How a naturopathic doctor can help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For millions of women worldwide, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a daily reality, yet for many it remains a mystery. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, a growing number of women are finding answers through a natural approach.

PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting more than 10% of women.

Many people believe a PCOS diagnosis requires ovarian cysts, but according to Dr. Leah Hollon, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Richmond Natural Medicine, that's a common misconception.

"It was first identified in about 1935. However, we've learned a lot more about that over the last number of years," Dr. Hollon said.

A diagnosis often begins with symptoms like irregular periods, unexplained weight gain and fatigue. Doctors use criteria, including hyperandrogenism and irregular menstrual cycles, to identify the syndrome. For many, one of the most devastating impacts is the effect on fertility.

"If they're not able to have a cycle, it's more challenging to actually get pregnant and to also have ovulation where basically the egg can be released to where then it can be fertilized down the road," Dr. Hollon said.

While natural and traditional doctors may share similarities in how they treat PCOS, Dr. Hollon says a natural approach focuses on the body's entire system. She explains that traditional doctors often have limited time with patients, relying on treatment plans that may not work for everyone.

“Our approach is going to be a little bit more person-patient specific versus sort of maybe the ongoing big algorithms that can sometimes fail women. Most of our docs that are out there, you know, they're working so hard and they only have about 7 to 15 minutes," Dr. Hollon said.

Natural medicine involves a deep dive into a person's lifestyle, including nutrition, stress levels, and genetic background. Dr. Hollon highlighted that genetics and environmental factors can play a significant role.

Dr. Hollon said a Mediterranean-style diet is often the most beneficial for women with PCOS. This diet is rich in polyphenols, the powerful chemicals that give food its vibrant colors and essential vitamins and minerals often found to be deficient in women with the syndrome, such as magnesium and zinc.

"The biggest thing that we see where women are having a hard time is that they're not getting enough nutrients in and vitamins within their foods. So that's why, again, these pigmented foods are so important," she said.

Dr. Hollon added that beyond diet, stress is a significant factor in managing PCOS. Constant stress can trigger a hormonal response, leading to a rise in cortisol that can further disrupt the body's balance.

"Stress impacts the hypothalamus and the pituitary and also what we call the adrenals fight and flight, where it makes more and more cortisol the more stress we're under. And so I tell my women let's assess your stress level," she said.

While there is no single cure for PCOS, Dr. Hollon's message to those with the syndrome is one of hope.

“Just because you felt like you got dealt a bad hand... doesn't mean you're going to lose the game," Hollon said. "We have plenty of women who that have been given a diagnosis of PCOS, or we anticipate that they have it and they need to have additional workup. And they have children. They have many children and they're doing great and they're not suffering."