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Naturopathic Approaches to Treating PCOS
Treating PCOS
PCOS affects 5 million US women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that can cause problems with fertility and periods. The good news is, there are naturopathic approaches that can help manage its symptoms. As with any other health condition, treating PCOS theholistic way has its pros and cons.
So, if you’re looking for ways to treat your PCOS, this article has you covered. Read on below to discover more.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is an acronym for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. The definitive cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance in the production of certain hormones by the ovaries.
Women with PCOS typically have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid (follicles) surrounding the eggs. The eggs are not released from the ovaries, and as a result, women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly.
Common PCOS Symptoms
If you think you may have PCOS, it’s important to know what to look for. The most common symptoms of PCOS include:
Irregular Periods
Missing periods, infrequent periods, or prolonged bleeding are all signs of PCOS. This is often due to hormonal imbalances that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
Excess Male Hormones (Androgens)
Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) can cause symptoms like acne, excess hair growth on the face and body, known as hirsutism.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is another symptom of PCOS. This is due to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Acne
PCOS causes acne. This is due to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic ovaries are enlarged ovaries that contain small cysts on the outer edges. These cysts are actually undeveloped eggs that have not been released during ovulation.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation. As a result, it makes it difficult to get pregnant.
Natural PCOS Treatment
Believe it or not, there are several natural ways to treat PCOS. These include the following:
Diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to manage PCOS. A diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help to regulate hormones, reduce insulin resistance, and promote weight loss.
Supplements
Certain supplements can also be helpful in managing PCOS. Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics have all been shown to be beneficial. If you’re looking for the best natural fertility supplement, check out the highlighted link.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes is also important in managing PCOS. Exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep can all help to regulate hormones and reduce insulin resistance.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that has been shown to be effective in treating PCOS. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to regulate hormones, reduce insulin resistance, and promote weight loss.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is another Traditional Chinese Medicine approach that can be helpful in treating PCOS. Herbs like dong quai, licorice root, and chasteberry have all been shown to be beneficial.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to health that focus on the root cause of disease. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) use diet, supplements, lifestyle changes, and other natural therapies to treat the whole person.
If you think you may have PCOS, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with a naturopathic doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
The Pros and Cons of Naturopathic PCOS Treatments
There are many naturopathic approaches to treating PCOS, and each has its own pros and cons. Here are some of the upsides and downsides of treating PCOS naturally:
Pros:
- Can help to regulate hormones
- Can reduce insulin resistance
- Is a holistic approach to health
- Uses natural therapies that are less likely to cause side effects than medications
Cons:
- Requires lifestyle changes that may be difficult to stick to long-term
- May not be as effective as medications in some cases
- Some naturopathic therapies, like acupuncture, can be costly
The Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS is thought to be caused by a combination of insulin resistance, abnormal levels of androgens, and inflammation.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not respond properly to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. In people with insulin resistance, the body produces too much insulin in an attempt to lower blood sugar levels. This can lead to a variety of problems, including PCOS.
Androgens
Androgens are hormones that are responsible for the development of male characteristics. Women also produce small amounts of androgens. However, women with PCOS produce more androgens than normal. This can lead to a variety of problems, including hirsutism, acne, and weight gain.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune response. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of diseases, including PCOS. Chronic inflammation contributes to insulin resistance and abnormal levels of androgens.
The Key to Treating PCOS
Treating PCOS is possible, although it’s a challenge. Thankfully, there is a way to treat it naturally. It’s also important to keep in mind that PCOS isn’t the end.
Even with this condition, you could potentially get pregnant and manage your other PCOS symptoms. And if you follow the suggestions mentioned above, you could reverse a lot of the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
If you believe that taking a naturopathic approach to PCOS is for right you, we hope this article helped you out. To read more content like this, feel free to check out the other blog posts on our website. Have a great day!
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
