The Herbal Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disease, which may involve the pancreas, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the thyroid and adrenals glands. Medical Herbalist Deborah Grant has successfully treated many patients, who have PCOS.

The Herbal Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disease, which may involve the pancreas, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the thyroid and adrenals glands. A 2002 US estimate has PCOS affecting as many as 10% of a company’s female workforce. It has been shown that PCOS may be inherited. Approximately 40% of the women with a family history of PCOS will have the condition. However not all of these will develop symptoms.

Women suffering from PCOS are at a far higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, altered cholesterol levels, Type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, a thickening of the uterine lining, cancer of the uterus, gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy. A woman with PCOS can suffer from acne and unwanted body hair.

Orthodox Treatment of PCOS

Medical drug therapy:

• metformin : to moderate insulin resistanc
• oral contraceptive pill (especially those containing cyproterone acetate) to treat acne and hirsutism (unwanted body hair)
• spironolactone: to treat acne and hirsutism
• clomiphene: to improve ovulation and fertility for those wishing to conceive

Side effects:

Metformin is associated with side effects of nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Herbal Treatment of PCOS

In general PCOS responds favourably to Herbal Medicine and dietary and lifestyle support. Treatment is aimed at addressing both the underlying metabolic problem and the symptoms and will differ depending on whether the patient is trying to get pregnant or not. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition, it is possible to gain significant symptom control and regulation of the menstrual cycle with long term care.

The herbal approach to PCOS is safe and usually very effective. It helps to:

• Initiate ovulation and improve fertility
• Reduce insulin resistance
• Support liver function
• Reduce cardiovascular risk
• Support adrenal function
• Treat cysts
• Improve hirsutism
• Provide diet and lifestyle advice

If you would like a natural approach to your PCOS, contact us for an appointment at our London Clinic.