MY WHY:
THE STORY BEHIND THE CARE

How Long Does It Take to See Results?  

Consistency is key, and meaningful improvements often build gradually over time. Every person responds differently, but the healing journey can look like: 

• Improved energy, deeper sleep, and improved mood: 1 to 2 months  
• Cycle regularity: typically 3 to 6 months for consistent ovulation when foundations are in place.
• Weight loss: varies 
• Acne and androgen (testosterone-related) symptoms: often 4 to 6 months
• Hair growth changes: 6 to 12 months, since hair follicle cycles are slow
• Fertility optimization: varies depending on individual circumstances
• Blood work is typically reassessed around 6–12 months to help us to continue to progress. 

What labs are used to diagnose PCOS/PMOS?

• Comprehensive review of your health and lifestyle history
• Hormone testing (including testosterone, LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone)
• Blood sugar and insulin assessments
• Thyroid function evaluation
• Liver and fasted Lipid panel 
• Iron, vitamins, and nutrient status
• Pelvic ultrasound (if needed, our nurse practitioners or your medical doctor can arrange a referral) 
• We make sure to explain your results in a clear and easy-to-understand manner — no complicated medical language or vague “everything looks normal” responses. 

Is Naturopathic Treatment Safe to Combine with Medications or Fertility Treatments?

• Yes, naturopathic care is generally safe to use alongside conventional medical treatment. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to recognize potential interactions between supplements, natural therapies, and medications, and work collaboratively with your healthcare team to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective. Any decisions regarding prescription medications are made by your prescribing physician. Dr. Bhatoa, ND, does not prescribe or adjust medications. If prescription treatment is indicated, we coordinate with your family physician or nurse practitioner and keep them informed of any supplements or therapies being recommended to help avoid potential interactions or conflicts.

How is Naturopathic Medicine for PCOS/PMOS Different from Conventional Care

• Conventional medical care and naturopathic care often have different goals in PCOS/PMOS management. In conventional medicine, treatment is often focused on managing symptoms and reducing metabolic risk. For example, metformin is commonly used to improve insulin sensitivity and support blood sugar regulation. While this can be helpful, many women also want to understand why insulin resistance developed in the first place and address the underlying factors contributing to it, rather than relying on medication alone. Another common example is birth control, which is often recommended to regulate periods and improve symptoms such as acne or unwanted hair growth. While it can be effective for symptom management, it does not restore ovulation, as it works by suppressing the body’s natural hormone signaling and creating a withdrawal bleed rather than a true menstrual cycle. Some side effects may include nutrient deficiencies, changes in gut microbiome, and/or increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Once you choose to stop, we may still need to address the underlying drivers of PCOS/PMOS, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, the nervous system, and hormonal dysregulation. 

• These treatments can absolutely be helpful, but they often focus on managing the downstream effects of PCOS/PMOS rather than identifying and addressing why the imbalance is happening in the first place. A naturopathic approach aims to look deeper at the root causes contributing to your symptoms and create a more individualized plan to support long-term hormone, metabolic, and reproductive health.