Our unique combination of Functional Endocrinology and Chinese Medicine, developed and refined since we first started back in 2004, has several key benefits in the treatment of PCOS, all of which are supported by reputable scientific sources, including:

1. Creates positive shifts in insulin response and overall metabolic rate. When we normalize the insulin response and metabolic rate, we cause your body to self-correct all the hormonal imbalances that cause the frustrating symptoms of PCOS.
2. Resets and normalizes the estrogen cycle. When the body’s estrogen cycle is normalized, menstruation becomes more regular AND less heavy and painful.
3. Lowers testosterone. PCOS almost always involves excessive testosterone levels. Once we bring these back down to normal, skin clears and hair starts to grow normally.
4. Decreases inflammation. Excessive inflammation is a known disruptor of all hormonal processes in the body and is a classic feature of PCOS. We will clear that excessive inflammation which leads to less bloating and more energy, on top of smoother hormonal cycling.
5. Significant reduction of stress and anxiety. While not an absolute cause, stress is a common feature of PCOS caused by abnormal cortisol levels and inflammation. Chronic stress and anxiety make it harder for your body to get itself back into a normal estrogen cycle and stay there. Our treatment triggers a deep relaxation response in the body, acting like a “reboot” for your Central Nervous System. This has dramatically positive effects on overall hormonal function throughout your body.

At your intake, we review your completed medical history forms in detail and interview you to dig deeper so we can determine where your body needs extra support. We also take into account your diagnosis and previous test results, especially insulin, testosterone, and LH, which are the hallmark hormones of PCOS.

Because of our extensive experience in successfully treating PCOS, we no longer require patients to get additional testing outside of what they have already done prior to coming to see us. However, if you would like us to order tests, we can facilitate that and we are able to assess the results for you. We have found, however, that the tests almost never reveal anything we aren’t already addressing with the treatment plan.

We have a wide range of supplements to consider, and each case is different. We often see people who are already taking supplements they’ve read about online or were given by a friend or even their gynecologist, yet they’re simply not the right ones.

It’s important to consult with an expert to ensure you’re not only on the right supplements, but at the right doses to address your unique clinical profile.

With PCOS, improvements are typically noticeable within the first week to two weeks, and most often include reduced bloating, more consistent energy levels, improved sleep, and less sugar cravings.

If it’s been more than a month since your last period (some of our PCOS patients haven’t menstruated in over 6 months before coming to us) you will most likely get your first period within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment.

After that, we continue treatment for a couple more periods to make sure everything stays regulated.

All our clinicians are Board Certified by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) and are licensed by the State Board of Acupuncture Examiners and Texas State Medical Board.

Additionally, all our clinicians have specialized training in Functional Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine via the 5-Element Functional Medicine Institute which was founded by our Director, Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.

Chris Axelrad also served for 4 years on the Executive Board of ABORM (The American and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine), including 2 years as its president.

We are out of network and therefore do not directly bill insurance.

However, many of our patients easily receive reimbursement from their insurance on an out-of-network basis by filing directly with their insurance company. Upon request, we will gladly provide you with the documentation you need in order to do that.

We can definitely help you get whatever lab tests you’re interested in.

However, we typically don’t need many tests, if any, and the ones we do use are fairly standard.

We have found through experience that by using the 5-Element Functional Medicine process developed by our Founder and Director, and focusing on simple, subtle symptomatic diagnostic parameters, we end up with incredibly accurate assessments and treatment plans.

It’s important to remember that your body knows how to fix itself and get itself back into balance. Our process is very precise and efficient at doing that. For instance, many of our patients who are on thyroid replacement end up needing less or can even stop their medicine after a period of time on their treatment plan. This is because not only is the thyroid now producing hormones more efficiently, the cells are also responding to the thyroid more effectively.

We have 4 offices in the Greater Houston area, and a worldwide office on the internet. 😉

The Houston area offices are located in Uptown Park area, Katy, Woodlands, and Sugar Land. Click here to see the locations on a map.

Absolutely not. We are always here to support YOUR goals and YOUR decisions. If you choose to take medications prescribed by another doctor, we respect that choice. Same with the choice to do surgery, IVF, or any other conventional medical procedure.

Our goal is to help you be successful, no matter what YOU decide to do outside of our office (short of harming others or yourself, of course 😉 ).

Your initial consultation usually takes no more than 15 minutes, with a brief “orientation” at the end where we’ll make sure you’re clear on everything before you set up your intake.

The total time for that appointment is about 30 minutes.

The intake appointment is roughly 60 – 75 minutes in length, including 25 minutes for the acupuncture treatment and about 15 minutes at the end to go over your treatment plan and book out some future appointments (we’re very busy so we always encourage you book at least a month in advance to be sure you get the days / times you want).

The follow-ups are typically around 35 – 45 minutes each, again with 25 minutes allocated to the treatment and the rest for consultation and check-out.