While conventional treatments focus on managing symptoms, many women are turning to natural treatments for PCOS to address the root causes and support their overall health. In this blog, we explore holistic approaches—including lifestyle changes, supplements, and herbal remedies—that can help balance hormones and improve quality of life for those living with PCOS.

Natural Treatments for PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, one of the most common endocrine (hormone) disorders, affects approximately 10 million women of all races and ethnic groups worldwide. It’s the leading cause of infertility in women and can present at any life stage – from puberty through post-menopause. Most women with PCOS will have cysts on the ovaries, but as many as 30% of women will not have cysts. 

Women with PCOS experience an array of symptoms, including:

• irregular menstrual cycles
• obesity
• 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
• low energy

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 causes. 

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 body weight, 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 eating habits.

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 natural treatments for PCOS. With the goal of enhancing a woman’s quality of life, holistic health practitioners perform a thorough lifestyle assessment, blood tests, and dietary analysis. They then educate and guide women in using natural treatments for PCOS, such as:

• Lifestyle Improvements: A whole foods diet, exercise, stress management, and proper rest are essential parts of natural treatments for PCOS. 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 nutrition 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 have PCOS, speak with a naturopathic practitioner about natural treatments for PCOS that are best suited to your symptoms and needs and start feeling better today!