How does BHRT help women with PCOS?

Up to 20% of American women have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and over 70% don't even know they have it! PCOS is a metabolic disorder characterized by irregular periods, hirsutism (hair in unwanted places), and/or ovarian cysts leading to acne, male-pattern hair loss, brain fog, depression, anxiety, fatigue and obesity. Most also have higher than normal androgen (male sex hormone) levels and insulin resistance which is a precursor for diabetes. Did you know that the majority of women with PCOS will be diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes by the time they reach age 40? Insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with a whole slew of issues including coronary artery disease, obesity, dementia and early mortality. Additionally, the infertility rates for women with PCOS is estimated to be between 70-80% with many of these women turning to the medication Clomid, IVF or invasive laparoscopic ovarian drilling to aid in getting pregnant.

There is a genetic component to PCOS but that isn't the whole story - many women have been able to manage their PCOS symptoms and fertility with lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques, exercise and dietary changes, supplements, GLP-1 agonists and/or BHRT! By recalibrating our natural mix of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, ladies with PCOS can reverse their insulin resistance and re-instigate normal periods and ovulation. Many also notice improvements in mood disorders, fatigue, acne and hair loss. PCOS is a hidden epidemic, with countless women feeling as if there is no hope for their symptoms, or as if they have been 'forgotten' by the medical community.

At Aligned Health, we take a natural approach to PCOS by focusing on adopting a lifestyle that aims to balance blood sugar, reduce stress, support adrenal health, minimize environmental hormone exposure, enhance the body’s natural detox processes, and lower inflammation. Though increased fertility isn't always a goal, many women have gone on to have natural conceptions and pregnancies without the use of medications and invasive procedures by incorporating the above techniques. Others that have been plagued by unwanted issues such as acne and obesity notice significant improvements after making these gentle changes.

Though the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS can feel nebulous, there are concrete solutions that have and can continue to benefit many women afflicted by this issue!