Naturally Treating PCOS: The Options of Naturopathy

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is one of the most common disorders of the female hormonal system; one in ten women in Germany is affected. The symptoms of this disease can be varied and can significantly reduce quality of life. Since this chronic condition requires lifelong treatment, natural medicine is becoming an increasingly popular, well-tolerated alternative. Whether it can help is explained here.

 

PCOS is characterized by too many male sex hormones (androgens). It occurs in women of reproductive age and is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Stein-Leventhal syndrome is another name for this disease. Since the male sex hormone can influence numerous processes in the body, the symptoms are correspondingly diverse.

 

Most people affected by PCOS notice the following symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual cycle: Infrequent and irregular menstrual bleeding is characteristic of PCOS. Longer menstrual periods can also indicate the syndrome.
• Anovulation: Because the monthly egg maturation can be disturbed or even absent, ovulation often does not occur regularly.
• Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries develop characteristic abnormalities. These include small follicles (cysts) that can be seen on ultrasound images.

Other effects of the increased amount of male sex hormones can include:

• Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth on the face, abdomen, chest, legs, and back often indicates this condition. These male-pattern hair growth areas are unusual for women.
• Acne: Androgens often trigger increased sebum production, which can lead to more acne.
• Hair loss: Diffuse hair loss in women is sometimes a sign of PCOS. 
• Fertility problems: People with PCOS may have trouble conceiving due to irregular ovulation.

The intensity of these symptoms can vary due to different causes. Particularly notable is the amount of androgens, which is not the same in all people affected by PCOS. Some affected individuals have higher androgen levels than others.

The diagnosis usually involves several tests, as other diseases must be excluded. First, the medical history is taken during the doctor’s consultation, where detailed health history is gathered. You will be asked about symptoms, etc. 

If PCOS is suspected, physical examinations follow. Signs of hirsutism, acne, or overweight are checked. The ovaries can also be examined by ultrasound, and the doctor may identify polycystic ovaries.

Next, a hormonal analysis is performed, which is possible through a blood test. Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH are examined here.

Now the doctor must rule out other diseases, which may require further examinations. If no other cause is responsible for your symptoms, the diagnosis of PCOS is made.

 

Treatment of PCOS is now quite feasible. Doctors have various options to choose from. They will determine in consultation which treatment is best for you. The following methods are typically used:

• Hormonal contraceptives: Combination pills, for example containing estrogen and progestin, can help achieve regular ovulation. At the same time, hormonal balance could be restored, which might cause increased hair growth and acne to disappear.
• Antiandrogen medications: These can be prescribed to block the effects of male hormones. If hirsutism and acne are the main problems, this can be very useful.
• Metformin: This medication is actually used for insulin resistance and diabetes. In women with PCOS, it could help regulate blood sugar levels and thus suppress the production of androgens.
• Ovulation induction: Those affected by PCOS can undergo ovulation induction if they have fertility problems. This involves stimulating ovulation with certain medications, which may improve fertility.
• Weight management: If overweight or underweight is the cause of the syndrome, healthy weight management can improve symptoms.
• Surgery: In some cases, a surgical procedure to remove cysts may help.

Unfortunately, some women do not find relief through these remedies. However, we strongly recommend discussing and trying the conventional medical methods with your doctor. Naturopathy should ideally be used in addition to these approaches. Many affected women find the holistic approach of naturopathy beneficial. It is important to note that the following approaches have no medical evidence for their effectiveness. These are traditional methods, explained, for example, by anecdotal reports.

Dietary changes are a common method. For this, naturopaths or doctors are consulted. A low-FODMAP diet might help in some cases.

Phytotherapy is another approach. It is hoped that certain medicinal plants and herbs could have a regulatory effect on the hormonal balance. Typically, the herbs Fenugreek, chasteberry and lady's mantle are recommended.

Acupuncture could help according to the meridian theory, for example, to influence the flow of energy in the body. This method belongs to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Relaxation techniques and stress management are used because stress can potentially worsen the symptoms of PCOS. Relaxing meditations, yoga, or autogenic training are typical approaches. In this context, exercise might also be helpful, for example, to support weight regulation.

Dietary supplements could be useful as a complementary therapy. You should discuss this with your doctor if needed.

 

Ultimately, you need to develop an individual treatment plan with your doctor that works in your case. Relying solely on naturopathy will likely not produce the desired results. However, naturopathy is often used as a complementary approach. Feel free to discuss this with your doctor to receive a tailored therapy.

 

PCOS is caused by too many male sex hormones (androgens) in the female body. This primarily leads to the development of polycystic ovaries, which can be painful. Irregular ovulation combined with irregular menstruation are other characteristic symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. 

Naturopathy knows some approaches that can be useful as a complement to conventional medical treatment. It is important that a proper treatment is agreed upon with a doctor to ensure the highest possible quality of life. The following approaches are typically recommended in naturopathy:

• Dietary changes
• Phytotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques and stress management
• Exercise and sports
• Dietary supplements

However, these approaches do not prove medical evidence. They are not supported by studies and are mostly based on tradition and anecdotal reports.