Chicago PCOS Specialist: Naturopathic Treatment That Addresses Root Causes
You have been told your labs are "normal." You have been handed birth control pills and sent on your way. You have been dismissed, told to lose weight, or made to feel like your symptoms are all in your head. But irregular periods, stubborn weight gain, acne that won't quit, and hair growing where it shouldn't are not normal. They are signs that something deeper is going on.
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects roughly 1 in 10 women, yet most receive the same generic treatment: hormonal birth control to mask symptoms, metformin if insulin resistance is obvious, and little else. This approach manages symptoms without ever asking why they developed in the first place.
Dr. Kelly Simms is a naturopathic PCOS specialist in Chicago who takes a different approach. As a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist (FABNE) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), she has advanced training in both hormone disorders and clinical nutrition, giving her tools that most practitioners simply do not have. Her goal is not to put a band-aid on your symptoms. It is to identify what is driving your PCOS and address it at the source.
If you are tired of being dismissed and ready for real answers, Dr. Simms can help.
Is This You? Signs You Need a PCOS Specialist
PCOS shows up differently in every woman. You might have some of these symptoms or many of them:
- Irregular, absent, or unpredictable periods
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection, that resists diet and exercise
- Difficulty losing weight no matter what you try
- Acne along the jawline, chin, or back
- Thinning hair on your head or hair growth on your face, chest, or stomach
- Fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings
- Difficulty getting pregnant or unexplained infertility
- Darkened skin patches, especially in body creases
- Sugar cravings or energy crashes after meals
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and offered only birth control, or if you suspect PCOS but have not received clear answers, working with a specialist who understands the condition's complexity can make a significant difference.
Why Choose Dr. Kelly Simms as Your PCOS Doctor
Many practitioners can diagnose PCOS. What sets Dr. Simms apart is her specialized training, her understanding of the root causes behind different PCOS presentations, and her commitment to helping you feel better without relying solely on medications that mask symptoms.
Board-Certified Naturopathic Endocrinology Expertise
Dr. Simms holds the Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE) credential, a board certification that requires advanced training in hormonal disorders. This makes her one of the few naturopathic doctors with specialized expertise in conditions like PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and complex hormone imbalances.
This matters because PCOS is fundamentally a hormonal disorder. Understanding the intricate relationships between insulin, androgens, estrogen, progesterone, and stress hormones is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Simms brings that depth of knowledge to every patient.
Learn more about Dr. Simms' background and credentials.
The Gut-Hormone Connection Most PCOS Doctors Miss
Here is something most practitioners overlook: gut health plays a critical role in PCOS, particularly in inflammatory presentations of the condition.
Chronic inflammation in the body can drive androgen production and suppress ovulation. And where does much of that inflammation originate? The gut. When the digestive system is out of balance, whether from bacterial imbalances, increased intestinal permeability, or food sensitivities, systemic inflammation follows.
Dr. Simms frequently says, "Health starts with the gut." For women with PCOS, this is especially true. Addressing gut health often unlocks improvements that hormone-focused treatments alone cannot achieve. This gut-hormone connection is central to Dr. Simms' approach and sets her apart from practitioners who focus only on ovarian function.
Certified Nutrition Specialist for PCOS Nutrition (?)
Diet plays a major role in PCOS management, but generic advice like "eat less sugar" rarely produces results. Dr. Simms holds credentials as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a board certification requiring advanced training in clinical nutrition.
This means she can create evidence-based, personalized nutrition plans tailored to your specific PCOS type, your metabolism, and your lifestyle. Whether insulin resistance, inflammation, or adrenal stress is driving your symptoms, the dietary approach differs. Dr. Simms knows how to match the strategy to the underlying cause.
Natural Treatment, Not Just Birth Control
The conventional approach to PCOS typically involves birth control pills to regulate bleeding and reduce androgens, metformin for insulin resistance, and spironolactone for acne and hair growth. These medications can be useful tools, but they do not address why your hormones became imbalanced in the first place.
Dr. Simms offers a naturopathic approach that focuses on restoring your body's natural function. Using targeted nutrition, botanical medicine, supplements, and lifestyle modifications, she helps patients achieve hormone balance without suppressing their natural cycles. For many women, this means regular ovulation, clearer skin, and improved fertility without lifelong medication dependence.
Understanding Your PCOS Type
PCOS is not one condition with one cause. It is a syndrome with multiple drivers, and effective treatment requires identifying which type you have. Dr. Simms evaluates each patient individually to determine what is fueling their symptoms.
Insulin-Resistant PCOS
The most common presentation. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, leading to irregular cycles, weight gain, acne, and hair changes. Treatment focuses on improving insulin sensitivity through diet, targeted supplements like inositol and berberine, and lifestyle modifications.
