Hormonal & Women's Health

PCOS Treatment in Greenville, SC

PCOS treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry addresses insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and cycle irregularities with acupuncture and functional medicine. Call (864) 365-6156.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women, affecting 8–13% of women globally. Characterized by irregular periods, elevated androgens (male hormones), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, PCOS is also strongly associated with insulin resistance, weight difficulties, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders. It is the leading cause of ovulatory infertility.

Common Symptoms

Irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual periods

Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, and back

Acne, particularly around the jaw and chin

Male-pattern hair thinning or hair loss from the scalp

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, particularly around the abdomen

Skin tags and dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) — insulin resistance signs

Mood changes, anxiety, and depression

Fertility difficulties due to ovulatory dysfunction

Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective

PCOS is driven primarily by insulin resistance in the majority of cases (even in lean women) — elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, disrupts follicle maturation, and causes the characteristic cystic appearance on ovarian ultrasound. Elevated LH relative to FSH further suppresses ovulation. Chronic inflammation — from diet, excess adipose tissue, or gut dysbiosis — amplifies androgen production and worsens insulin sensitivity.

Dr. Hendry's functional medicine approach evaluates fasting insulin, HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free testosterone, DHEA-S, LH:FSH ratio, thyroid function, and inflammatory markers — creating a complete hormonal and metabolic picture that guides a targeted treatment protocol.

How We Treat PCOS at IHP

Acupuncture for PCOS is supported by growing clinical evidence. A landmark Swedish study (led by acupuncture researcher Elisabet Stener-Victorin) found that repeated electro-acupuncture normalized LH levels, improved menstrual regularity, and reduced testosterone in PCOS patients. Acupuncture modulates the neuroendocrine pathways that drive hormonal imbalance in PCOS.

Dr. Hendry's functional medicine protocol addresses insulin resistance directly: a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet; targeted supplementation (inositol, berberine, chromium, vitamin D, omega-3s); and progressive exercise programming. Chinese herbal medicine formulas specific to TCM PCOS patterns regulate the cycle and reduce androgenic symptoms over a course of months. This comprehensive approach achieves hormonal rebalancing without relying on birth control pills — which mask symptoms without addressing underlying drivers.

Dr. Hendry's Approach

Dr. Hendry focuses on restoring ovulation, regulating cycles, and improving metabolic health in women with PCOS — not just suppressing symptoms. For women seeking to conceive, his fertility-focused PCOS protocol optimizes the hormonal and metabolic environment to support natural ovulation and implantation.

Treatments We Use for PCOS

Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

Can PCOS be treated without birth control pills?

Yes. Birth control pills are a common conventional treatment that regulates periods by suppressing the hormonal cycle entirely — but they don't address the underlying insulin resistance and androgen excess. Dr. Hendry's approach corrects the root causes, enabling natural cycle regulation.

Can inositol help PCOS?

Yes. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have strong evidence for improving insulin sensitivity, reducing androgen levels, and restoring ovulation in PCOS. Dr. Hendry uses specific dosing protocols based on each patient's insulin resistance status.

Does weight loss help PCOS?

Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight significantly improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgens, and can restore ovulation in overweight women with PCOS. Dr. Hendry's functional medicine approach supports healthy, sustainable weight management as part of PCOS treatment.

How long does it take to regulate periods with treatment?

Most women see cycle improvement within 3–6 months of consistent acupuncture, dietary changes, and supplementation. The timeline varies based on the degree of hormonal imbalance and the patient's adherence to the full protocol.

Can PCOS go away?

PCOS doesn't have a medical 'cure,' but symptoms and underlying drivers can be substantially reduced or resolved through sustained lifestyle and integrative medical intervention. Many women with PCOS achieve regular ovulatory cycles, normal androgen levels, and improved insulin sensitivity with proper treatment.