PCOS  

PCOS affects both sex hormones and metabolism, with an estimated 1.4 million Canadian women affected.



  • Health challenges: PCOS can lead to health and confidence challenges, including irregular periods, acne, hair growth or loss, and weight fluctuations.
  • Infertility impact: PCOS is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility.
  • Postmenopausal effects: Contrary to a common misconception, PCOS symptoms persist after menopause, potentially worsening and impacting long-term health.
  • Importance of early intervention: Early screening, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial to mitigate potential negative outcomes throughout a woman's life.


While there is no cure for PCOS, there are many treatment options, with natural approaches being among the most well-researched to help you live symptom free as possible. 



 Are you uncertain if you have PCOS and not getting clear answers? 





This situation is quite common! Not all cases of PCOS exhibit the typical symptoms of hair growth and metabolic syndrome. Subtypes like "Lean PCOS"require specific treatment approaches. Through our comprehensive evaluation process and laboratory testing, we can provide the insights you need.

"Just lose weight."

Sound familiar?



At Nu Wellness Clinic, we understand the diverse and unique experiences women have with PCOS.



Customized treatment plans: We believe in customizing your treatment plan to your individual needs, going beyond a generic "just lose weight" approach.

Impact of insulin resistance and inflammation: Insulin resistance and inflammation can significantly impact your progress with PCOS.

Holistic approach: We carefully evaluate these factors and tailor multi-step treatment plan through a holistic lens.


Lets talk - book a free consultation today for an integrative approach in managing PCOS Windsor, Ontario and  throughout the Ontario through telemedicine!

What are the symptoms of PCOS?​

Unexplained Weight Gain

​PCOS can lead to insulin resistance, where your body becomes less responsive to its natural insulin production. Insulin is crucial for converting sugars and starches from food into energy. When this process is disrupted, the resulting excess insulin can elevate androgen levels, prompting the female body to store fat in the abdomen.

Acne

An excess of androgens can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and overall stress on the body. Additionally, it stimulates the production of excess oils in the skin, contributing to acne. This side effect can be both embarrassing and frustrating. However, restoring the balance between estrogen and androgen levels can help rejuvenate the skin, promoting a smoother and more vibrant appearance.​

Irregular Periods

​Elevated androgen levels can significantly disrupt your regular menstrual cycle, potentially causing it to become irregular or even leading to missed periods. For women trying to conceive, this disruption can be particularly challenging and may impact fertility.

Depression and/or Anxiety 

​Health professionals have observed a connection between PCOS with depression and/or anxiety although the exact reasons are not yet fully understood. However, considering the array of symptoms associated with PCOS—such as unwanted hair growth, acne, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities—which can contribute to ongoing health challenges, it's understandable that depression may be a factor. Balancing hormones can help alleviate these symptoms and reduce the risk of depression and/or anxiety.

Thinning Scalp Hair/Receding Hair Line

​When androgen levels rise unchecked, a common side effect is the growth of hair in unwanted areas and hair thinning or loss on the scalp. However, with careful management, these effects can be addressed.

Abnormal or Increased Unwanted Hair Growth

​Androgens are hormones produced in females by their ovaries and adrenal glands, with their effects moderated by estrogen. When androgen levels become imbalanced, it can lead to various symptoms, such as the growth of darker, coarser, and longer hair in areas typically considered atypical for women.​

Potential Complications of PCOS

In addition to the symptoms, undiagnosed or unmanaged PCOS can lead to further complications, such as:

​

● Gaining weight or difficulty in losing weight

● Infertility

● Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

● Miscarriage or premature birth

● Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver, characterized by severe liver

inflammation due to fat accumulation)

● Metabolic syndrome (elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal

cholesterol or triglyceride levels, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular

disease and type 2 diabetes)

● Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or insulin resistance

● Sleep apnea

● Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders

● Abnormal uterine bleeding

● Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining)

Services

Phase 1: Initial Assessment

Initial consultation (60 minutes)

  • A comprehensive assessment of your health concerns, goals, and medical history, allowing us to understand your current situation thoroughly. This process helps us pinpoint any underlying issues and identify any gaps in information.
  • Cycle and symptom tracking.
  • A review your current diet, lifestyle, current stressors.
  • Thorough blood work requisition based on your individualized needs.
  • Review recent blood work or diagnostic testing (see FAQs for more information).
  • A personalized Q&A session to address all your questions and concerns from an holistic lens.
  • Goal setting. 

​

Phase 1 Follow up 2-4 weeks after initial visit:

  • In depth review of blood work. 
  • Determine the need for additional diagnostics based off blood work.
  • Review cycle and symptoms.
  • Discuss a management plan including supplements and/or prescriptions. 
  • Evidence based basic diet and lifestyle recommendations with goal setting.
  • If no period occurred, discuss treatment options. 
  • Discussion of next steps. 


Phase 2: Persistent Symptoms *Optional*

It is very common for women with PCOS to experience a variety of lingering health concerns, these include

Review progress in Phase 1 to determine if changes are needed. Further investigation of issues include:

  • Rashes and skin issues (i.e acne, post inflammatory scarring, etc)
  • Ongoing thyroid dysfunction 
  • Residual inflammation

​​* some of these listed concerns may have been resolved, thereby skipping this phase is an optional if determined mutually between you and your practitioner *

Phase 2 Follow up:

  • In depth blood work where you will achieve a great understanding
  • Evidence based basic diet and lifestyle recommendations
  • Medication dosing if required 


Phase 3: Maintenance 

  • 30 minute follow-up.
  • Review of current symptoms.
  • Review of cycle tracking.
  • If still no period occurred, discuss next steps.
  • Re-test labs if indicated to monitor improvements. 

We'll keep an eye on your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan if we're not seeing the results we hoped for. In this phase, you can touch base with your NP. No judgment.


We want to support you through this journey!



**Please note if it has been over a year since you've last seen the NP, a 60 minute appointment will be required*


(1)Canadian Socio-economic Information Management System (CANSIM). Population by sex and age group: Statistics Canada, 2007.