Plate VI · Hormonal Balance for Reproductive Health

PCOS & Fertility Support

PCOS affects hormone balance, fertility, and metabolic health. Explore personalised approaches to managing PCOS and supporting fertility.

Overview

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. It affects menstrual cycles, fertility, metabolism, and hormone balance.

Observed presentations

Signs & symptoms.

  • 01Irregular or absent periods
  • 02Difficulty conceiving
  • 03Acne and oily skin
  • 04Excess hair growth
  • 05Hair loss on scalp
  • 06Weight gain
  • 07Insulin resistance

Sections in Plate VI

  1. ISection

    Understanding PCOS

    PCOS is characterized by elevated androgens (male hormones), insulin resistance, and often multiple small cysts on the ovaries. It affects 1 in 10 women and has significant impacts on fertility, metabolic health, and long-term disease risk.

  2. IISection

    Hormone Balancing for PCOS

    We can compound personalised formulations to address specific PCOS concerns: anti-androgens for excess hair growth and acne, progesterone to support regular cycles, and metabolic supports to improve insulin sensitivity.

  3. IIISection

    Fertility Support

    For those trying to conceive, we can create customised fertility support formulations including inositol, NAC, CoQ10, and other nutrients shown to improve egg quality and ovulation regularity.

  4. IVSection

    Long-term Management

    PCOS is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management. We work with your healthcare team to create sustainable solutions addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term health risks.

Common questions

Questions, asked often.

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women. Diagnosis typically requires meeting 2 of 3 criteria: irregular periods, signs of elevated androgens (excess hair growth, acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Blood tests checking hormone levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic markers help confirm diagnosis.
  • PCOS cannot be "cured," but it can be effectively managed. With appropriate treatment addressing insulin resistance, hormone balance, and lifestyle factors, many women see significant improvement or resolution of symptoms. Weight loss of even 5-10% can dramatically improve PCOS symptoms and metabolic health.
  • Inositol (particularly myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol combination) is well-researched for improving insulin sensitivity and ovulation. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) helps with insulin resistance and fertility. Berberine supports metabolic health. Vitamin D and omega-3s address inflammation. Your compounding pharmacist can create customised combinations.
  • Yes. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, but most women with PCOS can conceive with appropriate treatment. Options include lifestyle modifications, medications to induce ovulation (like letrozole or clomiphene), metformin for insulin resistance, and fertility treatments if needed. Many women successfully conceive with proper management.
  • While some symptoms like irregular periods resolve after menopause, PCOS is a lifelong metabolic condition. The increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic issues persist. Continued management of insulin resistance, weight, and metabolic health remains important throughout life.

After this plate

Where to next.

Back to the compendium

Notice to the reader

Educational, not prescriptive.

Hormone therapy requires medical supervision. This plate is reviewed by our pharmacy team but isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with your prescriber before beginning, altering, or stopping any hormone therapy.