Signs and Symptoms:

• Amenorrhea or irregular menses
• Insulin resistance
• Infertility and miscarriages
• Abnormal hair growth (hirsutism)
• Unexplained weight gain
• Adult acne
• Lactation
• Voice changes

Treatment:

Conventional Drug therapy

• Metformin– moderates insulin levels
• Cyproterone acetate or oral contraceptives (with cyproterone)- treats acne and abnormal hair growth
• Spironolactone- diuretic is usually given to lower blood pressure, but in the case of PCOS its used to treat acne and hirsutism
• Progesterone- triggers menses
• Clomiphene– improves ovulation and fertility for those wishing to conceive

Naturopathic treatment

Most naturopathic treatments are made based on the individual patient.  Rarely do people respond in the same way to a specific disease so it is the practitioner’s job to create a treatment plan based on the individual’s needs at that time.

Basic treatment goals for patients with PCOS

• Normalize blood sugar
• Maintain a BMI <25 and a waist to hip ratio of <1
• Regulate ovulation and reduce androgens
• Reduce the risk of CVD and Diabetes

Tips to help you reach your goals:

Þ   Avoid all refined foods, trans-fats, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, cigarettes and any food chemicals to which you may be sensitive.  A detox will help your body normalize hormone levels and support your body’s cells from becoming resistant to insulin.

Þ   Regular exercise 3-4x week of at least a half hour for overall health and weight reduction

Þ   Stress management for your adrenal health

Þ   Daily fiber intake should be between 35-50g per day with a diet high in vegetables and leafy greens.  Incorporate foods from the brassica family and bitter green vegetables to support your liver.

Þ   Plenty of proteins that are low in saturated fats such as lean meat from grass-fed animals free of hormones and antibiotics is best, legumes, tofu, and tempeh.

Þ   Ground flaxseed and milk thistle can be added to salads or yogurt and will help modulate estrogen.

Key Nutrients:

• Chromium
• CoQ10
• Magnesium
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Silica
• Soy isoflavones
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E
• Zinc