Many women who have symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Sydrome ( PCOS) prefer to use natural methods to treat this disorder. PCOS has many facets, including estrogen dominance, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles, elevated testosterone, which can cause excessive hair growth, and insulin resistance, which can result in weight gain and cause damage to the organs. Thankfully, positive results can often be obtained with lifestyle changes.
PCOS and Menstrual Cycle Help
One sign of PCOS is sparse or absent menstrual cycles. It is important to keep the cycles as normal as possible to cut down on the risk of uterine cancer. Regular cycles are also important to those who are trying to conceive.
Many women with PCOS turn to Vitex, also known as Chaste Berry, to return cycles to normal and balance hormones. This herb actually works on the pituitary gland. This is good news because there is often a miscommunication between the ovaries and pituitary gland in those with PCOS. This herb is said to normalize progesterone in the luteal phase of the cycle (the luteal phase being the portion of the cycle when most women with PCOS produce too little progesterone naturally).
Cycles can also be improved with the use of progesterone cream. Those who use this cream for PCOS symptoms typically do so during the luteal phase (the last two weeks) of their cycle, from ovulation to menstrual period. Those who are not having a period can use the cream in this manner in an attempt to normalize their body and bring about menstruation.
Lowering Testosterone to Help With PCOS Symptoms
Drinking one to two cups of spearmint tea a day may reduce excess hair in PCOS sufferers. Proof of spearmint's role in this area was proven with a test conducted by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, in Turkey. In this particular study, 21 women suffering from excessive hair growth (hirsutism) drank two cups of spearmint a tea for five days. At the end of the five days all of the women had a significant decrease in free testosterone and an increase in the hormones LH, FSH and estradiol (which are often unbalanced in women with PCOS).
Saw palmetto is another promising herb many with PCOS turn to when treating high levels of testosterone. Saw palmetto has not been studied specifically for women with PCOS, though it is commonly used to treat an enlarged prostate in men. In this condition, the enlargement is caused by a metabolite of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. The reasoning behind using this herb for PCOS as well is that many believe what works for men will work for women – that is, reducing testosterone. High levels of DHT can cause acne, so taking this herb may reduce acne as well.
Improving Insulin Resistance for PCOS Symptoms
Insulin resistance can be improved in women with PCOS in many ways. Weight loss lowers insulin resistance. This can be achieved by increasing exercise (including aerobic and strength training). A healthier diet which includes lots of fruits and vegetables (organic produce is best), with little to no processed foods and sugar will help tremendously. And choosing foods that are low on the glycemic index will help to improve insulin resistance as well.
Women with PCOS can have high blood sugar levels in addition to insulin resistance. Cinnamon can help in this area, as it lowers blood sugar levels. In a Pakistani study published in the journal, Diabetes Care, 60 patients with type II diabetes who were not taking insulin took small amounts of cinnamon every day for 40 days. The result was that it decreased their glucose levels and they were able to produce more insulin naturally on their own. Their cholesterol levels were lowered as well. These benefits continued even 20 days after the study was concluded.
Symptoms of PCOS are so intertwined that improving one facet of the disorder often improves one or more of the other symptoms as well. When using a natural approach it is best to attempt to treat all of the symptoms, knowing that overall improvement will likely occur. It is not always easy to change ones lifestyle and make healthier choices, but it is worth it in the long run. Not only will symptoms subside, but energy will increase and one will likely have a brighter outlook on life. The key is to start with a new zeal each day concerning making positive decisions; and if a bad choice is made, move on with better choices.
Sources:
early-pregnancy-tests.com, "Vitex Agnus Castus, PCOS, and Infertility Symptoms" (accessed 6-10-2010)
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/, "Spearmint Tea May Reduce Hirsutism in PCOS" (accessed 6-10-2010)
www.wdxcyber.com, "Herbal Help for PCOS" (accessed 6-10-2010)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, "Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism." (accessed 6-11-10)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, "Effects of peppermint teas on plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and testicular tissue in rats." (accessed 6-11-2010)
www.thyroid-info.com, "Cinnamon: Help for Insulin Resistance and Weight Loss
Popular and Flavorful Spice is New Aid in the Battle Against Buddha Belly/Belly Fat" (accessed 6-11-2010)
thyroid.about.com, "Cinnamon: Help for Insulin Resistance and Weight Loss" (accessed 6-11-2010)
Angel Chavis - Angel Chavis lives in NC with her husband, daughter, and various pets. She is a Christian, wife, homeschool mom, writer, student, and ...
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