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Aug 5, 2025|PCOS

Functional Medicine for PCOS: A Root-Cause Approach to Hormonal Imbalance

Understanding the Root Cause of PCOS in San Diego, CA

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition affecting 6-12% of U.S. women. However, up to 75% of cases go undiagnosed due to its diverse and often subtle symptoms. At Advanced Functional Medicine in San Diego, CA we address PCOS root causes by exploring key factors linked to PCOS.

Image Illustrating woman's uterus promoting functional medicine for PCOS in San Diego, CA

PCOS is connected to hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt ovarian function. High androgen levels interfere with ovulation, forming underdeveloped follicles that become cysts on the ovaries. Other factors, like insulin resistance and lifestyle triggers, can also disrupt the body’s cycle, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including irregular cycles, acne, hirsutism, infertility, and more. By using tailored, functional medicine approaches, our experienced and professional staff aim to restore the body’s hormonal balance and overall well-being, helping women reclaim control over their health and fertility.

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a personalized approach to unlocking the root cause of symptoms, including PCOS. Instead of masking issues, functional medicine addresses biological imbalances and dysfunctions to support long-term healing. This patient-centered method focuses on how genetics, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices interact with one another. Every treatment plan is personalized, addressing the unique factors contributing to a patient’s condition and can address numerous issues, including:

What Causes PCOS?

The root cause of PCOS is complex, involving a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Each of these aspects interacts in ways that disrupt regular reproductive and metabolic cycles, leading to common PCOS symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, and infertility. It’s essential to understand the factors contributing to PCOS, as these can offer insight into what causes PCOS and help manage the condition effectively. The root cause of PCOS is linked to the following:

  • Genetics – Research shows family history plays a vital role in developing PCOS. Having a parent or sibling with PCOS increases a person’s likelihood of experiencing similar symptoms. Specific genetic variations related to hormones and insulin regulation have been linked to PCOS.
  • Hormonal Imbalances – Elevated levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, are a staple of PCOS. They can disrupt ovulation, leading to enlarged ovaries with cysts. Hormonal shifts also contribute to visible symptoms like acne or unwanted hair growth.
  • Insulin Resistance – Many patients with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body’s cells struggle to respond appropriately to insulin. This triggers a cycle of higher insulin levels, stimulating the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening PCOS symptoms.
  • Stress – Persistent stress can increase cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Elevated cortisol levels disturb the balance between reproductive and metabolic hormones, increasing the severity of PCOS.
  • Environmental Factors – Synthetic chemicals like BPA and other endocrine disruptors have been linked to hormone-related conditions, including PCOS. These substances can interfere with the natural hormonal pathways, potentially worsening existing PCOS symptoms.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Diagnosing PCOS

Functional medicine focuses on understanding the underlying causes of PCOS by addressing common symptoms outlined in the Modified Rotterdam Criteria. These include high androgen levels, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound. This approach aims to identify imbalances affecting hormones, metabolism, and a patient’s overall health. Additionally, various tests can help diagnose PCOS, including:

  • DUTCH Test – Taking urine and saliva samples over the course of one day, this test analyzes hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, as well as a patient’s metabolism.
  • Serum Hormonal Testing – This blood test measures levels of key hormones, including testosterone, DHEA, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Unlike DUTCH testing, serum hormonal testing can quantify hormones directly, but doesn’t track variations across the cycle.
  • Thyroid Panel – This blood panel tests for thyroid-related factors critical to reproductive health. These include TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibodies to rule out hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Cardiometabolic Panel – This panel screens for risks of metabolic dysfunction, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and markers like hs-CRP for inflammation, to help establish a connection between metabolic health and PCOS-related symptoms.
  • Comprehensive Stool Analysis – A stool sample assesses gut health and microbial balance. Dysbiosis can disrupt insulin sensitivity, contributing to ovarian dysfunction, making this test an essential part of understanding PCOS root causes.

Natural PCOS Solutions With Functional Medicine

Functional medicine provides a science-backed approach to managing the root cause of PCOS. By targeting factors like inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and glucose regulation, these strategies aim to deliver long-term improvements rather than just temporary relief. Below are some key PCOS functional medicine strategies to help manage PCOS symptoms and support overall health:

  • Diet Changes – Eating a low-carb, whole-food diet can help balance hormones and improve insulin sensitivity. Foods like lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies have been shown to possibly lower testosterone and increase SHBG levels, helping with hormonal imbalance treatment. Additionally, reduce your intake of refined sugars and processed foods, as these can negatively impact hormone regulation, and avoid trigger foods like dairy or gluten, depending on your food sensitivities.
  • Meal Timing – Eating a larger breakfast and a smaller dinner can help regulate insulin levels, support healthy ovulation, and maintain better blood sugar control. When preparing your meals, opt for steel or glass utensils and tableware instead of plastic to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA, which can interfere with hormonal balance.
  • Supplements – Taking the right vitamins and minerals can fix nutrient deficiencies that may make hormonal imbalances and PCOS symptoms worse. Recommended vitamins include fish oil, saw palmetto, berberine, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments – Gentle activities, like yoga or strength training, can reduce stress, regulate your blood sugar, and lower inflammation. Practice stress management techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, to improve your mental and physical health. Maintain good sleep habits, like sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment, to also help reduce stress.

Take Control of Your PCOS

PCOS doesn’t have to control your life. Functional medicine offers advanced methods to uncover the root causes of hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance linked to PCOS. BY addressing these issues directly, you can improve PCOS symptoms and support your overall health. Take the first step toward lasting relief and personalized care today at Advanced Functional Medicine. Contact us to explore effective strategies that fit your unique needs. Make your well-being a priority – start your journey to better health now!

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