Many women first start wondering about PCOS when their cycles shift or their weight becomes harder to manage. What they don’t always realize is that PCOS affects far more than the reproductive system. It influences hormones, metabolism, and the way your body responds to stress, which is why the symptoms can feel so widespread.
Dr. Corey Howard in Naples, Florida, has spent decades helping women understand how conditions like PCOS affect their bodies. With training in internal medicine, functional medicine, and hormone management, he helps women uncover what their symptoms are really trying to tell them. In some cases, hormone therapy may be part of the solution, but the plan always starts with understanding what’s driving the imbalance.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition that affects how the ovaries work and how the body manages hormones. It’s usually diagnosed when two or more signs are present, such as irregular periods, signs of elevated androgens (like acne or facial hair), or visible cysts on the ovaries through ultrasound.
The symptoms can vary widely, and not everyone with PCOS has cysts. What most cases have in common is a hormone imbalance. Signs include missed or unpredictable periods, weight gain, fatigue, acne, thinning hair, or unwanted hair growth.
One of the most common patterns is an increase in androgens—hormones like testosterone that are present in everyone, but typically higher in men. When these levels rise, it can prevent regular ovulation and throw off the balance of estrogen and progesterone.
Why PCOS Impacts Weight
The hormone imbalance of PCOS can also lead to weight gain and make it harder to lose weight. That’s because it often affects how your body responds to insulin, which helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. When that system becomes less efficient, your body tends to store more fat, particularly in the midsection.
On top of that, the higher androgen levels can change how your body builds muscle and burns calories. Many women with PCOS find that their metabolism slows down, or they feel hungrier throughout the day.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t about willpower. It’s a real, biological shift that often needs targeted support to correct.
How Howard Health & Wellness Can Help
Dr. Howard looks at your full health picture. Your care plan may include nutrition support, stress and sleep guidance, and movement strategies. When appropriate, he may prescribe hormone therapy to help support your overall well-being.
Call 239-331-2285 to schedule your consultation at Howard Health & Wellness in Naples, FL.
