Natural Treatment for PCOS

Over the past few years, research into the nutritional approach to PCOS has revolutionised the treatment of PCOS.

As women with PCOS lose weight, hormone levels start to return to normal. Testosterone levels fall, serum insulin levels go down, SHBG levels go up and the symptoms of PCOS diminish, with significant improvements in the growth of excess hair. Accompanying weight loss is a remarkable change in ovarian function.

When treating PCOS and infertility, it is essential to address diet to help reduce weight and improve chances of conception. One study found that 11 out of 12 women who had been overweight and not ovulating conceived naturally after losing weight.

In general, women with high levels of luteinising hormone (LH) in the first half of their menstrual cycle seem to have a greater risk of miscarriage. However, a study found that the rate of miscarriage dropped from 75% to 18% in women with PCOS who changed their diets and lost weight.

Recommended Naturopathic Testing

• Saliva Adrenal Hormone test measuring cortisol and DHEA
• Saliva female hormone panel including estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone
• Serum (blood) expanded female hormonal panel, including testosterone and LH to FSH ratio
• Glucose tolerance test
• Thyroid panel
• Blood lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).

Diet and PCOS

• When the body is insulin resistant, it simply does not remember how to use carbohydrates for energy. It can only store them as fat. Therefore, a low carb diet for PCOS is recommended.choose low GI carbohydrates from fruit and vegetables and limit your grains.

• Ensure there is adequate protein with every meal – seafood, white meat, eggs, nuts and seeds and yoghurts.

• Include phytoestrogens in your diet – alfalfa, soy (fermented form), linseeds, lentils and chickpeas. Phytoestrogens may help reduce excessive endogenous oestrogen by bypassing oestrogen binding.

• Buy organic foods whenever possible.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fats.

• Drink two litres of filtered water daily.

• Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• Avoid sugar on its own and hidden in foods.

• Include essential fatty acids in your diet - nuts, seeds, some oils (linseed/flaxseed) and oily fish (including mackerel, mullet and salmon).

Supplements and PCOS

If you taking the oral contraceptive pill to regulate your periods, you may have an even greater imbalance between a number of key vitamins and minerals. Correcting this imbalance will go a long way towards treating the root cause of the problem.

• A good multivitamin and mineral tablet will provide a ‘little bit of everything’.

• Chromium is essential for insulin’s response on blood sugar, cravings, hunger and weight loss.

• Zinc helps with appetite control and is necessary for the correct action of insulin, promoting a healthy blood sugar balance. It also functions together with selenium and vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.

• Magnesium balances blood sugar levels. There is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance. It is an important mineral to include if you are suffering from PCOS.

• Co-enzyme Q10 is essential for energy production and normal carbohydrate metabolism (the way our bodies break down the carbohydrates we eat to turn them into energy).

• B Vitamins are important for energy production, fat burning and hormone imbalances, including your thyroid gland and metabolism.

• DIM in a supplement form helps the liver convert oestrogen into a healthier form. The dose is dependent on body weight.

NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

Herbs and PCOS

Herbs are extremely useful in treating PCOS. Making changes and adding supplements to your diet will help control weight and balance blood sugar, while herbs go a step further, targeting any problems involving hormone balance.

• Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus castus) is one of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps stimulate and normalise the function of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of luteinising hormone (LH). Chaste tree has been successfully trialled in the treatment of PCOS as well as infertility. It enhances progesterone levels, which lengthen the menstrual cycle. Chaste tree has been shown to improve fertility due to its effects on decreasing oestrogen and androgens which, when elevated, are responsible for cycles with no ovulation (anovulation).

• Adrenal tonics such as Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng and Withania support the adrenal stress response and help the adrenal glands return to a state of balance.

• Paeonia lactiflora (peony) is another valuable herb as it positively influences low progesterone, reduces elevated androgens (testosterone) and modulates oestrogen and prolactin.

• Licorice, especially combined with peony, helps regulate hormones, reduce androgen levels and improve the LH to FSH ratio.

• Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings, thereby assisting in weight loss. Gymnema is one of the most significant herbs to improve insulin resistance.

• Tribulus helps restore menstrual regularity and regulate ovulation.

• Blue Cohosh is a particularly useful herb. It acts as a uterine and ovarian tonic and a pelvic anti-inflammatory.

• Saw Palmetto, a traditional male reproductive herb used to control excess testosterone, offers promising results for hirsuitism.

• Milk thistle, rosemary, Bupleurum and Schizandra are excellent liver herbs, aiding in the removal of excess oestrogen.

NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.

Other Natural Remedies and PCOS

• Lymphatic drainage may be helpful to reduce congestion. Try massage, skin brushing and exercise such as rebounding.

• Try castor oil packs (link) or linseed packs (link) for pain relief.

• Homoeopathic medicines - your homeopath or naturopath will prescribe the most appropriate remedy for you.

• Try natural progesterone cream. The dose depends on your symptoms and imbalances.

• Acupuncture is helpful for PCOS. It helps facilitate the free flow of energy through the body. Some acupuncture points are used to move blood, break up stagnation and stop pain.

• Aromatherapy can assist and support the reproductive system, and gently contribute to rebalancing your hormones.

Exercise and PCOS

The introduction of a regular exercise program to improve fitness and maintain a healthy weight is important, as is addressing other lifestyle factors such as stress management. However, due to insulin resistance and excess testosterone, weight loss can be challenging under these circumstances.

For a personalised appointment and prescription for PCOS, click here to make a booking for phone and online consultations.

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