PCOS Management at Kansas City Med Spa: A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Health
- klosik
- Jan 10
- 11 min read
IN THIS BLOG POST:
Why PCOS Matters at Horizon MedSpa and Wellness
When caring for a patient, one of the greatest tools a clinician has is asking the right questions! To truly help our patients achieve their desired goal(s), whether it's weight loss, hormonal or thyroid health and optimization, vitamin optimization, gut health, skin treatments, and overall long-term health, wellness, and quality of life, it is imperative that we assess a patient holistically.
The Importance of Comprehensive Medical History
This necessitates a baseline thorough medical history with a Nurse Practitioner, including not only the patient's current symptoms of bother, but additionally digging into their personal menstrual, gynecologic, and fertility history, their sleep patterns, psychological, dermatologic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thyroid histories. Obtaining current and fully comprehensive labs are also an important piece to this puzzle. Comprehensive lab work helps us identify hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and other metabolic markers that impact your overall wellness.
While recent labs performed during an annual PCP visit are helpful, they unfortunately too often do NOT contain all of the things that we prefer to capture on a baseline set of labs, to better equate how you're feeling now with what is occurring on labs now. While this degree of investigation may feel initially daunting for a patient, this is what truly leads us to an optimal individualized plan of care which ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes.
Our Holistic Approach to Wellness
At Horizon MedSpa and Wellness, we aim to not only make you look and feel better now, but to also improve your long term health and wellness to keep you looking and feeling your best from the inside out.
This leads to the topic of PCOS aka Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, that I see more and more of as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner here at Horizon MedSpa & Wellness, and one in which I've taken great interest. The reasons that PCOS matters are many, but primarily it is one of those diagnoses that impacts nearly every body system! There is no curative treatment, but there are ways to manage it alongside a skilled clinician. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PCOS affects up to 12% of women of reproductive age in the United States, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders among women.
Real Patient Success: Meet Polly
(Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. This case is fictional and intended for educational purposes only).
Polly is a 40‑year‑old woman who presented with a long history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that had progressively worsened over the past several years. Her primary concerns were irregular and unpredictable menstrual cycles, stubborn weight gain, increasing facial hair growth, fatigue, and lab evidence of insulin resistance with elevated fasting glucose levels.
Despite prior attempts at lifestyle modification, she felt frustrated and discouraged by minimal results.
Initial Presentation
At her initial visit, Polly reported cycles occurring every 2–4 months, worsening facial hair growth along her chin and jawline, and difficulty losing weight despite calorie reduction and increased exercise. Laboratory evaluation was consistent with PCOS, including insulin resistance and impaired glucose regulation.
Personalized Treatment Approach
Polly initiated an individualized PCOS management program focused on metabolic health and hormonal balance. Her care plan included addition of a GLP-1 medication with medically supervised weight loss support, and optimization of her vitamin deficiencies, Thyroid, and hormones tailored to her specific lab findings and symptoms. Emphasis was placed on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than restrictive dieting.
Results and Progress
Over the course of several months, Polly experienced significant and measurable improvements:
Her menstrual cycles became more regular and predictable
Insulin resistance improved, with fasting glucose returning to a healthier range
She achieved a 20‑pound weight loss without extreme calorie restriction
Noticeable reduction in facial hair growth
Improved energy levels and overall sense of well‑being
Outcome
By addressing the root metabolic and hormonal drivers of her PCOS, Polly was able to regain control of her health. She reports feeling more confident, energized, and empowered, with a renewed trust in her body's ability to function optimally.
Key Takeaway
Polly's case highlights how a personalized, root‑cause approach to PCOS can lead to meaningful improvements in menstrual regularity, metabolic health, weight management, and quality of life, especially for women who have struggled for years without answers.
Understanding PCOS: What You Need to Know
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome aka PCOS is an under discussed constellation of chronic symptoms that are becoming increasingly more prevalent. Currently 500,000 women of reproductive age in the US are diagnosed annually with PCOS. This is likely an underestimate, given the complexities that surround both the diagnosis as well as the treatment, and also does not account for those who may remain undiagnosed or who may not have the adequate access to healthcare for diagnosis to occur.
PCOS Is More Than Just Ovarian Cysts
The term PCOS is a bit of a misnomer, as the diagnostic criterion may include, but does NOT require, a patient to actually have multiple 'cysts' present on their ovaries; which makes this condition sound like simply a gynecologic or fertility issue. In actuality, PCOS is a multifactorial endocrine disorder that is truly more metabolic in nature and impacts the entire body. Its causes are thought to be some combination of inheritance (genetic), environmental, and epigenetic (meaning the impact that our environment has on the genes themselves). Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that PCOS is also linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic complications.
