Dr. Francis’ PCOS Protocol

Dr. Gabrielle Francis, our Chief Medical Officer, is a renowned functional medicine practitioner and naturopathic doctor with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in holistic approaches to hormonal and metabolic health, guiding our mission to support sustainable wellness through science-backed solutions.

WHAT IS PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal imbalances affecting women today and is often characterized and caused by Insulin Resistance.

PCOS has been recognized and diagnosed for over 75 years and is now considered the leading form of endocrine disruption in women of reproductive age.

PCOS can develop for a few different reasons, and symptoms can vary a lot from woman to woman, although it is mostly believed that insulin resistance plays “an intrinsic role” in the development of the disease. 

While PCOS symptoms can come and go depending on fluctuations in someone’s lifestyle, insulin resistance affects 35–80 percent of all women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. And when left untreated, this can increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and infertility.

SYMPTOMS

The term “polycystic” literally means that a woman’s ovaries have multiple small cysts on them. Normally, the ovaries release a small amount of male sex hormones (called androgens), but in women with PCOS, the ovaries start making slightly more androgens, which is the reason for masculine symptoms like extra facial and body hair and male pattern baldness.

Classically, physicians have looked for multiple cysts on the ovaries (described as looking like a “string of pearls” when performing an ultrasound), but not every woman diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome has visible cysts on her ovaries.

Another sign of PCOS is what’s known as “androgen excess,” or too many male hormones (androgens) produced in the body. This can lead to symptoms like acne, abnormal hair growth, and mood issues. It’s estimated that over 80 percent of women who have androgen excess, as diagnosed by a physician, have PCOS.

SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

• Partial or total infertility (related to and affected by many other symptoms, like insulin resistance, menstrual cycle disruption, weight problems, high male hormone levels and low sex drive)

• Irregular Periods or Missing Periods

• Weight gain and/or trouble losing weight

• Acne

• Insulin resistance 

• High Testosterone

• Excessive hair growth

• Male pattern baldness or thinning hair

• Fatigue

• Changes in mood

• Low sex 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

While the exact cause of PCOS is somewhat unclear, there are a few theories on how it develops. These are probably not a “one-size-fits-all” answer, but rather interact with each other to initiate the development of this disease. The main causes and risk factors are thought to include:

• Insulin Resistance

• Genetics

• Family History

• Smoking

• Low Protein, High Carbohydrate Diets

• Sedentary Diets

• Obesity

• Excess Alcohol

• Diabetes

DIAGNOSIS

Multiple factors are used to diagnose PCOS:

1. Androgen Excess

2. Ovulatory Dysfunction

3. Polycystic Ovaries

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALING PCOS

1. Diet for PCOS

Incorporate foods that contain more protein and fiber, which slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream:

• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and lettuce

• Foods rich in fiber, such as berries, whole grains, beans, and apples

• Fresh foods that have not been processed and are as close to whole as possible

• Lean proteins, such as beans, legumes, nuts, and fish

• Non-starchy vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, snow peas, and celery

• Whole grains, such as whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice, and barley

Foods to avoid with PCOS:

Try to limit foods that tend to spike blood glucose, such as packaged, processed foods like chips. If you can’t read or recognize the ingredients on a food label, that food is highly processed.

 

Other foods to avoid include:

• Foods with refined flour, such as white bread, pizza crust, and pasta

• Fried foods

• Red meat and processed lunch meats

• Saturated fats such as butter and margarine

• Sugary drinks as sodas, teas, juices and sports drinks

• Sugary snacks, such as candies, cookies, and cakes

• White rice

2. Get Enough Rest

Sleep is crucial for cell regeneration, hormone production, stress control and even weight management. 

Consistently going without enough sleep increases cortisol, and changes levels of hormones that control your weight and appetite, including insulin and ghrelin. The more stressed you are, the more sleep you likely need — but the general recommendation that works well for most people is aiming for seven to nine hours each night. Some women with polycystic ovary syndrome may need upwards of nine hours consistently.

3. Exercise 

If you have a predisposition to developing hormonal imbalances, keep in mind there’s a fine line between too little activity and too much. Women’s bodies are more susceptible to hormonal changes when exercise is increased beyond healthy levels. Try to get moderate aerobic exercise with some Strength training and stretching.

4. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine Disruptors that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism or elimination of the body’s natural hormones. Women with hormonal disorders like PCOS are very sensitive to this type of interference, and high levels of endocrine disruptors may increase androgens in their bloodstream.

5. Acupuncture

While many might be skeptical, there is evidence that Acupuncture may function as a very useful complementary treatment for women with PCOS. 

Acupuncture therapy may have a role in PCOS by increasing of blood flow to the ovaries, reducing of ovarian volume and the number of ovarian cysts, controlling blood sugar through increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood glucose and insulin levels, reducing cortisol levels, and assisting in weight loss. 

SUPPLEMENTS

When it comes to managing PCOS, targeted supplementation can play a powerful role in restoring balance. Nutrients that support insulin sensitivity, hormone metabolism, inflammation, and detoxification are especially important for women with PCOS. Below are the foundational supplements I recommend as part of a comprehensive protocol, including Veracity’s expertly formulated products.

• Multivitamin – A complete, bioavailable multivitamin that fills common nutrient gaps in women with PCOS, including key vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, and chromium, which are critical for hormone production, energy, and metabolic health.
  

• Omega-3 Super+ – Anti-inflammatory support that promotes hormone balance, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports cardiovascular health, especially important for women at risk of metabolic syndrome.
  

• Metabolism Ignite – A clinically backed blend of plant polyphenols, designed to support fat metabolism, appetite control, energy levels, and insulin sensitivity, while improving metabolic markers such as cholesterol and blood glucose.
  

• Cortisol Calming – Stress is a major disruptor of hormonal balance. This formula includes adaptogens and a powerful nootropic that helps regulate cortisol levels, support adrenal health, and reduce the impact of chronic stress on the menstrual cycle and insulin function.

• Probiotics – A diverse and potent blend of 7 probiotic strains that deliver 20 billion active cultures to promote gut health, reduce inflammation, and support metabolism and immune function, all of which are essential in managing PCOS symptoms.

• Metabolism Cleanse – A 10-day liver detox designed to jumpstart your metabolism by clearing out hormone-disrupting toxins and supporting your body’s natural detox pathways. This targeted program helps improve liver function, balance blood sugar, and enhance insulin sensitivity.