So You’ve Been Diagnosed with PCOS- Now What?
Getting diagnosed with PCOS can a frustrating process. It can take months or even years of experiencing symptoms before actually getting a diagnosis, but once you do… now what? Usually the only option presented is hormonal birth control (Note: if you haven’t already, I recommend you check out my previous blog post about hormonal contraceptives and why they don’t really correct any hormonal issues.).
But that can’t be the only option, right?
While there is no cure for PCOS, it absolutely can be managed with lifestyle changes, diet, and herbs/supplements. However, there is no single “PCOS protocol.” This condition is highly individualized, so what works for one person will almost certainly not be the same changes that works for someone else. One of the first key steps in managing your PCOS is to get real answers about the root causes and main drivers behind you symptoms.
Here’s my “PCOS starter kit” to help you advocate for yourself, feel in control of your health journey, and take the first steps towards managing your PCOS symptoms:
Ask your doctor or OB/GYN for a comprehensive blood panel. This should include fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C, a full thyroid panel including thyroid antibodies, C-reactive protein, vitamin D, an iron panel, and additional micronutrients markers (folate, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, etc.).
Find a dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in hormonal imbalances including PCOS. I recommend finding a practitioner of functional or integrative nutrition because this approach focuses on addressing your specific root causes rather than using a “cookie cutter” approach.
Consider additional functional lab tests. These may include a hormone panel, SIBO breath test, micronutrient panel, or stool test. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to order these tests yourself or have to order them through a practitioner. Either way, I strongly recommend working with a practitioner who has experience with these labs and can provide you with personalized recommendations and guidance based on the results.
Take the steps to seriously begin addressing emotional stress. Stress is a huge trigger for many of the symptoms commonly seen in PCOS, so it can’t be ignored.
References:
Arentz, S., Smith, C.A., Abbott, J., Fahey, P., Cheema, B.S. & Bensoussan, A. (2017). Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Phytother Res, 31(9), 1330-1340. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5858