Naturopathic Solutions For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Part 2)

Last week in part 1 we talked about the symptoms and effects of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a syndrome that affects androgen hormone levels and causes the ovaries to develop cysts.

You may be wondering what natural treatments are available if you have been diagnosed with PCOS.

At the Mindful Healing Clinic, we offer natural PCOS treatment options.

What are some of the naturopathic solutions for PCOS, and what puts you at risk for this syndrome?

Keep reading to find out.

Risk Factors For PCOS

PCOS is caused by both environmental and genetic factors.

Some major risk factors include:

● Eating excessive fried and processed food
● Obesity
● Lack of physical activity

Also, various studies have shown that PCOS runs in families.

Natural Solutions For PCOS

There are naturopathic solutions available for PCOS, and some of them are as simple as making changes to your diet.

1. Add More Iron To Your Diet

Women with PCOS may experience heavy bleeding during their period; this can cause anemia or an iron deficiency.

To prevent this deficiency, you can up your iron intake.

Iron can be supplemented, or found in foods such as:

● Spinach
● Red meat
● Eggs
● Lentils and beans
● Nuts and seeds
● Dried fruit

Iron absorption can be affected by magnesium consumption, so monitor your magnesium levels if supplementing with iron.

Consult with your doctor before beginning any iron supplementation, for iron overload may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Patients with PCOS are already at a higher risk for insulin resistance and diabetes due to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among those with PCOS.

2. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

A recent study showed a link between high caffeine consumption and elevated estrogen levels.

According to the study above, caffeine also affects hormone behaviour.

With PCOS so heavily affecting hormone levels, it’s important to try and keep them as regulated as possible.

3. Eat Tumeric

Tumeric has a wide variety of positive effects that can be used in the treatment of PCOS.

Tumeric, specifically curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Since cysts are caused by inflammation, it’s especially important to control inflammation within the body.

Depression is a common symptom of PCOS, and tumeric has been shown to have similar properties to some anti-depressant drugs.

In a clinic trial in 2014 conducted by Lopresti et al., it was found that patients with major depressive disorder who received a daily supplement of curcumin for 8 weeks experienced significant improvement in depression.

It also lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and helps prevent atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries.

4. Supplement With Vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil

A deficiency in vitamin D, a hormone vital to the endocrine system, is common in women with PCOS.

Vitamin D may assist in ovulation and improve irregular periods in women with PCOS.

In that study, vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil were also shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the simulation of specific points using hair-thin needles, and it has been shown to help reduce chronic pain.

In the case of PCOS, acupuncture can be an effective treatment.

It can improve blood flow to the ovaries, reduce cortisol levels, and improve sensitivity to insulin.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

The examples above are only some of the naturopathic solutions available for PCOS.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, or if you suspect that you may have PCOS, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

During your initial appointment, you will sit down with me where we can talk about your PCOS and any other health concerns you may have.

From there, we’ll create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today!