Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not always well understood despite the fact that this condition is becoming more common and it has become the most common endocrine disorder that women experience in Canada. As a result more women are seeing a Naturopathic Doctor to treat their PCOS and fortunately there are many targeted and evidence based naturopathic treatments that safely and successfully address the condition.
Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
The naturopathic treatments might include nutritional supplements, botanicals, acupuncture or even lifestyle changes that have a significant beneficial effect on the specific symptoms and complications of PCOS. The naturopathic treatments that are recommended for PCOS patients should be made based on their specific symptom presentation and the abnormalities demonstrated by the blood work and imaging studies.
Understanding PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
Another complicating issue with PCOS is that it is a syndrome and not technically a disease. A syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms that occur together and are suggestive of a particular disease or condition, but the underlying cause or pathological process may not be fully understood. In contrast, a disease has a defined cause, known pathological process, and often a specific treatment approach. Overall PCOS is a collection of symptoms that arises due to the dysregulation of hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and insulin.
These hormonal changes can lead to issues such as high blood sugar, weight gain, loss of ovulation and infertility, weight gain and male pattern hair growth. And the diagnosis of PCOS is not always straight forward as it can be challenging and it can be delayed.1 The tendency in the medical system is to wait until PCOS becomes more pronounced and severe before officially diagnosing it and this may be because the medical treatment of PCOS is based on prescribing medications that can have side effects and can pose some health risks.
Clinical and Laboratory Signs of PCOS: What to Look For
Clinical & Laboratory Features of PCOS | |
|---|---|
Menstrual Irregularities | Oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), amenorrhea (absence of periods) |
Hyperandrogenism | Hirsutism (excess hair), acne, androgenic alopecia (hair thinning) |
Obesity | Particularly central (abdominal) obesity |
LH/FSH Ratio | Often elevated (>2:1 or 3:1) |
Insulin Resistance | ↑ Fasting insulin, ↑ HOMA-IR, impaired glucose tolerance |
Ultrasound Findings | “String of pearls” appearance of follicles (≥12 follicles or >10 mL volume) |
How Naturopathic Treatment Offers a Personalized Approach to PCOS
Alternatively in Naturopathic Medicine the tendency is to assess and diagnose PCOS early and to not wait until it becomes more severe until initiating treatment. This prompt diagnosis and treatment of PCOS by Naturopathic Doctors is due to the fact the Naturopathic treatment of PCOS is effective and safe so that it does not pose health risks and there are minimal side effects; in fact, in many cases the naturopathic treatment of PCOS has overall health benefits outside of the treatment of the condition.
Additionally, there are many safe, effective and evidence based treatment options within the naturopathic treatment modalities for PCOS and there are often more treatment options than one can realistically take.2 So as a naturopathic doctor I have the benefit of selecting the most appropriate treatment of options for the safe and effective management of PCOS and a thorough clinical and laboratory assessment will greatly assist in this process.
For instance if someone presents with PCOS and they have high testosterone but no blood sugar abnormalities then I might recommend spearmint but not berberine whereas if they present with normal testosterone and high blood sugar I might recommend the berberine and spare the spearmint.
How Naturopathic Treatment Offers a Personalized Approach to PCOS
PCOS is a multifaceted syndrome that requires a personalized and proactive approach to care something naturopathic medicine is uniquely positioned to provide. With a focus on early assessment, individualized treatment and a broad range of safe and effective therapeutic options, Naturopathic Doctors can offer meaningful support for managing PCOS and improving overall health.
If you’re looking for a natural, holistic approach to managing PCOS, Aspire Natural Health specializes in personalized naturopathic treatment plans that address the root causes of your symptoms. Our approach combines dietary changes, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, stress management and targeted supplements to help restore hormone balance and support your overall well-being.
Ready to take control of your PCOS naturally?
Book your free, no risk consultation with Aspire Natural Health today and start your journey toward balanced hormones and lasting relief.
Frequently asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. What role does diet play in naturopathic PCOS treatment?
A low-glycemic, whole foods diet helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance and promote hormone balance key factors in managing PCOS naturally.
2. Are there specific supplements that help with PCOS symptoms?
Yes. Inositol (especially myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol), magnesium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly recommended to support hormone regulation and insulin sensitivity.
3. Can herbal medicine really help balance hormones?
Certain herbs like vitex (chaste tree), licorice root and spearmint have shown promising effects in lowering androgens and improving menstrual regularity.
4. How long does it take to see results with naturopathic treatment?
Every case is different, but many patients begin to notice improvements within 3 to 6 months when adhering to a personalized treatment plan.
5. Is naturopathic treatment safe to combine with conventional PCOS medication?
Yes, naturopathic care can complement conventional treatments like metformin or hormonal birth control, but it should always be done under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Conclusion
By carefully considering each patient’s hormonal profile, lab findings and symptom picture, treatment plans can be tailored to target the root causes and bring the body back into balance. For many women, this means not only better outcomes for PCOS, but also a greater sense of well-being and long-term health resilience.
