Do you have or suspect you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Some common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Hair growth in areas males tend to have hair – chin, chest, back
- Gaining weight or difficulty losing weight
- Hair loss or thinning hair
- Difficulty getting pregnant
PCOS in adults is diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria. In order to fulfill diagnostic criteria, you would need to have 2 of the following: menstrual irregularities, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. In lieu of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) can be used as an alternative diagnostic option.
If you think you may meet the criteria, it is important to get evaluated by a medical provider who can evaluate if you meet the criteria.
Some important labs to assess in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS include:
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicule stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
- Insulin
- Testosterone, total and free
- Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)
If you have PCOS, in addition to other lifestyle changes, there are several supplements that may be beneficial.
You can download our PCOS supplement guide as a reference.
Please consult a healthcare professional before starting a supplement regimen.
Shannon and Laura are available to consult and create a personalized supplement regimen to help manage PCOS.
Additionally, if you are a clinician who wants to learn more about the lifestyle management of PCOS and how we practice using a patient-centered empowerment approach, please be sure to attend our workshop at the upcoming 2025 Renfrew Conference: United in Healing: Collaborative Approaches in Eating Disorder Treatment. You can learn more here.
Lastly, Shannon and Laura are available for case supervision for clinicians who are interested in using this approach in their work.
Please email info@lauracipullo.com to get in touch.
