PCOS, Hormones & Your Personalized Wellness Reset in the Tri-Cities
September is PCOS Awareness Month—and it’s also when we start seeing an uptick in women across Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick seeking answers about their hormones, cycles, and metabolism. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, frustrated, or confused about your symptoms, you’re not alone. At Empowered Health, we take a root-cause approach to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and this month, we’re also launching our new Wellness Programs to give you practical, supported solutions.
What PCOS Really Is
PCOS is often misunderstood—and often misdiagnosed.
While it stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS isn’t just about ovarian cysts. In fact, not everyone with PCOS even has cysts.
Instead, PCOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that impacts how your body produces and uses insulin, balances sex hormones (like estrogen and testosterone), and regulates inflammation.
Common Signs of PCOS:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Cystic acne
- Hair thinning or unwanted hair growth
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Difficulty losing weight
- Cravings and blood sugar crashes
Medical Term Explainer: Insulin resistance (very common in PCOS) means your cells stop responding to insulin efficiently, causing your body to produce more—and this excess can trigger weight gain, cravings, and hormone imbalances.
What Causes PCOS?
There’s no single cause, but common contributors include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation
- Poor sleep quality
- Blood sugar instability
- Gut microbiome imbalances
- Environmental toxin exposure
Introducing Our New Wellness Programs
In September, we’re excited to officially launch our Empowered Health Wellness Programs. These programs are ideal for anyone dealing with stress, hormone imbalance, fatigue, or metabolic issues.
Each program includes:
- Deep-dive functional lab testing
- Personalized supplement protocols
- One-on-one clinical guidance
- Group support and education
Expert Insight: "You can't manage what you don't measure. Functional labs allow us to identify early dysfunction and treat it before it becomes disease." – Dr. Schneider
Our Wellness Programs are especially helpful for:
- Women with PCOS
- Perimenopause or menopause transitions
- Chronic stress or adrenal burnout
- Thyroid dysfunction
Local Support, Lasting Results
As a physician in Eastern Washington, I understand the unique stressors our community faces—from wildfire smoke to agricultural chemical exposure to limited access to specialty care.
That’s why we’ve built programs right here in the Tri-Cities, with flexible formats that work for busy professionals, moms, students, and retirees.
Local Resource Tip: Support your PCOS journey with stress management—try a float therapy session at Float Euphoria in Kennewick or enjoy nature walks at Chamna Natural Preserve in Richland.
Nutrition Tip: Local spots like Fresh Leaf Co. or Ethos Bakery offer PCOS-friendly meals rich in fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Your Next Step: Join Us
If you’ve been searching for better answers and real support, our Wellness Programs are designed for you.
Join Dr. Schneider’s upcoming Wellness Talk: “Stress, Hormones & Your Health” – where we’ll unpack how stress, blood sugar, and hormone imbalance are connected—and how to start healing.
Held multiple times in September in Richland. DM us or call to save your seat.
You Deserve More Than a Band-Aid
Birth control isn’t a cure. PCOS isn’t “just part of being a woman.” And your symptoms are not in your head.
At Empowered Health, we believe in equipping women with science, strategy, and support.
Ready to take the next step? We’re right here in the Tri-Cities when you are.
With you in health,
Dr. Schneider & the Empowered Health Team
Paul Monié, MD, FAAFP, MPH
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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