PCOS

At Verve Health, we take a holistic, integrative approach to treating PCOS by addressing the root cause of your symptoms. Our customizable treatment plans are designed to empower you, optimize your health, and restore vitality. Whether you're seeking to manage weight, balance hormones, or improve fertility, we offer a comprehensive approach to help you reach your full potential. Our goal is to enhance your well-being and support you, so you can regain energy and live life at your peak. Located in Ventura, we proudly serve women from Oxnard, Camarillo, and beyond.

Women’s Health

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It is a complex condition that can disrupt multiple systems in the body, particularly the reproductive, metabolic, and endocrine systems. PCOS is often characterized by a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Irregular periods: Due to infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles.

  • Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth, typically on the face, chest, or back.

  • Acne: Hormonal changes can cause persistent acne in some women.

  • Weight gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain and find it difficult to lose weight.

  • Insulin resistance: This is a common underlying factor that can make weight management difficult and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.¹

PCOS can also cause complications beyond these symptoms. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of infertility due to irregular ovulation, and untreated PCOS may lead to serious long-term health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer. This makes early diagnosis and treatment critical for managing the condition and improving overall well-being.²

Complications of PCOS

PCOS is not just a reproductive condition; its effects can be wide-reaching and impact various aspects of a woman's health. Some common complications associated with PCOS include:

  • Infertility: Due to irregular or absent ovulation, many women with PCOS may struggle with fertility issues.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.

  • Metabolic Syndrome: Women with PCOS are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Sleep Apnea: Weight gain and hormonal imbalances can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.³

Endometrial Cancer: Women with PCOS who have fewer periods or prolonged menstrual cycles have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer due to the buildup of the uterine lining.

Diagnosing PCOS

At Verve Health, we begin every diagnosis with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history, followed by comprehensive lab testing to identify any underlying hormone imbalances or other factors contributing to your symptoms.

Our Approach to Treating PCOS

Our approach to treating PCOS includes medication and lifestyle modifications. For weight management, incorporating medications that can decrease insulin resistance, like GLP-1 medications, can help promote sustainable weight loss. We also offer lifestyle interventions, including nutrition counseling and exercise recommendations, to improve metabolic health and support fertility. Our goal is to help you manage the underlying causes of PCOS and improve your overall well-being.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are a class of drugs originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are also proving to be highly effective in managing conditions like obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are common in women with PCOS. These medications work by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar levels, hunger, and digestion.

These medications help by stimulating insulin release, slowing down digestion, and reducing glucose production by the liver, which can lead to better weight management and improved metabolic health.⁴

Next Steps

PCOS affects every woman differently, and managing its symptoms requires a personalized approach. At Verve Health, we understand the complexities of PCOS and provide tailored care to help you regain control of your health. If you’re interested in learning more about how GLP-1 medications like semaglutide can support your PCOS treatment, or concerned that you may have PCOS,  we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. Together, we can develop a plan that meets your needs and helps you thrive.

FAQs About PCOS Treatments

    1. Weight Management:
      Weight gain is a significant challenge for women with PCOS, often due to insulin resistance. GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, help regulate appetite and reduce caloric intake by affecting the brain’s hunger signals. This can lead to significant weight loss, which in turn can improve other PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and infertility.⁵

    2. Improving Insulin Sensitivity:
      Insulin resistance is a core issue for many women with PCOS. GLP-1 medications help improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to better regulate blood sugar levels. By controlling blood sugar, GLP-1 medications reduce the harmful effects of insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

    3. Reducing Cardiometabolic Risks:
      Women with PCOS are at an elevated risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications have been shown to reduce these risks by improving blood sugar control, promoting weight loss, and lowering inflammation.⁶

    4. Hormonal Balance:
      While GLP-1 medications do not directly address hormone imbalances, the weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity they promote can indirectly improve hormonal symptoms. For instance, weight loss can help restore regular menstrual cycles and reduce the severity of symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.⁷

  • If you’re managing PCOS, incorporating GLP-1 medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan could help you better address the core issues of insulin resistance and weight management. At Verve Health, our expert team will work with you to create a personalized approach, ensuring that GLP-1 medications are safely and effectively integrated into your PCOS treatment plan.

  • PCOS is a chronic condition, and while it cannot be "cured," its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. We focus on regulating hormonal imbalances, improving insulin sensitivity, and addressing symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and support. Our goal is to help you feel your best and manage your symptoms over the long term.

  • Many women with PCOS face fertility challenges due to irregular ovulation, but with the right treatment, it is often possible to conceive. At Verve Health, we offer individualized treatment plans that address hormonal imbalances, improve ovulation, and support fertility. By managing your PCOS through medication and lifestyle changes, we can help increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.⁸

Contact Us

If you're struggling with PCOS symptoms and seeking comprehensive care, Verve Health is here to support you. Our Ventura practice welcomes patients from Camarillo, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara, offering personalized treatment plans designed around your unique needs. We understand the challenges of PCOS and are committed to helping you regain hormonal balance and overall wellness. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how our specialized PCOS treatments can help you feel like yourself again.