PCOS Care With A Naturopathic Doctor In Fargo, ND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone conditions in women of reproductive age, and one of the most misunderstood. Many women are told to "just lose weight" or are handed a prescription without a real conversation about what's driving their symptoms. Others spend years with irregular cycles, acne, or stubborn weight before anyone puts the pieces together.
At Fargo Naturopathic, we see PCOS as a whole-body condition. It involves the ovaries, but also blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, stress, and nutrition. All three of our naturopathic doctors (Dr. Threasa Andrys, ND; Dr. Andrea Hillstad, ND; and Dr. Kristen Couture, ND, CNS, LDN) treat PCOS. Our goal is to understand how PCOS shows up for you and build a realistic plan to support your cycles, energy, skin, and long-term health.
Symptoms We See
PCOS looks different from person to person. Common concerns include:
• Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Acne, especially along the jawline, chest, or back
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Weight gain, especially around the midsection, or trouble losing weight
• Sugar cravings, energy crashes, or feeling shaky between meals
• Fatigue, low mood, or anxiety
• Darkened, velvety skin patches (often on the neck or underarms)
PCOS is usually diagnosed when someone has at least two of these three: irregular ovulation, signs of higher androgens (on labs or as symptoms like acne and hair growth), and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound, after other causes have been ruled out. That last step matters. Thyroid problems, high prolactin, and other conditions can look like PCOS.
Our Root-Cause Approach
There isn't one cause of PCOS, and there isn't one treatment. We look at the factors most often involved:
• Blood sugar and insulin. Many people with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, which can push the ovaries to make more androgens. Supporting blood sugar is often a foundation of care.
• Hormone balance. We look at androgens, ovulation, progesterone, and how your cycle is actually functioning. See hormone imbalance.
• Thyroid health. Thyroid problems can affect cycles and are worth checking. See thyroid care.
• Inflammation, gut health, and stress. These can influence hormones and metabolism. See digestive health.
• Nutrition and movement. Practical, sustainable changes that fit your life. Not crash diets.
Your plan may include nutrition coaching, targeted supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support. When medication is appropriate, Dr. Threasa Andrys, ND can prescribe. Dr. Couture brings advanced training in nutrition and metabolic health, which is especially helpful for the blood sugar side of PCOS. Dr. Andrys and Dr. Hillstad also see patients with PCOS as part of their hormone and whole-person care. We'll coordinate with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist whenever that's part of your care.
PCOS is a long-term condition, so we focus on steady progress you can maintain and on lowering long-term risks like type 2 diabetes, not quick fixes.
Testing We May Use
Testing is tailored to your history. It may include:
• Hormone labs: testosterone (total and free), DHEA-S, SHBG, LH/FSH, progesterone, and prolactin, timed to your cycle when possible
• Metabolic labs: fasting glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and lipids
• Thyroid panel: TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibodies
• Nutrient markers: such as vitamin D, B12, and iron
• InBody 580 body composition scan ($65, booked with Bree Pierce, RN), which tracks muscle and body fat changes, not just the scale
Labs are ordered through Fullscript for convenient, often discounted pricing. Learn more on our lab testing page. If you need an ultrasound or another imaging study, we'll help coordinate it.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a 60–75 minute New Patient Visit in our Fargo office. We'll go through your cycle history, symptoms, nutrition, sleep, stress, family history, and goals, whether that's regular periods, clearer skin, more energy, or preparing for pregnancy. Bring any labs or ultrasound reports you already have.
We'll do a physical assessment, decide together which tests are worth running, and leave you with practical first steps. Follow-up visits review your results and adjust your plan over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PCOS be cured naturally?
PCOS is a long-term condition and there's no cure. But many people see meaningful improvement in cycles, symptoms, and metabolic health with the right combination of nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted treatment. We'll be honest with you about what to expect.
I'm not overweight. Can I still have PCOS?
Yes. PCOS occurs in people of all body sizes. Blood sugar and hormone patterns still matter, and your plan will reflect your situation, not assumptions.
Can you help if I'm trying to get pregnant?
Yes. Supporting ovulation and overall health before conception is part of our work. See our fertility and preconception page. We work alongside OB-GYNs and fertility specialists rather than replacing them.
Do I have to stop birth control to work with you?
No. We'll talk through your goals and options. Please don't stop any medication without talking to the provider who prescribed it.
Do you take insurance?
We don't bill insurance directly, but we can provide paperwork for you to submit for possible reimbursement. See our FAQs.
Take the Next Step
You deserve answers and a plan that makes sense for your body.
or call (701) 314-4008
Fargo Naturopathic · 4133 30th Ave S, Suite 104 · Fargo, ND 58104
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Please talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your individual situation.