Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. The ultimate goal of functional medicine is to restore balance to the body by addressing the underlying drivers of PCOS, rather than focusing solely on symptom relief. This approach empowers women to take control of their health through tailored, sustainable strategies.

If you’re considering functional medicine for PCOS, consulting with a qualified practitioner who specializes in hormonal health is essential to create a personalized plan.
Causes of PCOS
Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with normal ovulation.
Hormonal Imbalances: High levels of androgens (hyperandrogenism) can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and acne. Imbalances in other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can also disrupt ovulation.
Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: Women with PCOS often have higher levels of inflammatory markers. Chronic inflammation can contribute to insulin resistance and androgen production.
Genetics: A family history of PCOS, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome may increase the risk of developing PCOS.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress can exacerbate symptoms and metabolic issues associated with PCOS.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., BPA) may play a role in hormonal imbalances.
How Functional Medicine Can Help
Functional medicine takes a holistic and personalized approach, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of PCOS rather than just managing symptoms. Here are key ways functional medicine can help:
Dietary Interventions:
- Low-Glycemic Diet: Emphasizing whole foods, fiber, and low-glycemic carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Elimination Diets: Identifying and removing food sensitivities or intolerances (e.g., gluten or dairy) that may worsen inflammation.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Inositol: Supports insulin sensitivity and ovarian function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation and improves hormonal balance.
- Vitamin D: Corrects deficiencies, which are common in women with PCOS.
- Magnesium: Helps with insulin resistance and stress management.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgen levels, and supports weight management.
- Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help regulate cortisol and reduce inflammation.
Balancing Hormones Naturally:
- Supporting the adrenal glands and liver to optimize hormone metabolism and detoxification.
- Herbal remedies (e.g., spearmint tea, licorice root, and adaptogens like ashwagandha) may help balance hormones.
Addressing Underlying Causes:
- Treating gut health issues (e.g., dysbiosis or leaky gut) to reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.
- Managing environmental toxin exposure by choosing clean personal care products and reducing plastic use.
Personalized Testing:
Comprehensive lab testing (e.g., hormone panels, glucose tolerance, inflammatory markers, and nutrient deficiencies) helps identify individual imbalances.
Symptoms of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Menstrual irregularities: Irregular or missed periods, or very light periods
- Ovaries: Large ovaries or ovaries with many cysts
- Hair growth: Excessive hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, or buttocks, also known as hirsutism
- Weight gain: Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Skin: Acne or oily skin
- Hair loss: Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair on the head
- Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular or no ovulation
- Sleep apnea: A higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause breathing pauses during sleep
- Diabetes: A higher risk of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes before age 40
Symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent during a woman’s late teens or early 20s. While there is no cure, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications like diabetes and heart disease.
Freedom Functional Medicine empowers women experiencing PCOS to seek a holistic, individualized approach to restore their hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms. We will provide you with a personalized treatment plan through easy and convenient virtual Telehealth appointments to help you recover, serving all of Virginia.
Call today to schedule your Free 15 minute consultation!
FAQ’s About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Functional Medicine
Yes, a functional medicine doctor can help address PCOS by identifying and treating its root causes. Unlike conventional approaches that often focus on symptom management, functional medicine takes a holistic view, addressing hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle factors. By personalizing treatment plans through nutrition, supplements, stress management, and targeted interventions, functional medicine empowers women to achieve lasting improvements in their health and fertility.
Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with PCOS. Low levels of vitamin D can worsen insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation, all of which are key contributors to PCOS. Supplementing with vitamin D, along with getting adequate sun exposure, can help improve symptoms. Other potential deficiencies in women with PCOS may include magnesium, B vitamins (especially B12), and zinc, which are critical for metabolic and hormonal health.
Women with PCOS often experience a relative deficiency in progesterone. This is because irregular or absent ovulation (a hallmark of PCOS) prevents the production of sufficient progesterone, a hormone that balances estrogen and supports a healthy menstrual cycle. This imbalance can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and mood swings. Functional medicine focuses on restoring ovulation naturally to promote healthy progesterone levels.
PCOS is not traditionally divided into “stages,” but it can present in different types or patterns depending on the underlying drivers. These include:
- Insulin-Resistant PCOS: Caused by high insulin levels, leading to weight gain and hormonal imbalances.
- Inflammatory PCOS: Driven by chronic low-grade inflammation, often linked to gut health issues or environmental toxins.
- Adrenal PCOS: Triggered by excess stress and overproduction of adrenal androgens like DHEA-S.
- Post-Pill PCOS: Temporary PCOS-like symptoms that arise after discontinuing hormonal birth control.
Identifying the specific type of PCOS is critical in tailoring effective treatments.
One hidden cause of PCOS is chronic inflammation, which often goes unrecognized. Inflammation can be triggered by poor gut health, food sensitivities, exposure to environmental toxins, or an unhealthy diet. This low-grade inflammation exacerbates insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, fueling PCOS symptoms. Functional medicine addresses inflammation through dietary changes, gut healing protocols, toxin reduction, and lifestyle optimization.