Naturopathic Medicine for PCOS
What is PCOS?
A recent diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be concerning, especially if you are trying to get pregnant. Besides having cysts on your ovaries, PCOS is defined by the following symptoms:
Absent or irregular periods
Weight gain
Acne or unwanted hair growth
Infertility
High blood pressure
Increased insulin
Blood sugar changes
PCOS occurs when your ovaries aren’t ovulating (releasing eggs). Normally, hormone signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland stimulate the production of hormones like estrogen, FSH, and LH in the ovary, which releases eggs mid-cycle.
When the egg is released, the ovary then produces progesterone which tells the hypothalamus to stop releasing FSH and LH. In PCOS, progesterone is not produced in high enough amounts because the egg never releases.
As a result of this, FSH levels decrease and LH levels increase, which ultimately results in excess production of male hormones like testosterone.
Insulin also contributes to these imbalances by increasing male hormone production in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
How is PCOS treated naturally?
Natural medicines for PCOS typically include botanicals, homeopathics, and glandular extracts. These medicines work to accomplish the following treatment goals:
Restore a healthy menstrual cycle
Reduce male hormone levels
Control blood sugar
Lose weight
Reduce acne and hair changes
Botanicals and glandular extracts can be used in combination to decrease male hormone levels and encourage ovulation.
Glandular extracts essentially provide the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries with information that helps reset hormone signaling pathways. Botanicals help to control hormone imbalances and ease the symptoms by positively influencing the ovaries and adrenals.
If your insulin is elevated, additional glandular extracts and pancreas-specific botanicals can be used to control blood sugar.
Homeopathic medicines can be used to facilitate detoxification of the ovarian cysts. This helps to restore proper ovarian structure and function, complementing the overall actions of botanicals and glandular extracts. In more severe cases, homeopathics can be used to ease mental and emotional symptoms.
Ready to Get Started?
Natural medicines can be an effective tool for the management of PCOS. With the right treatment approach, you may experience a return of menstruation and restoration of healthy hormone levels. Both of these outcomes greatly increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant.
Book an appointment today to get an individualized treatment plan for PCOS.
