Teal Health
What Is PCOS?
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is the leading endocrine disorder
that affects up to 1 in 5 of those designated female at birth.
Commonly thought to be only a reproductive condition, PCOS is a highly complex syndrome that impacts the full person: mind, brain, body and soul. Symptoms of PCOS are highly individualized and can present themselves differently across those affected.
Possible Symptoms of PCOS
diagnosis & approach
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
PCOS is complex but can be diagnosed by a physician using the Rotterdam Criteria. Depending on your medical history and physical exam your doctor may also use blood testing and a transvaginal ultrasound exam to confirm your PCOS diagnosis. If you present at least 2 out of the 3 Rotterdam Criteria, you can be diagnosed with PCOS.
Rotterdam Criteria for PCOS Diagnosis:
Unpredictable, missing or prolonged periods
High levels of androgens
Presence of ovarian cysts
Why We Need a Multidisciplinary
Approach to Care
Lifestyle interventions including nutrition, body movement, and building stress resilience, have been shown to improve PCOS presentations across the reproductive, metabolic and psychological spectrum. Just as each of us is unique, the lifestyle interventions that work best will also be unique from person to person.
The PCOS hormonal imbalance can be driven by a combination of or one of the following:
Chronic stress, which causes HPA axis dysregulation
Insulin resistance or poor blood glucose metabolism
Inflammation
Elevated levels of androgens
Lifestyle interventions assist in treating the root causes of symptoms and include:
Nutrition
Body movement
Sleep hygiene
Stress resilience
Toxin removal
Mindset adjustments