Natural Solutions for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common hormone disorders, affects approximately 10 million women of all races and ethnic groups worldwide.
It's the leading cause of infertility in women.
PCOS can present at any life stage - from puberty all the way post-menopause. While most women with PCOS will have actual cysts on the ovaries, as many as 30% of women will not show cysts on a diagnostic ultrasound.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
irregular menstrual cycles
obesity and bodyweight that’s hard to lose
infertility
pelvic pain with or without periods
mood swings, depression or anxiety
thinning hair on the head
excessive body hair (hirsutism)
fatigue and sleep problems
Because of the wide range of PCOS symptoms, fewer than 50% of women are properly diagnosed.
Too often women simply accept the discomfort and don't inform their doctors until symptoms are at their worst. Even then, they are often misdiagnosed because so many of the symptoms can be attributed to other conditions.
Another reason for missed diagnosis is that PCOS has long been believed to be present only in obese women; we now know that it can affect women of any bodyweight including those who are normal or even underweight. Additionally, PCOS can present differently based on life stage, genetics, ethnicity, age, and environmental and lifestyle factors such as self-care, exercise, and types of foods consumed.
Causes of PCOS
Obesity and insulin resistance are health issues that are linked to PCOS and both affect hormonal function in the body. Insulin resistance relates to problems with regulating insulin, a hormone that allows the body to properly use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. When the body isn't as responsive to insulin as it needs to be, too much of it circulates in the blood and can cause a hormone imbalance.
Natural Solutions
Dr. Samuel Thatcher, an early pioneer in PCOS research and treatment, was among the first clinicians to advocate for a holistic approach to PCOS treatment. A natural and basic approach is often the best approach for mitigating symptoms of PCOS, one that includes dietary changes, botanical medicines, and hydrotherapy.
What’s the benefit of going with an ND?
With the goal of enhancing a woman's quality of life, Naturopathic doctors perform a thorough lifestyle assessment, functional lab tests, and dietary analysis. They educate and guide women in using natural approaches to manage and heal from PCOS, such as:
Lifestyle Improvements. A whole foods diet, exercise, stress management, and proper rest are essential to PCOS treatment. These approaches can create a positive shift in blood sugar level, mood, and body weight. Approaches will differ based on a woman's stage of life and the complexity of symptoms.
Supplement Support. Some of the herbs and nutritional supplements that may be used for PCOS aim to balance blood sugar levels as well as hormones. These can include Nettle Root, Green Tea, Flax Seeds, Saw Palmetto, Licorice Root, Chaste Tree Extract, Trace Minerals, Vitamin D3, and Chromium.
If you think you might have PCOS, speak with a naturopathic doctor to get appropriate lab work and symptom intake. Your ND will know the best approaches best suited to your symptoms and needs.
Need some extra support when it comes to your health? These 40-minute sessions provide a complete assessment of your health so that I can provide you with concrete steps you can take to feel better NOW. Book a virtual wellness consultation with me here.
