So, in a previous article we looked at what PCOS is and how it’s diagnosed. Now we’re going to talk natural treatment.
Just one thing to get out of the way first, is that in my opinion the pill is not a great treatment for PCOS. In this situation it's really common to be given a prescription for the pill and told it will 'regulate' your hormones but that's not what's happening. The pill shuts down the natural hormonal cycle of your body by supplying it with replacement synthetic hormones. To be clear, the pill may give you some relief from your symptoms and this is a totally valid choice as long as that's your intention. But to address the root cause and improve your overall health, it's important to dig a little deeper.
There is no 1 size fits all treatment for PCOS. Every woman is different and her treatment strategy needs to be tailored to her unique needs and lifestyle. However here are some considerations:
🍬 Insulin resistance - this can be an important part of the puzzle and this is often what drives your hormone imbalances and most of your symptoms. This is where a diet high in protein, healthy fats and fibre and low in sugar and processed foods can be really helpful. You still need to make sure you are getting plenty of nutrients so I don’t recommend calorie counting or meal replacement shake type diets. And yes, you can be insulin resistant without being overweight or having a high BMI.
😣 Stress – it’s often overlooked in PCOS treatment but can be a major contributor to insulin resistance. It’s also well known for causing havoc with your hormones. As well as the things that we know cause emotional stress (like family and work pressures) your body will experience poor sleep, excessive or very intensive exercise and calorie restriction/fasting as stressors too. Do what you can to manage these stressors with lifestyle changes and self-care. Beyond that, some herbal adrenal support might be helpful.
💊 Just stopped contraceptives? Many brands of pill will cause a temporary surge of androgens when you stop and this will usually correct itself in time. You can support this process by getting plenty of fibre in your diet, staying hydrated and supporting your liver with bitter foods and herbs.
🔥 Inflammation – If you have other chronic health issues, autoimmune disease, IBS, SIBO or other gut problems the inflammation associated with these may be driving your PCOS. Strategies to address these will be different for everyone so I recommend reaching out for personalised naturopathic support.
Often women will find it’s a combination of factors driving their PCOS. By working to address the underlying cause, it’s very possible to get things back into balance and eliminate your symptoms. In my experience, PCOS doesn't have to be an ongoing issue, it's very reversible if you are prepared to make some changes to improve your health.
If you've been struggling to get on top of things for a while, are wanting to fall pregnant or just need some personalised guidance please don't hesitate to get in touch.
