Women's Health · Protocol
PCOS Protocol
A combined approach to PCOS that treats the insulin resistance underneath it, rather than managing symptoms one at a time.
Your consult is free. We will not prescribe this, or anything, before a clinician has spoken with you. Final cost depends on the form and dose prescribed.
Mechanism
Treat the driver.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is usually driven by insulin resistance, which raises androgen production and disrupts ovulation. Weight gain, acne, unwanted hair growth and irregular cycles all follow from that.
Treating each symptom separately is why so many women cycle through years of partial fixes. Improving insulin sensitivity addresses several at once.
The protocol typically combines metformin or a GLP-1 with targeted supplementation and, where appropriate, hormonal cycle regulation.
Protocol
How treatment usually runs.
A typical schedule. Yours is set by your clinician, and adjusted as you go.
| Phase | Weeks | Typical | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | Week 0 | Full hormone and metabolic panel | Androgens, insulin, A1c, thyroid. |
| Phase 1 | 1–12 | Insulin sensitiser | Metformin or GLP-1 per your labs. |
| Phase 2 | 4–12 | Cycle and androgen support | Added as indicated. |
| Review | Month 3–6 | Repeat labs | Protocol adjusted to response. |
What to expect
Honestly, over time.
Metabolic
Energy and glucose stability often shift first.
Cycle
Regularity typically improves as insulin resistance falls.
Skin and hair
Acne and unwanted hair growth are the slowest to respond.
Fertility
Ovulation often returns; discuss plans with your provider.
Evidence
What the research shows.
Improving insulin sensitivity is a well-supported approach in PCOS, associated with better cycle regularity and reduced androgen levels.
GLP-1 therapy shows promise for PCOS-related weight and metabolic dysfunction, though it is prescribed off-label for that indication.
Safety and eligibility
Your consult and labs screen for all of the following.
- Tell your provider if you are trying to conceive, this changes which medications are appropriate.
- GLP-1 medications must be stopped before conception.
- Metformin requires kidney function monitoring.
- PCOS raises long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease; ongoing monitoring is part of the plan.
FAQ
PCOS Protocol questions.
Addressing insulin resistance directly. Metformin and GLP-1 therapy both target the underlying mechanism rather than the symptom, which is why they generally outperform diet advice alone in PCOS-related weight gain.
No, but it is highly manageable. Improving insulin sensitivity frequently restores cycle regularity, reduces androgen symptoms and supports weight loss. Symptoms typically return if treatment stops.
Often yes. Improving insulin sensitivity commonly restores ovulation. Tell your provider if you are trying to conceive, since several PCOS medications must be stopped before pregnancy.
We will not prescribe before we understand you.
Book a one-to-one consult with the clinical team. We talk through your goals, order the bloodwork that matters, and build a plan from what we find.