Functional medicine care
PCOS & Hormone Imbalances
What is pcos & hormone imbalances care with Dr. Christine Maren?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone disorders in women, often driven by insulin resistance and inflammation. Dr. Christine Maren treats PCOS and other hormone imbalances, including estrogen dominance, low progesterone and stress-related cortisol problems, by testing for the root causes and building a personalized plan for cycles, skin, weight, mood and fertility.
Birth control is often the only option offered for PCOS and hormone symptoms. It can help, but it does not address the cause. We look for why your hormones are out of balance and treat that directly.
What are signs of PCOS or a hormone imbalance?
- Irregular or missing periods
- Acne, oily skin or excess hair growth
- Hair thinning on the scalp
- Weight gain and sugar cravings
- Heavy, painful periods or severe PMS
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Anxiety, low mood or poor sleep
- Feeling wired and tired
Recognize yourself here? These symptoms are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with.
How does Dr. Maren treat PCOS and hormone imbalances?
Test the full hormone picture
Sex hormones, androgens, insulin and glucose, thyroid, cortisol and inflammation reveal what type of imbalance you have.
Address insulin and inflammation
Nutrition, movement, sleep and targeted supplements such as inositol are tailored to your labs.
Support the gut and stress system
Gut health and the HPA axis influence estrogen clearance and cortisol, so both are part of care.
Medicate when it helps
Prescription options are used when appropriate, alongside the foundations, with close follow-up.
Learn more about pcos & hormone imbalances
Dr. Maren has written and spoken extensively on this topic. Start with these articles, guides and podcasts.
- A functional medicine approach to PCOS
- Podcast: the gut, hormone and immune connection
- HPA axis dysfunction and stress hormones
- Podcast: the gut hormone connection every woman should know
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PCOS & Hormone Imbalances FAQs
What causes PCOS?
PCOS has genetic roots and is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which raises androgen levels and disrupts ovulation. Inflammation, stress and gut health also play a role, and each can be tested and treated.
Can you have PCOS without cysts?
Yes. PCOS is diagnosed by a combination of irregular ovulation, high androgens on labs or symptoms, and polycystic-appearing ovaries. You only need two of the three, so cysts are not required.
How is PCOS treated naturally?
Foundations include blood sugar balancing nutrition, strength training, sleep, stress care and evidence-based supplements such as inositol. Dr. Maren personalizes these and adds medication when it will help.
What is estrogen dominance?
Estrogen dominance describes estrogen that is high relative to progesterone. It can cause heavy periods, breast tenderness, PMS and mood changes, and is common with low progesterone, poor estrogen clearance and perimenopause.
Can stress cause a hormone imbalance?
Yes. Chronic stress changes cortisol through the HPA axis, which can disrupt cycles, sleep, blood sugar and thyroid function. Addressing stress physiology is a key part of balancing hormones.
Does PCOS affect fertility?
PCOS is a leading cause of irregular ovulation, which can make conception harder. Improving insulin sensitivity and cycle regularity often helps, and Dr. Maren coordinates care with fertility goals in mind.
The path to vibrant health starts here
We see patients virtually in California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Start with a brief application so we can understand your goals.