Brookline Acupuncture & Remote Online Video Programs for treating PCOS Naturally
The Real Cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Many of my patients with PCOS come in to my office thinking they have a hormonal imbalance and need medications like birth control to regulate their cycles and control their symptoms. While the symptoms of PCOS are related to hormones, the underlying cause of the imbalance is actually a problem with insulin resistance. PCOS is in fact a metabolic issue and needs to be treated as such in order to really heal the symptoms.
Symptoms of PCOS:
- Irregular cycles or anovulation (lack of ovulation)
- Infertility
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Sugar cravings
- Acne
- Hirsutism (abnormal hair growth)
- Low energy
- Anxiety
- Possibly history of ovarian cysts (not necessarily in every case)
Other Related Issues:
- Possibly High Cholesterol and Triglyceride
- Family History of Diabetes Type 2
- High Testosterone levels
- Brain fog/Difficulty concentrating
- darkening of the skin under the armpits and behind the neck
- Increase risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes or cardiac issues
What is Insulin Resistance?
When we eat, our blood sugar raises and our body breaks down the food in to usable components for energy and repairs (proteins, glucose, micronutrients). Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas, and it’s job is to lower our blood sugar to safe levels. It tells our cells to take glucose from our blood stream and uses it as energy. In healthy bodies, our cells are “insulin sensitive” – they respond to the release of insulin.
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells do not respond to insulin the way it should and causes blood sugar to remain high in the blood stream. Additionally, the pancreas produces more insulin in response to the elevated glucose/blood sugar.
High levels of insulin the system leads to the ovaries producing higher levels of androgens, or testosterone. Elevated androgens is what causes most of the symptoms that women experience with PCOS – acne, abnormal hair growth, irregular cycles, or anovulation.
Reversing Insulin Resistance and PCOS:
- Low-glycemic diet- reducing starches, sugars. emphasizing proteins and healthy fats
- Taking supplements that help to reduce testosterone by increasing insulin sensitivity
- Replacing vitamins that are depleted in women with PCOS
- Incorporating specific types of exercise regularly
- Reducing stress
- Boosting adrenal health
Other Underlying Issues that May Contribute to PCOS or Mimic PCOS:
- Inflammation — common symptoms include rashes or hives, aches and pain, unexplained fatigue, acne
- Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea or Adrenal Issues — history of low-carb diets, yo-yo dieting, intense exercise, period of acute trauma or chronic stress
- Thyroid Imbalance
- Celiac Disease
- Nutrient Deficiencies — restrictive diets may need additional supplementation or vitamin support (eg. vegans and vegetarians), or underlying conditions that may lead to malabsorption issues
How to Find Help:
For the last decade, we have offered personalized programs for Reversing PCOS, and have successfully reduced symptoms, regulated or re-established menstrual cycles, and helped women conceive.
Our program begins with a comprehensive Intake and each program is personalized to fit the individual’s specific symptoms and patterns. We spend time determining what type of PCOS we are working with and develop a plan for our patients. The programs may involve a combination of supplements, diet, acupuncture and exercise recommendations. Each woman gets a personalized program created for her depending on her symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Insulin resistance is a genetic issue, HOWEVER, with the proper guidance and lifestyle changes, PCOS symptoms can be a thing of the past for you.
WORKING REMOTELY:
YES! Nicole works with patients all over the country offering health coaching programs and personalized plans for patients to overcome their symptoms and achieve their optimal wellness goals. We offer both acupuncture and/or health coaching programs online. Using both acupressure techniques and infrared patches patients can easily order online, we are able to offer acupuncture protocols that patients can do at home. In addition, we offer supplement, nutrition/diet, herbal and lifestyle plans for patients based on their specific symptoms and needs.
Book a FREE 15-minute phone or video consultation, click here: REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Work with us ONLINE. All programs are offered in person or via video/phone chats, click here to learn more: WORK WITH US ONLINE
Nicole developed this program in 2007 when she was struggling with PCOS related acne, menstrual symptoms, fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain. Having implemented these changes, PCOS no longer controls her life. Nicole is very passionate about helping other women overcome their PCOS and live their optimal lives.
