When I developed a serious health condition, I realized that it might have been my fault. I had never paid much attention to my health, which left me grappling with a life-threatening problem. I worked with my doctor to get well, and when I felt like I was alright, I started focusing on preventative care. I started going to the gym each and every day, and working with my doctor at the first sign of trouble. It seemed like a lot of extra work at first, but before I knew it, my health started to improve. This blog is all about learning to focus on preventative care, so that you don't have to worry about serious issues later.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, but complex, hormonal disorder that affects millions of women all over the world -- and about 5 million women in the United States alone. Symptoms include irregular periods, ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, excessive facial hair growth, acne, and fertility issues.
While PCOS cannot be cured, hormone imbalance therapy has emerged as an effective approach to managing its symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
What Hormone Therapy Approaches Are Used for PCOS?
PCOS is usually accompanied by imbalances in your body's hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (including testosterone). These imbalances can lead to irregular ovulation, increased androgen levels, insulin resistance, and subsequent complications that can be uncomfortable at best and debilitating at worst. Hormone imbalance therapy aims to address these irregularities and restore hormonal equilibrium within your body in a safe and natural way.
Some of the most common hormone imbalance therapy approaches for this condition include:
Combination Birth Control Pills: Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin are commonly prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS. These pills help regulate the production of hormones, leading to more regular periods, reduced androgen-driven symptoms (such as acne and excessive hair growth), and improved hormone balance.
Anti-Androgens: Medications that block the effects of androgens, such as spironolactone, can be used alongside hormonal contraceptives to combat symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth. These medications work by reducing the effects of testosterone and minimizing its impact on the body.
Insulin-Sensitizing Agents: As insulin resistance is often associated with PCOS, medications like metformin may be prescribed to enhance insulin sensitivity. By improving insulin function, these drugs help regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn can assist in restoring hormonal balance and improving symptoms such as irregular periods and fertility issues.
Fertility Medications: For women seeking to conceive, fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole may be prescribed. These medications stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of successful conception.
It's important to remember that the medication serves to put back into hormonal balance something in your body that's gone awry so that you can feel more like yourself, naturally. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques may also be part of the overall holistic approach of your functional medicine team.
PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, but hormone imbalance therapy has proven to be a valuable tool in restoring the equilibrium of PCOS sufferers and alleviating their symptoms. By working with your healthcare professional, you can create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of birth control pills, anti-androgens, insulin-sensitizing agents, and fertility medications, depending on your specific needs.
Reach out to a hormone testing clinic near you to learn more.
Share22 June 2023
