For many women in Seattle living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the diagnosis is often accompanied by years of managing irregular periods, hormonal shifts, and frustrating symptoms like weight gain, acne, or excess hair growth. If you’ve had a complete hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries), you may be wondering, “Do I still have PCOS?”
This is a great question, and the answer lies in understanding what PCOS really is. While it’s common to associate PCOS with reproductive health, it’s important to know that it’s not solely a condition of the reproductive system. PCOS is better understood as a metabolic and hormonal disorder, meaning its effects can persist even after the removal of reproductive organs.
The good news? Roots of Health is here to provide answers, support, and a path forward. Functional medicine offers a holistic, root-cause-centered approach to managing PCOS, helping you feel like yourself again.
What Is PCOS?
First, a quick refresher. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition that affects hormone balance and metabolism. Women with PCOS often experience higher levels of androgens (sometimes called “male hormones”), which can lead to symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, and hair growth on the face or chest. PCOS also frequently comes with challenges like:
- Insulin resistance
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue
- Mental health struggles, such as depression or anxiety
Traditional diagnostic criteria for PCOS often focus on symptoms like irregular ovulation or ovarian cysts, but the condition goes much deeper. It’s fundamentally a hormonal and metabolic disorder, which explains why its effects may linger, even after reproductive organs are removed.
Do You Still Have PCOS After a Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy?
Yes, PCOS can still affect your health even if you’ve had a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).
The removal of the ovaries may eliminate ovulation-related issues and hormonal fluctuations tied directly to cyst formation. But remember, PCOS isn’t just about your ovaries. Its roots lie in insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances that impact your whole body. These factors don’t disappear with surgery.
For example:
- Insulin resistance: This is when your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to high blood sugar and weight gain. It’s a common feature of PCOS and isn’t necessarily tied to your reproductive organs.
- Androgens: Elevated androgens (like testosterone) may still persist after surgery, perpetuating symptoms like excess hair growth or acne.
- Metabolism: The metabolic challenges of PCOS, such as difficulty losing weight or increased risk of type 2 diabetes, often continue post-surgery.
How Functional Medicine Helps Manage Post-Surgical PCOS Symptoms
At Roots of Health, we understand how deeply PCOS can impact every aspect of your life, even after surgery. That’s why we use a functional medicine approach to address the root causes of your symptoms rather than just masking them. Here’s how functional medicine can help:
1. Uncovering the Root Causes
A comprehensive assessment is the foundation of functional medicine care. Beyond the basics, we explore factors like:
- Insulin and glucose levels
- Androgen and hormone imbalances
- Inflammatory markers
- Gut health and nutrient deficiencies
This “whole picture” approach helps identify what’s driving lingering PCOS symptoms and allows for tailored treatment plans.
2. Balancing Hormones Naturally
Even after surgical menopause, hormonal imbalances can persist, and functional medicine can help restore balance with tools like:
- Bioidentical hormone therapy (when needed)
- Herbal and nutritional supplements
- Stress management strategies to regulate cortisol (“the stress hormone”)
3. Supporting Metabolic Health
For many women, tackling insulin resistance is the key to unraveling PCOS-related challenges like weight gain and fatigue. Functional medicine addresses this by focusing on diet, movement, and targeted supplementation.
4. Empowering Your Lifestyle Choices
You are the most important player in your wellness journey! Roots of Health will guide and support you in making sustainable changes to diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Tips for Managing PCOS Symptoms Naturally Post-Surgery
Here are some actionable steps to support your body and manage lingering PCOS symptoms:
1. Focus on Low-Glycemic, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Keeping blood sugar stable is crucial for managing insulin resistance and avoiding energy crashes. Try incorporating:
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
- High-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and whole grains
- Healthy fats from avocado, walnuts, or flaxseeds
- Lean proteins like wild-caught salmon or organic chicken
Avoid refined sugars and processed carbs that spike blood sugar and contribute to insulin resistance.
2. Move in Ways That Feel Good
Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and supports hormone balance. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to be effective:
- Strength training builds muscle, which helps with metabolism.
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga are great for gentle yet effective movement.
Find activities that you enjoy and feel sustainable in the long term.
3. Prioritize Stress Management
Stress can be a major trigger for hormonal and metabolic imbalances. Consider incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine:
- Try meditation or deep-breathing exercises.
- Take breaks in nature to recharge.
- Dedicate even 5-10 minutes daily to quiet, undisturbed self-care.
4. Nourish Your Gut
Your gut health plays an important role in managing inflammation and hormone metabolism. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or sauerkraut and prebiotic foods like onions and bananas can help. A functional medicine provider can guide you further with specific gut-healing protocols.
5. Get Personalized Support
Every woman’s PCOS story is unique, and so is the solution. A functional medicine professional can guide you through understanding your body’s unique needs and develop a plan tailored just for you.
You Don’t Have to Navigate PCOS Alone
A diagnosis like PCOS doesn’t define you, and neither should the persistence of symptoms after surgery. At Roots of Health, we believe in empowering women to understand their bodies and take charge of their health, one step at a time. Functional medicine offers practical, personalized solutions to help you find balance and feel like your vibrant self once more.
If you’re in the Seattle area and ready to explore how functional medicine can support you through life with PCOS and beyond, schedule a free discovery call with Dr. Melissa McCarty today. Together we’ll listen to your story, uncover the root causes of your symptoms, and build a plan to help you thrive.
Your health is your superpower, and we’re here to help you harness it. You deserve to feel your best, and we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
