September is PCOS Awareness Month, a dedicated time to shine a spotlight on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition affecting countless women globally. Beyond the conventional diagnosis, PCOS is a multifaceted condition that demands a comprehensive understanding. As a functional health practitioner and fertility awareness educator, I aim to unravel the mysteries surrounding PCOS, delving into its symptoms, exploring the underlying factors, and sharing insights into management and support.
Understanding PCOS: Beyond the Diagnosis
- PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition: It manifests differently in each woman. While a formal diagnosis usually requires the presence of specific criteria, here’s a glimpse into what you might encounter.
- Menstrual Irregularities: One of the hallmark signs is irregular or absent periods. Tracking your menstrual cycle is crucial, as it can provide valuable clues.
- Ovulatory Challenges: PCOS often disrupts regular ovulation. Fertility awareness charting can help identify these irregularities by monitoring basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervix position.
- Hormonal Imbalances: High levels of androgens (male hormones) can lead to acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and hair loss. Functional lab tests like hormone panels can provide a clearer picture of your hormonal status.
- Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and difficulty in managing blood sugar levels. Regular blood sugar monitoring and dietary changes are essential.
- Polycystic Ovaries: These cysts may be visible on an ultrasound, but not all women with PCOS have them. They are a part of the broader PCOS picture.
The roots of PCOS are diverse, resembling pieces of a puzzle that come together uniquely for each individual. As a functional health practitioner, I delve into these underlying causes to offer a holistic approach to treatment. Factors contributing to PCOS may include genetics, insulin resistance, inflammation, lifestyle choices, and gut health. A holistic approach addresses these factors, aiming to restore balance.
During this live event, we will shed light into the world of PCOS, offering insights, tips, and strategies to help every woman navigate this condition with confidence and resilience. From nutrition and lifestyle adjustments to holistic approaches, you’ll discover how to take control of your health and live your best life.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and connect with a supportive community.
Find the REPLAY pinned to the top of my IG feed.
Here are some of the key Functional Labs I recommend and why:
- Dutch Hormone Profile: Comprehensive hormone testing can assess imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and other hormones.
- Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis: This helps identify insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation.
- Food Sensitivity Testing: Identifying food intolerances can guide dietary adjustments that may reduce inflammation.
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis: As mentioned earlier, gut health can influence PCOS. This test provides insights into the gut microbiome.
In conclusion, PCOS is a multifaceted condition that requires personalized care. As a functional health practitioner and fertility awareness educator, my mission is to empower women with PCOS to understand their bodies, track their cycles, and address the root causes of their symptoms. By combining functional lab testing with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and stress management, we embark on a journey towards improved well-being and fertility for those affected by PCOS.
If you know someone suffering alone with this condition, please share this newsletter/blog with them. Knowing that there is something you can do to restore balance and improve over health can be a life-changing experience.
Together we can shine the light and make improvements in our communities’ health.
If you’re left feeling unheard, confused, and unsatisfied with the answers you’re receiving from traditional methods of investigation, this is when functional lab assessment is strongly indicated.
These tests are not looking for disease! They are looking for internal stressors, healing opportunities, and ways to optimize. If you’re ready to get your hands on the right functional lab tests, resources, and guidance to find a resolution to hormonal chaos and not feeling “at home” in your body, then I would be honored to assist you!
Schedule a Complimentary Strategy Session with me today!
