What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often diagnosed by the presence of two of the three following:
hyperandrogenism (excess production of male hormones)
ovulatory dysfunction
polycystic ovaries
A theory of PCOS is that insulin resistance causes a suppression of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which, in turn, increases the amount of testosterone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries.
Androgens such as DHEA and testosterone are healthy in the correct amounts: they help maintain libido, muscle mass, and energy levels. However, an excessive amount of testosterone production can lead to PCOS and its various unwanted symptoms.
Irregular or heavy periods
Weight gain
Acne
Excessive bloating
Hirsutism (the growth of long, coarse, dark hair), develops in areas such as the chest, upper lip, chin, back, and abdomen.
Male-pattern balding caused by testosterone breaking down into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.
Why is PCOS dangerous?
There is an increased prevalence of the below conditions in patients with PCOS:
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
sleep apnea
obesity
depression
imbalance of cholesterol levels
How Can Hormones Help?
Compounded Bioidentical Progesterone:
May have a variety of benefits in the treatment of PCOS and its symptoms.
Prevention of endometrial hyperplasia (thick uterine lining causing heavy periods) can be achieved by progesterone.
Progesterone prevents testosterone overproduction.
If progesterone deficiency is addressed by supplementing compounded bioidentical progesterone for two weeks every month, it may help the brain develop the normal cyclic rhythm that is missing in PCOS.
Hormone Injections:
Receiving much needed hormone therapy can be as easy as a quick injection.
These injections are most often administered to the upper thigh or buttocks at consistent increments, usually about once a week.
Because of their quick metabolic absorption rate and frequency, they are most quickly and easily adjusted to make sure they are fitting the needs and balances of the individual.
Implanted Hormone Pellet Therapy:
By utilizing estrogen pellets, testosterone levels can be lowered and the testosterone to estrogen ratio can be restored.
The procedure for implanting hormone pellets is actually quite quick and very simple. After a local anesthesia is applied to the upper buttocks area, a small incision is made and a pellet the size of a grain of rice is inserted, then is covered with a small bandage. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and lasts for 3 to 4 months.
While they are in your system, implanted pellets slowly release those helpful hormones in response to your natural stressors, keeping you steady and level for longer periods.
Benefits of Balanced Hormones:
Thicker scalp hair
Healthier moods
Clear skin
Weight loss
Improved fertility
REFERENCES:
Tracy Williams, MD, Rami Mortada, MD, Samuel Porter, MD. American Family Physician, Volume 94, Number 2, 2016. Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
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