Second Nature Care Blog

Your Daughter has PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

[fa icon="calendar'] Feb 4, 2021 8:32:24 AM / by Isadora Guggenheim

Beautiful young woman in lingerie sitting on bed and suffering from abdominal pain-2

Your teenage daughter just got diagnosed with PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  That explains the mood swings, the weight gain, the facial hair growth and the perpetual cystic acne.  Now what?PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common reason for adolescent girls to find their way to the endocrinologist's office.  PCOS has physical, psychological and social effects.  PCOS is challenging.  We listen to our patients with PCOS at Second Nature.  We are sensitive to the needs of adolescent girls with PCOS.  We understand the lifelong implications of PCOS.  

PCOS is a polygenic condition that is diagnosed with three criteria - no menstruation or ovulation, hyperandrogenism or increased hair growth where you don't want it and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

There are established strict guidelines of diagnosis so that PCOS is not over-diagnosed.   

The diagnosis is a challenge and sharing it with sensitivity is another issue.  Many adolescents struggling with self-esteem issues are shocked by the diagnosis.  They can experience panic, disbelief and worry especially related to their future fertility status.  Young women with PCOS are three times more likely to be concerned about their future ability to conceive than peers without PCOS.   

We take the time to explain what PCOS is in simple terms.

We make sure that our patients comprehend their condition and how they can take part in their healthcare process.  

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Naturopathic Medicine focuses on empowering lifestyle changes that an adolescent can learn and use into adult life.  This is the cornerstone of PCOS treatment.  We create a treatment protocol with nutraceuticals, dietary changes, exercise to manage PCOS.  

Managing PCOS improves quality of life.  We have both oral and I.V. therapies to reverse PCOS. I.V. Ozone, Metformin, clinical nutrition, comprehensive testing, hormone rebalancing and exercise regimens to change your condition.

We recognize and validate our patient's concerns.  We listen to her plan for lifestyle changes.  We address any barriers that the patient might see or feel.  

We offer full pharmacy options to address PCOS associated diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, skin issues and menstrual irregularities.  

We are sensitive to adolescent well-being and social perspectives.  Body image perceptions, sexual identity, sexual expression, social inclusion or isolation, peer and intimate relationships, education, social experimentation with risky health behaviors are components that patients with PCOS may struggle with differently.  

We talk about sex because young girls with PCOS are more likely to have unprotected sex because of less concern for pregnancy and they are more likely to have their first sexual experience earlier than those with a regular menstrual cycle.  

At Second Nature, we give clear information, realistic treatment protocols and supported discussions that include the patient. Click to Connect with Dr. G

Topics: Child and Teen Health, Chronic Illness and Disease, Women's Health

Isadora Guggenheim

Written by Isadora Guggenheim

Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963 drguggenheim@msn.com