PCOS UNCOVERED: HOW TO RECOGNIZE, TEST, AND TREAT PCOS NATURALLY

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal health conditions in women, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. While many women first discover they have PCOS when trying to conceive, this condition impacts far more than fertility. Symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, and weight struggles can significantly affect your health, confidence, and overall well-being—even if pregnancy isn’t a current goal.

This guide will help you understand the root causes of PCOS, key lab testing to request, and evidence-based natural approaches to improve your symptoms and long-term health.

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but research points to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and metabolic factors. At its core, PCOS is a complex hormonal imbalance—typically involving:

• Excess androgens (male hormones like testosterone)

• Insulin resistance (difficulty processing blood sugar effectively)

These imbalances trigger a cascade of symptoms, which often include:

• Irregular or missed menstrual cycles (often >35 days apart)

• Ovarian cysts

• Unwanted hair growth on the face, chin, or body (hirsutism)

• Hair thinning or male-pattern hair loss on the scalp

• Acne (including cystic acne on the face, chest, or back)

• Darkened skin patches (neck, underarms, groin)

• Skin tags

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

The Role of Insulin Resistance in PCOS

Up to 70% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance.

Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving sugar from your bloodstream into your cells to use for energy. When cells stop responding properly—a state called insulin resistance—your body compensates by producing even more insulin. This drives sugar storage as fat, disrupts hormone balance, and worsens PCOS symptoms.

Over time, untreated insulin resistance increases the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Certain cancers, such as uterine or bladder cancer

Why Fat Tissue Matters in PCOS

Fat tissue isn’t just a passive storage site—it’s an active endocrine organ that releases hormones and inflammatory signals. In healthy states, fat tissue produces hormones like leptin (which helps regulate appetite) and adiponectin (which reduces inflammation).

However, in PCOS, fat cells can become enlarged or dysfunctional, producing inflammatory markers that worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

Essential Lab Testing for PCOS

Proper testing is key to understanding your unique presentation of PCOS and guiding a personalized treatment plan. I recommend discussing these labs with your MD, endocrinologist, or naturopath:

• Cycle Day 3 Hormones: FSH, LH, Estradiol

• Mid-Luteal Progesterone: Day 21 or ~7 days after ovulation

• Androgen Markers: Free & total testosterone, DHT, DHEAS, SHBG

• Metabolic Markers: Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1C, lipid panel

• Thyroid Panel: TSH, free T4, free T3

• Nutrient Markers: Ferritin, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D

• Cortisol: to assess stress response

• Prolactin: to rule out other hormonal disorders

Natural Approaches to PCOS Management

The cornerstone of PCOS treatment is addressing insulin resistance and inflammation, which often improves ovulation, cycle regularity, and other symptoms.

Nutrition

A tailored nutrition plan can help balance insulin levels, lower inflammation, and support weight management. Some approaches include:

• Low glycemic index diet

• Mediterranean-style eating

• Food insulin-demand approach (focusing on foods that minimize insulin spikes)

• For some, keto or intermittent fasting protocols may help—but these should be supervised to ensure hormonal and nutrient balance.

Movement

Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Aim for a mix of:

• Strength training (2–3x/week)

• Cardio for metabolic health

• Gentle movement like walking or yoga to manage stress and cortisol levels

Key Supplements

Evidence-based natural therapies can support insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and hormone balance:

• Inositol (Myo- and D-Chiro-Inositol)Supports insulin sensitivity and ovulatory function.

• N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)Reduces oxidative stress and supports healthy ovulation.

• Vitamin DHigher doses (under medical supervision) may improve glucose metabolism and lipid profiles.

• Magnesium, Calcium, and ZincHelp reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.

• ProbioticsEmerging evidence shows improvements in insulin resistance, inflammation, and cholesterol balance.

• Vitex (Chaste Tree)Supports cycle regularity by influencing dopamine and pituitary signaling, sometimes comparable to metformin in regulating cycles.

Stress & Sleep

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and disrupts thyroid and reproductive hormones. Incorporating stress management strategies—like meditation, deep breathing, or therapy—along with 7–9 hours of quality sleep is crucial.

The Bottom Line

PCOS is more than a reproductive condition; it’s a metabolic and hormonal disorder that affects your entire health. By focusing on root-cause treatment—balancing insulin, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy hormones—you can take control of your symptoms and improve your long-term health outcomes. As you can see, PCOS is a complex, multifaceted syndrome. Managing PCOS symptoms and insulin resistance requires a multifaceted approach. If you suspect you have PCOS or are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS, please feel free to contact Toronto naturopath, Dr. Courtney Holmberg at 647-351-7282 to schedule a consultation today. References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277302/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28679142

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28142296

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296515/