Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 4-6% of reproductive age women. Polycystic ovaries develop when ovulation is absent or irregular for a length of time.  Because there are many reasons for irregular ovaluation, there are many causes of polycystic ovaries. PCOS is a complex disorder, where a number of genetic variants and environmental factors interact, combine and contribute to the pathophysiology.

Many women with PCOS suffer from obesity, insulin resistance and difficulty with weight loss.   They are often plagued by acne, hair loss, and unwanted facial and body hair due to excess androgens.  Because ovulation is disrupted or absent, many women diagnosed with PCOS have difficulty conceiving if left untreated.  These symptoms are often masked by birth control pills and are only discovered after the pills are discontinued.

Naturopathic medicine is ideally suited for the assessment and treatment of PCOS. Furthermore, the first line therapy for treatment of PCOS includes diet and lifestyle modification.  Because the syndrome affects every level of the reproductive system, a thorough investigation regarding the root cause of the ovulatory dysfunction is often key to successful treatment.  While diet and exercise programs are an important step in the recovery process, many people with PCOS are unsuccessful in the long term until the underlying cause is addressed.