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PCOS can be add-ressed using many types of alternative treatment. The rebalancing of hor-mones is a primary focus of all these
therapies. Acupuncture works on the body's energy flow according to the meridian system.
Chinese herbs, such as gui zhi fu ling wan, can be effective. In naturopathic medicine,
treatment focuses on helping the liver function more optimally in the horomonal balancing
process.
Dietary changes, including reducing animal products and fats, while increasing foods
that nourish the liver such as carrots, dark green vegetables, lemons, and beets, can be
beneficial. Essential fatty acids, including flax oil, evening primrose oil (Oenothera
biennis), and black currant oil, act as anti-inflammatories and hormonal regulators.
Western herbal medicine uses phytoestrogen and phytoprogesteronic herbs, such as blue
cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), as
well as liver herbs, like dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), to work toward hormonal
balance. Supplementation with antioxidants, including zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C,
is also recommended. Constitutional homeopathy can bring about a deep level of healing
with the correct remedies. (Source: Dr. Joseph F. Smith Medical Library)
Post your questions about PCOS and natural healing in the Alternative Remedies forum on
the SoulCysters message board! Be sure to check with your doctor before mixing natural
and Rx therapies.
Further reading: |
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PCOS Doctor Directory,
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easy-to-understand research.
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Management of polycystic ovary syndrome focuses on each woman's main concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Long term, the most important aspect of treatment is managing cardiovascular risks such as obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.
To help guide ongoing treatment decisions, your doctor will likely want to see you for regular visits to perform a physical examination, measure your blood pressure and obtain fasting glucose and lipid levels. |
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Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may benefit from counseling to help with healthy-eating choices and
regular exercise. This is particularly important for overweight women with PCOS. Obesity makes insulin
resistance worse. Weight loss can reduce both insulin and androgen levels, and may restore ovulation.
However, you may have more difficulty losing weight than other women do. Ask your doctor to recommend a
weight-control program, and meet regularly with a dietitian. Your doctor may prescribe one or more
medications to help manage the symptoms and risks associated with PCOS. |
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To become pregnant, you may need a medication to trigger ovulation. Clomiphene (Clomid,
Serophene) is an anti-estrogen medication that you take for five days in the first part of your menstrual cycle. If clomiphene alone isn't effective, your doctor
may add metformin to help trigger ovulation.
If you don't become pregnant using clomiphene and metformin, your doctor may recommend
using gonadotropins — FSH and LH medications that are administered by injection. Because
many women with PCOS have elevated levels of LH, your doctor may recommend treatment
with FSH alone.
Your doctor may add a medication specifically targeted at countering the effects of
excess androgen. Spironolactone (Aldactone) blocks the effects of androgen and reduces
new Your doctor might also prescribe eflornithine (Vaniqa), a prescription cream that slows
facial hair growth in women. You apply it twice daily. Avoid using this medication
during pregnancy. |
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If you're not trying to become pregnant, your doctor may prescribe low-dose oral
contraceptives that combine synthetic estrogen and progesterone. They decrease androgen production and give your body a break
from the effects of continuous estrogen. This decreases your risk of endometrial cancer
and corrects abnormal bleeding.
An alternative approach is taking progesterone for 10 to 14 days each month. This
medication regulates your menstrual cycle and offers protection against endometrial
cancer, but it doesn't improve androgen levels.
Your doctor also may prescribe metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR), an oral medication
for type 2 diabetes that treats insulin resistance. This drug is still being studied as
a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, but research has demonstrated that it improves
ovulation and may reduce androgen levels. However, doctors don't yet know if metformin
offers the same protection against endometrial cancer as does treatment with oral
contraceptives or with progesterone alone.(SOURCE: Mayo.org) |
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Coming soon! Inside PCOS, the first program exclusively for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Each week, ask your questions, and hear answers from the top experts in PCOS. Finally..."Radio for me!"
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