How PCOS Is Diagnosed in Kansas City
PCOS is medically diagnosed using 'The Rotterdam Criterion,' which requires that a patient possess at least 2 of the following:
Hyperandrogenism: Elevated Testosterone Levels
High levels of free androgens (testosterone) on a blood draw but may also lead to outward symptoms of increased facial hair growth, male pattern hair thinning or baldness, acne, or a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans (a velvety thickened darkening of the skin-typically in areas of friction).
Ovulatory Dysfunction: Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Variability of menstrual cycles from absent to being irregularly long spaced, or infrequent in occurrence. Due to this reduced or absent ovulation, some may find themselves with difficulty getting pregnant. On ultrasound of the ovary, the coined term 'string of pearls' observation may or may not be captured. A 'string of pearls' image is typically denoting an excess of immature follicles (eggs-not cysts-as the name PCOS confusedly insinuates) that are growing simultaneously and resemble a string of pearls. In a normal ovulatory menstrual cycle there are typically 1-2 follicles that grow appropriately to maturation then erupt during ovulation midway each month, in a typical 28-35 day menstrual cycle.
Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain
Often seen in the form of resistant obesity or weight gain, insulin resistance and/or increasing blood glucose levels to pre or diabetic ranges, abnormal lipids, and the potential for cardiovascular disease.
To be clear, a patient can have metabolic dysfunction without having a diagnosis of PCOS, however every patient with a diagnosis of PCOS, even without current overt metabolic symptoms, will have a higher lifetime risk of metabolic vulnerability, and should warrant closer observation and preventative measures.
PCOS can be particularly tricky, because its own manifestations can in turn exacerbate other risk factors compounding the challenge of managing and controlling not only the current, but also the long term risk factor potentials.
Common PCOS Symptoms and Health Risks
As noted above, there are few parts of the body that PCOS doesn't negatively impact both directly and/or from a downstream exacerbation or causation. From increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease, Thyroid dysfunction, Infertility, Pregnancy Complications, Mood Imbalances, and even increased Endometrial Cancer risk, PCOS has the potential to wreak horrible havoc for those affected. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive management to prevent long-term health complications.
The Challenge of Fragmented Care
Additionally, because of the multi-factorial presentation of PCOS, a patient may be seeing more than 4 providers who are all treating their focalized specialty's symptoms without scaling back and seeing how these may all piece together as one diagnosis.
This unfortunately can often lead to patients being on handfuls of pills to try and correct each individual symptom which in turn have their own added side effects and long term detriments to health, as well as the pocket book; rather than treating this syndrome as the collection of symptoms that it is.
PCOS Management at Our Kansas City MedSpa
At Horizon MedSpa & Wellness, we address every patient with a highly individualized and tailored treatment plan based on their age, goals, and other comorbidities.
Beyond Diet and Exercise: Comprehensive Treatment Options
Lifestyle change will always be first-line for PCOS, however, its flippant and dismissive of providers to presume that all patients with PCOS will be able to fully mitigate PCOS symptoms and prevent chronic disease with diet and exercise alone. While diet and exercise are certainly part of every patient's care plan, we also offer some very effective treatment options to help manage weight, thyroid, hormones, and vitamin deficiencies as well as the appropriate lab monitoring to ensure that improvements in long term health are being preserved, as best as currently possible.
Our Comprehensive PCOS Management Program
Our comprehensive PCOS management program includes hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss with GLP-1 medications, gut health optimization, vitamin supplementation, and ongoing lab monitoring. We also offer aesthetic treatments to address concerns like facial hair through laser hair removal and skin issues through facials and peels that often accompany PCOS.
What Success Looks Like with PCOS Treatment
"Success," with PCOS often looks like:
Weight Loss—even 5-10% shows great improvement for reproductive and metabolic outcomes
Improved Body Composition (less fat, more muscle) through body contouring treatments
Menstrual Regulation
Ovulation—improved Fertility (if desired)
Improved Mood
Improved Energy
Improved Quality of Life
Balanced Hormones
Improved Sleep
Reduced Hair and Skin Bothers with laser treatments and microneedling
Reduced Inflammation
Improved Cholesterol (Reducing triglycerides and LDL Cholesterol)
Improved Metabolic parameters (reduced fasting insulin, improved insulin sensitivity)
Improved Thyroid Function
The Connection Between PCOS and Medical Weight Loss
One of the most challenging aspects of PCOS is weight management. Insulin resistance makes it difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, creating a frustrating cycle. At Horizon MedSpa, our medical weight loss program addresses the metabolic dysfunction at the root of PCOS-related weight gain.
