PCOS - Herbal Treatment Options
Herbal Remedies For PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a complex condition involving multiple hormonal components. Treatment of this disease therefore must be multifold: low glycemic index diets, exercise, therapies to reduce excessive tissue androgens and estrogens, enhancement of insulin resistance and antioxidant status, and improvement of luteal phase health and progesterone balance.
Herbs in particular are extremely useful in the treatment of PCOS, because they are much gentler on the body, have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs and can be used for sustained periods of time.
Each woman is unique and presents with different symptoms, degrees, and signs of PCOS. This is why each woman will require very customized treatment.
In women with PCOS who have enlarged ovaries or multiple cysts in the ovaries, the theca-interstitial cells of the ovary are especially prone to growing excessively. These cells do not undergo the normal cycle which allows the cells to die off and get replaced by new cells (known as apoptosis).
The theca interstitial cells of the ovary are responsible for producing male hormones which are normally required for healthy ovarian function. However in PCOS , the large amount of these cells causes a large amount of male hormones to be produced, causing problems with normal ovulation and also greatly reduce egg quality and health.
The most commonly used herbs that have been shown to be effective in natural treatment of PCOS are:
1. Agnus Castus (Vitex/Chastetree Berry):
This herb has a direct effect on the pituitary gland. This gland is involved in regulating hormone production and the menstrual cycle.
It is an adaptogen, which means that whether you suffer from a low level of one hormone or an excess of another, you can take Vitex and this herb will regulate the pituitary gland to achieve optimum levels of the hormone.
This herb is particularly useful to those with low levels of progesterone as it restores it to normal levels. Low progesterone levels can cause miscarriage, so vitex can help prevent this from happening.
You need to be aware though that Vitex has a few side effects, and is not always recommended in PCOS. In fact, if not used correctly, it can potentially make PCOS worse.
Vitex should be taken for a period of several months in order to help with the cure for PCOS and ovarian cysts.
2. Garcinia Cambogia (Also known as Brindall Berries)
This small tropical fruit is also known as Malabar tamarind.It comes from central Asia and contains HCA (hydroxyl-citric-acid). This Acid enables carbohydrate to be turned into useable energy instead of being deposited as fat.
This herb can also be used as part of the treatment for PCOS because it helps to suppress appetite, reduce sugar cravings and insulin resistance, and inhibit the formation of fat and cholesterol.
3. Resveratrol
Resveratrol can greatly affect the health of the ovary in PCOS and can be an excellent addition to an overall protocol for the treatment of this condition.
A new study just released in April 2010 indicates that resveratrol (a antioxidant compound found in grapes) has powerful benefits in this type of condition due to the oligomeric proanthocyanadin (also known as OPC) anti oxidant component and the growth reducing - (antiproliferative) compound.
The effect of resveratrol however is different from the effects of OPCs, which are both antioxidants and pro circulatory compounds. Resveratrol does reduce oxidative stress like many other types of antioxidants, but importantly, it is also an antiproliferative compound which is well known to reduce growth of and induce cell death in cancer cells (another form of cell which proliferates excessively and out of bounds of healthy control).
The effect of resveratrol is thought to be due to its influence on insulin. It has been found that resveratrol may be able to counter the negative effects of the insulin on the ovarian cells and allow them to undergo the normal cell death process required for healthy ovarian function.
Resveratrol may prove to be a very effective part of multi faceted protocols to enhance ovarian health and restore normal ovarian hormone production for the millions of women worldwide with PCOS.
Adrenal tonics such as Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng and Withania support the adrenal stress response and help the adrenal glands return to a state of balance.
Paeonia lactiflora (peony) is another valuable herb as it positively influences low progesterone, reduces elevated androgens (testosterone) and modulates oestrogen and prolactin.
Licorice, especially combined with peony, helps regulate hormones, reduce androgen levels and improve the LH to FSH ratio.
Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings, thereby assisting in weight loss. Gymnema is one of the most significant herbs to improve insulin resistance.
Tribulus helps restore menstrual regularity and regulate ovulation.
Blue Cohosh is a particularly useful herb. It acts as a uterine and ovarian tonic and a pelvic anti-inflammatory.
Saw Palmetto, a traditional male reproductive herb used to control excess testosterone, offers promising results for hirsuitism.
Milk thistle, rosemary, Bupleurum and Schizandra are excellent liver herbs, aiding in the removal of excess oestrogen.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that our bodies react to different things in different ways and these herbs traditionally used in the treatment for pcos, may not necessarily work for you the way they have worked for others.
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