PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Addressing the hormonal and metabolic root causes of polycystic ovary syndrome
What Is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women. Despite its name, PCOS is not primarily an ovarian condition — it is a systemic metabolic and hormonal disorder that affects the entire body.
PCOS is characterized by a combination of excess androgen production, insulin resistance, and disrupted ovulation. Many women go years without a proper diagnosis because their symptoms are dismissed or treated individually rather than as part of a connected hormonal pattern.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms associated with pcos (polycystic ovary syndrome) include:
- Irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual periods
- Excess facial or body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne, especially along the jawline and chin
- Hair thinning or hair loss on the scalp
- Weight gain, particularly around the midsection
- Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise
- Fatigue and low energy
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Skin darkening in creases (acanthosis nigricans)
- Difficulty conceiving or fertility challenges
What Causes PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?
- Insulin resistance driving excess androgen production from the ovaries
- Elevated testosterone and DHEA-S (hyperandrogenism)
- Chronic low-grade inflammation amplifying hormonal disruption
- Genetic predisposition affecting hormone metabolism
- Elevated cortisol from chronic stress worsening insulin resistance
- Disrupted communication between the brain and ovaries (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis)
- Gut microbiome imbalance affecting estrogen metabolism
How Soluna Vitality Treats PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
At Soluna Vitality, we treat PCOS at its metabolic and hormonal root rather than simply managing individual symptoms. Our comprehensive approach addresses the insulin resistance, androgen excess, and inflammation that drive this condition.
Comprehensive hormone panel: testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA-S, estrogen, progesterone, SHBG, and thyroid function
Advanced metabolic testing: fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, and inflammatory markers
Insulin sensitization strategies through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation
Hormone balancing to reduce androgen excess and restore ovulatory function
Anti-inflammatory nutrition and supplement protocols
Cortisol and adrenal assessment, as stress amplifies PCOS symptoms
Personalized exercise guidance optimized for insulin sensitivity
Ongoing monitoring with lab retesting and protocol adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes PCOS?
PCOS is primarily driven by insulin resistance and excess androgen production. When your cells become resistant to insulin, your body produces more insulin to compensate. Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, which disrupts ovulation and causes symptoms like acne, hair growth, and hair thinning. Genetics, inflammation, stress, and lifestyle factors all play a role in how severely the condition manifests.
Can PCOS be cured?
While PCOS cannot be cured in the traditional sense, it can be very effectively managed. By addressing the underlying insulin resistance, reducing inflammation, and rebalancing hormones, many women experience significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms. The key is treating the root metabolic drivers rather than just masking symptoms with birth control pills or other band-aid approaches.
Do I need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS?
No. Despite the name, ovarian cysts are not required for a PCOS diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria require two of three features: irregular or absent periods, clinical or lab evidence of excess androgens, and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. Many women with PCOS have normal-appearing ovaries, and some women with ovarian cysts do not have PCOS.
How does insulin resistance relate to PCOS?
Insulin resistance is considered the primary metabolic driver of PCOS in the majority of cases. When cells resist insulin, the pancreas produces more, and elevated insulin directly stimulates the ovaries to produce excess testosterone. This creates a vicious cycle: insulin resistance worsens androgen excess, and excess androgens promote further fat storage and metabolic dysfunction. Improving insulin sensitivity is often the most impactful intervention for PCOS.
Related Conditions
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is often connected to other hormonal and metabolic conditions. Learn more:
Ready to Address Your PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ridgeway to discuss your symptoms, get comprehensive testing, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.