How GLP-1 Medications Support PCOS Management
GLP-1 medications, combined with personalized nutrition guidance and comprehensive lab work, can help break the insulin resistance cycle. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly improve PCOS symptoms, restore regular menstrual cycles, and reduce long-term health risks. Learn more about what to expect during your first visit.
Why Choose a MedSpa for PCOS Management?
You might wonder why a medical spa is the right place for PCOS treatment. At Horizon MedSpa and Wellness, we combine medical expertise with a holistic wellness approach. Our Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Brandi Mulryan, specializes in the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and overall wellness.
An Integrative Approach to Hormonal Health
Unlike traditional medical settings that may treat symptoms in isolation, we look at the whole picture. This integrative approach aligns with recommendations from the Endocrine Society for comprehensive PCOS management. This means addressing not just your hormonal imbalances, but also optimizing your gut health, supporting your thyroid function, and helping you feel confident in your skin through our aesthetic treatments when desired. We also offer sauna and cold plunge therapy to support stress reduction and metabolic health.
Book Your PCOS Consultation in Kansas City
If you have PCOS and are tired of not feeling like yourself, are struggling with wonky periods, and/or cannot hear another provider tell you that diet and exercise alone is all that you need, please arrange a visit with me to better discuss these concerns!
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today
Schedule your complimentary consultation at either our Shawnee or Kansas City locations. During your visit, we'll review your complete medical history, order comprehensive labs, and create a personalized PCOS management plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.</span>
At Horizon MedSpa and Wellness, confidence is on the horizon—and it starts with taking control of your health from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS Management
Can a medical spa really help with PCOS, or should I see an endocrinologist?
At Horizon MedSpa and Wellness, our Women's Health Nurse Practitioner has specialized training in hormonal disorders like PCOS. We provide comprehensive care including comprehensive lab work, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, and ongoing monitoring. While we work collaboratively with other specialists when needed, many women find that our holistic, personalized approach addresses their PCOS symptoms more effectively than fragmented care from multiple providers.
How long does it take to see results from PCOS treatment?
Most patients begin noticing improvements within 2-3 months of starting treatment. You may see changes in energy levels and mood first, followed by improvements in menstrual regularity, weight loss, and reduction in symptoms like facial hair growth. However, PCOS management is a long-term commitment, and optimal results develop over 6-12 months as your body regains metabolic balance.
Will I need to be on medication forever if I have PCOS?
PCOS management is highly individualized. Some women need ongoing hormone therapy or metabolic support, while others can maintain their results with lifestyle modifications and periodic monitoring once their symptoms are well-controlled. During your consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation and create a sustainable long-term plan.
Does insurance cover PCOS treatment at a medical spa?
Many aspects of PCOS care, including lab work and consultations, may be covered by insurance. However, some treatments like GLP-1 medications for weight loss may not be covered depending on your plan. We'll work with you to understand your coverage and offer flexible payment options. We also offer financing through Cherry to make care more accessible.
Can you help with PCOS if I'm trying to get pregnant?
Absolutely. Improving metabolic health and hormonal balance through our PCOS management program can significantly improve ovulation and fertility. We'll work closely with you to optimize your health while coordinating with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist. Many women find that addressing insulin resistance and achieving modest weight loss naturally restores their menstrual cycles and improves their chances of conception.
What makes Horizon MedSpa's approach to PCOS different from what my regular doctor offers?
Our approach is comprehensive and personalized. Rather than simply prescribing birth control pills to mask symptoms, we dig deep into your complete metabolic and hormonal profile through extensive lab work. We address root causes like insulin resistance, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Plus, we offer aesthetic solutions for concerns like facial hair and skin issues that impact your confidence. Explore our Kansas City med spa trends blog to learn about the latest treatment options. You'll receive coordinated care from a provider who understands how all these pieces connect, rather than seeing multiple specialists who treat symptoms in isolation.
About Horizon Med Spa and Wellness
Horizon Med Spa and Wellness is Kansas City's premier destination for comprehensive aesthetic and wellness services. With two convenient locations in Shawnee, Kansas and the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, we combine cutting-edge medical treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best from the inside out.
Led by founder Kim Losik and our team of experienced providers, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, aesthetic treatments, and comprehensive wellness services.
At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we believe that true confidence comes from feeling your best at every level. Whether you're seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to optimize your overall health and wellness, our team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that deliver real, measurable results. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover why Kansas City trusts Horizon Med Spa and Wellness for their aesthetic and wellness needs.
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