PCOS Naturopath in Vancouver, BC
A PCOS naturopath in Vancouver, BC treats polycystic ovary syndrome by finding and correcting its root causes, including insulin resistance, high androgens, inflammation and stress hormones. At Killarney Health in East Vancouver, Dr. Gehana Shankar, BSc, ND, combines lab testing, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture and prescriptions to regulate cycles, balance hormones and support fertility for women in Vancouver, Burnaby and nearby communities.
What is PCOS, and Why is it Also Called PMOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition that affects how the ovaries, insulin and androgens work together. The World Health Organization estimates it affects 10 to 13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of them are undiagnosed.
Many clinicians now also use the term PMOS. The newer name reflects what research keeps showing: PCOS is not only an ovarian problem. It affects metabolism, blood sugar, skin, hair, mood and heart health over time. That is why the PCOS/PMOS Program at our naturopathic clinic in Vancouver treats the whole body, not just the menstrual cycle.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of PCOS?
● Irregular, unpredictable or absent periods
● Heavy, long or painful periods
● Trouble ovulating or difficulty getting pregnant
● Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
● Acne and oily skin
● Extra facial or body hair (hirsutism)
● Hair thinning or hair loss on the scalp
● Sugar cravings, energy crashes and fatigue
● Anxiety, low mood and poor sleep
Left unmanaged, PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and endometrial cancer. Early care protects your health during and after your reproductive years.
How is PCOS Diagnosed in Vancouver?
PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. You need at least two of these three findings, after other causes are ruled out:
1. Irregular or absent ovulation and periods
2. Clinical or lab signs of high androgens, such as testosterone
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
At your first visit, your naturopathic doctor in Vancouver reviews your history, completes a physical exam and orders laboratory testing. Testing often looks at sex hormones, insulin and fasting glucose, thyroid function, cholesterol, vitamin D and iron. These results show which type of PCOS you have and guide your plan.
How Does a Naturopathic Doctor Treat PCOS Naturally?
Birth control can regulate bleeding, but it does not correct the drivers behind PCOS. A naturopathic approach targets the root causes so your body can restore its own rhythm.
Your personalized PCOS treatment plan may include:
● Clinical nutrition: customized meal plans that steady blood sugar and support a healthy weight
● Botanical medicine: plant based therapies chosen for hormone and cycle support
● Nutraceuticals: premium supplements, such as inositol, matched to your lab results
● Acupuncture: traditional Chinese medicine to support cycles, stress and fertility
● IV therapy and injections: concentrated nutrient delivery that bypasses digestion through IV therapy in Vancouver
● Prescriptions: evidence based medication management, including metformin when appropriate
● Counselling: support for the emotional side of PCOS, from body image to fertility stress
● Mind and body support: sleep, stress, movement, mindset and lifestyle coaching
Each therapy is chosen for your symptoms and lab findings, and your plan changes as your body responds. See our full list of naturopathic services.
PCOS/PMOS Program at Killarney Therapeutic Health in East Vancouver
Our PCOS/PMOS Program brings every part of PCOS care under one roof in East Vancouver. The program is built on four goals:
1. Restore regular menstrual cycles
2. Balance hormones, including insulin and androgens
3. Address the underlying causes of PCOS
4. Support lasting metabolic health and fertility
Care includes laboratory testing, a physical exam, PAP and pelvic exams, and allergy scratch testing when needed. Regular review visits track your progress and adjust your plan.
PCOS to Parenthood Pathway for Fertility
For women trying to conceive, the PCOS to Parenthood Pathway offers a holistic approach to fertility challenges linked to PCOS. It combines clinical nutrition, naturopathic medicine and fertility acupuncture with mindset and lifestyle support. The goal is to bring your body back into balance, restore ovulation and support natural conception. With the right support and guidance, your goal of becoming a parent can become a reality.
Related Hormone and Weight Programs
● Weight Loss Program: structured support for insulin resistance and sustainable weight change
● Cycle Sync Vitality Program: care that works with each phase of your menstrual cycle for energy and hormone balance
Naturopathic vs Conventional PCOS Treatment: Which is Best?
