine: A natural compound that improves glucose metabolism and reduces androgens.
  • Magnesium and chromium: Essential for blood sugar balance.

2. Reduce Inflammation

• Focus on anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, wild-caught fish, and berries.
• Remove inflammatory triggers like gluten, dairy, or processed foods if sensitive.
• Consider omega-3 supplements and curcumin.

3. Support Liver Detox and Hormone Metabolism

The liver helps detox excess hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) for glucosinolates.
• Use DIM (diindolylmethane) or calcium d-glucarate under supervision.
• Stay well hydrated and support daily bowel movements to aid hormone elimination.

4. Support Ovulation and Hormonal Rhythm

• Use vitex (chasteberry) to support progesterone naturally.
• Address stress and adrenal function, as excess cortisol can suppress ovulation.
• Consider seed cycling (flaxseed and pumpkin in the follicular phase, sesame and sunflower in the luteal phase) to gently support hormonal rhythm.

5. Address Stress and Sleep

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can worsen insulin resistance and androgen dominance.

• Incorporate breathwork, meditation, or yoga.
• Get 7–9 hours of restorative sleep per night.
• Support with adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola if needed.

6. Promote Healthy Weight (If Needed)

Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can dramatically improve ovulation and hormone levels in women with PCOS.

• Prioritize strength training and walking over excessive cardio.
• Intermittent fasting may help some women, but it must be used carefully if stress hormones are dysregulated.

Can You Reverse PCOS?

While PCOS is considered a lifelong diagnosis, many women are able to put their symptoms into remission through lifestyle and functional interventions. Regular ovulation, improved skin, restored fertility, and normalized lab values are possible with the right support.

When to Get Help

If you’ve been told to “just take the pill” or if your symptoms are being dismissed, it may be time to take a deeper look. Functional medicine offers a comprehensive, personalized plan to address your symptoms AND their root cause—whether you want to improve your cycle, clear your skin, lose weight, or prepare for pregnancy.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Live with PCOS Symptoms

PCOS can affect nearly every system in your body—but with the right tools and support, you can rebalance your hormones naturally. Whether you’re struggling with acne, fatigue, weight gain, or irregular periods, the functional medicine approach looks at the full picture—not just the ovaries.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we help women get to the root of PCOS and take back control of their health. Through advanced testing, nutritional guidance, and personalized support, we empower you to feel better, balance your hormones, and live fully.

Ready to Start Your PCOS Healing Journey?

Schedule your personalized consultation today. Let’s build a root-cause plan that helps you feel like yourself again—naturally.

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