PCOS

PCOS Is Just the Label. Let’s Find the Cause.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone-related conditions affecting women of reproductive age but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Despite its name, PCOS is not just about having ovarian cysts. In fact, many women with PCOS don’t have cysts at all, and some women with cysts don’t have PCOS.

PCOS is better understood as a syndrome a collection of symptoms and biochemical patterns that point to underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances. These imbalances can be caused by very different root mechanisms, which is why:

Two women with the same “PCOS” label can have completely different symptoms, triggers, and best treatment options.
Some women who have been told they have PCOS actually have a different condition that just looks similar on the surface.

This matters because if the cause is different, the solution must be different too.

At Solace Natural Health Clinic, our approach is simple.

Confirm the diagnosis. Identify the type. Address the root cause.

Have You Actually Been Investigated for PCOS… Properly?

f your diagnosis came from a quick consultation or a single ultrasound, important pieces of the puzzle may be missing.

Many women are told “you probably have PCOS” without having the full assessments needed to confirm it or to find out what’s actually driving their symptoms.

At Solace, we take a more thorough, investigative approach. We look at:

Hormones & ovulation patterns
Stress response and adrenal health
Gut function and inflammation
Metabolic health and blood sugar control
Lifestyle factors that affect hormonal balance

Use this checklist to see how complete your evaluation has been so far

Have you had a full blood hormone panel? (LH, FSH, testosterone, SHBG, DHEA-S)

Was your insulin resistance assessed? (e.g. fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c)

Were inflammatory markers like CRP or homocysteine tested?

Was adrenal function checked? (cortisol or DHEA through saliva or DUTCH testing)

Has your thyroid been ruled out as a contributor?

Have you had an advanced hormone test like the DUTCH Complete?

If you answered “No” to more than two of these, you may not have had a full investigation.

We can help with that.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All PCOS. Know Your Type.

In naturopathic and functional medicine, we don’t view PCOS as a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

Instead, we see it as a syndrome, a collection of symptoms that can stem from very different underlying imbalances in the body.

This is why some women respond well to conventional treatments like the Pill or Metformin, while others see little to no improvement.

Because if we don’t understand the root cause, the treatment is often just a band-aid.

At Solace, we take a more holistic and investigative approach.

We look at your hormones, stress response, gut health, inflammation, metabolic function, and lifestyle to understand what’s really driving your symptoms. Once we identify the core drivers, we can work with your body to gently bring things back into balance.

This is where identifying your PCOS type becomes so important. Each type requires a different treatment focus and understanding your unique presentation is the key to long-term, sustainable results.

Insulin-Resistant PCOS

The most common form of PCOS.
Caused by the body struggling to process insulin, which can disrupt ovulation and increase testosterone.
Often linked to sugar cravings, weight changes, fatigue, and irregular cycles.

Adrenal PCOS

Caused by the stress hormone DHEA-S being elevated, even if other hormone tests look normal.
Often linked to chronic stress and poor sleep.
Can lead to anxiety, acne, fatigue, and cycle changes

Post-Pill PCOS

Can appear after stopping hormonal contraception.
Happens when your body needs time to restart natural hormone production.
May cause acne flares, irregular cycles, or temporary hair shedding.

Inflammatory PCOS

Driven by ongoing low-grade inflammation in the body.
Can affect ovulation, hormone production, digestion, and skin.
Symptoms may include bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, or headaches.

Can you treat PCOS naturally without medication?

Yes. We use evidence-based natural medicine to restore balance without synthetic hormones while working collaboratively with your GP or specialist when needed

FAQs

Can you help me if I’m on the Pill or Metformin?

Yes. Many of our clients are on medication when they begin. We work to support your body regardless of where you’re starting.

What’s the DUTCH test and is it worth doing?

The DUTCH test provides an in-depth look at how your body makes and detoxifies hormones. It’s one of the most insightful tools available for hormone conditions like PCOS.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Discovery Call

We offer a free 15-minute discovery call to help you:

Understand whether your symptoms are truly PCOS
Learn what might have been missed in your testing
Explore your PCOS type and what testing would clarify it
Decide if our approach is the right fit for you

Available in-person at our Goodwood clinic, or via telehealth across Australia.

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