The best results often come from using both. Your family doctor, OB/GYN or fertility clinic may prescribe birth control, metformin or ovulation medication. Your naturopathic doctor adds root cause testing, nutrition, botanical medicine and acupuncture, and coordinates with your medical team.
Naturopathic PCOS options are gentle and individualized, and many patients find they have fewer side effects than some conventional fertility treatments. You do not need to choose one path.
Fertility Naturopath Near Me: IVF, Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
PCOS is one of the most common reasons women have trouble conceiving. Our fertility naturopathic care supports you at every stage, whether you are trying naturally or working with a fertility clinic.
● Preconception care: cycle tracking, ovulation support, nutrition and lab testing before you try to conceive
● IVF and IUI support: naturopathic care that works alongside your fertility clinic to prepare your body for treatment
● Fertility acupuncture: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for fertility with Moses Ling, R.Ac., Registered Acupuncturist
● Pregnancy care: safe nutrient support, energy, mood and nausea care during pregnancy
● Postpartum care: recovery, iron levels, mood, sleep and hormone balance after birth
Ask about our PCOS to Parenthood Pathway if PCOS is part of your fertility journey.
Meet Our Trusted PCOS Naturopath in Vancouver
Dr. Gehana Shankar, BSc, ND is the owner of Killarney Therapeutic Health and a board certified naturopathic physician. She helps women optimize their hormones, fertility, metabolism and overall health through personalized, root cause focused care. Her clinical focus is hormones, fertility and PCOS.
● Additional certifications with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC): acupuncture, prescriptive authority and IV therapy
● Member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)
● Member of BC Naturopathic Doctors (BCND)
She works alongside Marina De Angelis, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and Moses Ling, R.Ac., Registered Acupuncturist, so your nutrition and acupuncture care stay connected to your PCOS plan.
Who Should See a PCOS Naturopath?
● Women newly diagnosed with PCOS or PMOS
● Women with irregular cycles who suspect PCOS
● Women coming off birth control who want their cycle back
● Women with PCOS who are trying to conceive
● Women managing insulin resistance, weight gain or prediabetes
● Women with acne, hair growth or hair loss linked to high androgens
PCOS Specialist Near Me: Killarney, East Vancouver and Burnaby
Killarney Therapeutic Health is at Suite 208, 2609 E 49th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5S 1J9, near Killarney Community Centre. We welcome patients from Killarney, Champlain Heights, Fraserview, Collingwood, Renfrew, South Vancouver and Burnaby. Get directions on our contact page.
PCOS Naturopath FAQs
Can a naturopath help with PCOS?
Yes. A naturopathic doctor tests for the root causes of PCOS, such as insulin resistance and high androgens, and treats them with nutrition, botanical medicine, supplements, acupuncture and prescriptions when needed.
What is the best natural treatment for PCOS?
The best treatment depends on your PCOS type. Most plans start with blood sugar balance through nutrition, then add targeted supplements, botanical medicine and lifestyle support based on lab results.
Is a naturopath a PCOS specialist?
A naturopathic doctor with a clinical focus on PCOS, like Dr. Gehana Shankar, provides specialized PCOS care, from testing to treatment. If needed, your family doctor can also refer you to an endocrinologist or gynecologist, and your care teams can work together.
Can I get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes, many women with PCOS conceive. Restoring ovulation is the first step. Our PCOS to Parenthood Pathway supports natural conception and can work alongside fertility clinic care.
How long does naturopathic PCOS treatment take?
Most patients follow a plan for at least three months, since hormones and egg development change over that time. Many notice changes in energy and cycles sooner.
Can I see a naturopath if I am on birth control or metformin?
Yes. Your naturopathic doctor reviews all your medications and builds a plan that works safely with them.
Do I need a referral to see a PCOS naturopath in Vancouver?
No referral is needed. You can book online or by phone.
Is naturopathic PCOS treatment covered by insurance?
Most BC extended health plans cover naturopathic visits. Learn how insurance and direct billing work at our clinic before your first appointment.
Book a PCOS Naturopath in Vancouver Today
Take the first step toward balanced hormones and regular cycles. Book a discovery call or consultation with Dr. Gehana Shankar, ND, at Killarney Therapeutic Health.
Call 604.438.9327, email info@killarneyhealth.com, book online or visit our contact page.