Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS affects 1 in 20 U.S. women of childbearing age and 1 in 10 of menopausal women (according to government statistics). PCOS symptoms include facial acne, facial hair growth, hair loss on the head, loss or irregular periods, low voice, and small breasts. It is often associated with obesity. PCOS may include infertility issues, irritability and blood sugar irregularity (insulin resistance or diabetes). Cholesterol levels may be affected. PCOS can look like many other conditions (obesity, hormonal disturbances, infertility).
Causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome are usually an imbalance of hormones (androgens) which may affect the rest of the endocrine system. Birth control drugs or other medications may contribute to this imbalance.
Modern medicine offers the use of estrogen, or birth control pills to control menstrual cycles. Spirolactone™ or some other drug is used to suppress excess androgen which causes most of the symptoms. These therapies can help symptoms but must be used continuously to suppress symptoms.
Natural perspective is that the endocrine system is out of balance. This includes the HPA axis (Hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal). This axis regulates hormones. The adrenals affect cortisol levels, and when out of balance contribute to abdominal obesity and stress. Often times stress contributes to PCOS.
There are natural solutions that I have used over several years with great success. For premenopausal women, it is usually a combination of Vitex, Saw palmetto, homeopathic ACTH, and either Natrum muriaticum or Sepia (see below).
Diet and supplements for PCOS – you must eliminate tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea, and processed foods. Also lose weight with exercise and diet control. Natural supplements for polycystic ovarian syndrome include Chromium which helps and regulates adrenals.
Herbs for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Use a combination of the following herbs for PCOS in capsule or liquid for maximum benefit, and adjust as your condition improves. Therapeutic dose is equal to one capsule of each herb 3 times a day or 1 liquid dropper full of an herbal tincture 3 times a day.
The most important herbs for PCOS are Vitex and Saw palmetto – use these in combination.
Vitex – hormone balance and research suggests that it works on PMS and fertility issues.
Saw palmetto is traditionally used for prostate problems in older men – it reduces androgens in women and improves urinary function.
Other herbs for polycystic ovarian syndrome:
Schizandra is an adaptogen that improves the HPA axis as well as improving liver and respiratory function.
Ashwaganda is also an adaptogen and works similar to Schizandra but also supports thyroid.
Blue vervain is exceptional for those stressed women of executive skills and challenges. Many herbalists use this as their primary herb for menopausal hot flashes.
Cell Salts to Help with PCOS
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#7 Kali sulph 6X – female problems show up on the face as brown spots, menses late, yellowish vaginal discharges
#9 Nat mur 6X – sensitive persons who isolate as a defense mechanism, crave salty foods, vaginal dryness, hair loss, facial hair, low voice
#12 Silicea – lack of periods, shy person, delicate, feels icy cold, vaginal cysts
PCOS Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Sepia (#1 Homeopathic for PCOS) – facial hair; acne with menstruation; irregularity in period; masculine; hair loss on head; low sex drive; exhausted; obesity especially during menopause.
Calcarea carb – obesity; cold clammy feet; over worker; weak ankles; sweats at night, especially need the window open; fear of rodents; menopause problems; acne; possible hair loss; hoarse voice.
Graphites – obesity with skin problems such as eczema with yellow honey like discharges; tendency to keloids (ropy scarring); acne with menstrual irregularities.
Natrum mur – for those who are sensitive; isolation when needing protection; crave salty foods; vaginal dryness; acne; hair loss; facial hair; low voice.
Thuja – with a tendency to warts or other non-cancerous growths; acnes with hormonal problems; genital warts; facial hair as well as hair loss; feels guilty or unworthy; may have hoarse voice;
ACTH 30c with one of the above remedies to regulate the adrenals.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