Inflammatory PCOS
Chronic inflammation drives androgen production and disrupts ovulation. Women with this type may have fatigue, joint pain, skin issues like eczema, or digestive complaints alongside typical PCOS symptoms. Treatment addresses the inflammatory source, often starting with gut health.
Adrenal PCOS
Elevated DHEA from the adrenal glands, rather than the ovaries, causes androgen excess. This type often worsens with stress and may not respond to standard insulin-focused treatments. Supporting adrenal function and stress resilience is key.
Post-Pill PCOS
Some women develop PCOS-like symptoms after stopping hormonal birth control. The brain and ovaries need time to recalibrate after years of suppression. This type is often temporary but may require support to restore natural ovulation.
Dr. Simms uses comprehensive testing and detailed health history to determine which type, or combination of types, applies to you. This personalized assessment shapes every treatment recommendation.
How Dr. Simms Treats PCOS Naturally
Dr. Simms does not follow a one-size-fits-all protocol. Your treatment plan is built around your specific PCOS presentation, your health history, and your goals, whether that is regular periods, clearer skin, weight loss, or fertility.
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment and Testing
Your first appointment involves a thorough review of your health history, symptoms, previous diagnoses, and what has or has not worked in the past. Dr. Simms orders functional testing to evaluate hormone levels, insulin and glucose metabolism, inflammatory markers, thyroid function, gut health, and nutrient status. This gives a complete picture of what is happening in your body.
Step 2: Identify Your Root Cause
With test results in hand, Dr. Simms identifies which factors are driving your PCOS. Is insulin resistance the primary issue? Is inflammation from gut dysfunction playing a role? Are your adrenals contributing? Understanding the "why" behind your symptoms is essential for effective treatment.
Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your root cause and PCOS type, Dr. Simms creates a customized plan that may include dietary modifications tailored to your metabolism, targeted supplements and botanical medicines, stress management strategies, exercise recommendations appropriate for your type, and support for any related conditions like thyroid dysfunction or digestive issues.
Step 4: Ongoing Support and Optimization
PCOS management is not a quick fix. Dr. Simms provides follow-up appointments to track your progress, adjust your plan as your body responds, and address any new concerns. The goal is long-term hormone balance and improved quality of life, not just temporary symptom relief.
PCOS Symptoms We Help
Women come to Dr. Simms for help with the full range of PCOS-related concerns:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain
- Hormonal acne and skin issues
- Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) or scalp hair thinning
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Fatigue and low energy
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Insulin resistance and blood sugar instability
If PCOS is affecting your quality of life, you do not have to accept it as your new normal.
Conventional PCOS Treatment vs. Naturopathic Care
The conventional approach to PCOS focuses on symptom management. Birth control pills induce regular withdrawal bleeding (not true ovulation) and reduce androgens. Metformin addresses insulin resistance. Spironolactone blocks androgen effects on skin and hair.
These medications have their place, and Dr. Simms is not opposed to using them when appropriate. However, they do not restore natural hormone function. When you stop taking them, symptoms typically return, often worse than before.
Naturopathic care focuses on restoring balance so your body can function as it should. By addressing insulin resistance, reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and nourishing the endocrine system, many women achieve regular ovulation and symptom relief without permanent medication dependence.
For some patients, a combined approach works best. Dr. Simms can work alongside your gynecologist or endocrinologist to coordinate care.
PCOS Appointments: Chicago and Nationwide Telehealth
Dr. Simms sees patients in person at her Chicago and North Shore offices, and remotely through secure telehealth appointments.
Chicago Office: 2559 N. Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
North Shore Office: 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite C, Wilmette, IL 60091
North Shore Location: Serving Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and surrounding communities.
Nationwide Telehealth: Cannot make it to Chicago? Dr. Simms sees menopause patients across the country through secure video consultations. Lab work can be completed locally, and treatment plans work just as effectively remotely. If you are seeking a holistic menopause doctor and cannot find one in your area, distance does not have to be a barrier.
View the current fee schedule for appointment costs and what to expect.
Ready to Take Control of Your PCOS? Book Your Appointment
You have tried the generic advice. You have been dismissed or handed prescriptions that mask symptoms without solving anything. You deserve a practitioner who takes the time to understand your specific situation and creates a plan designed for you.
Dr. Kelly Simms is a naturopathic PCOS specialist with board-certified expertise in endocrinology and clinical nutrition. Her approach addresses the root causes of PCOS, whether that is insulin resistance, inflammation, gut dysfunction, adrenal stress, or a combination of factors. Women come to her from across Chicago and nationwide because she offers something different: real answers, personalized treatment, and a path to lasting improvement.
Your next step is simple: schedule an appointment and start getting the care you deserve.
Questions before booking? Contact us. We are happy to help you determine if Dr. Simms is the right fit for your PCOS concerns.
