PCOS  (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
by Dr. Heather Herington, ND, DHANP

PCOS is a perfect example of a disease of modern times. Often seen in women who are anxious or tense, extreme stress is coupled with environmental toxicity to create hormonal imbalance. PCOS is unfortunately an increasingly common disorder in young women.

PCOS is diagnosed by the excessive production of androgens without ovulation in women with no underlying adrenal or pituitary disease. Too many androgens, usually testosterone, force the menses to become irregular, or it may cease altogether leading to infertility.

Conventional medicine does not understand this condition in its entirety, its need to treat the whole person, not just the ovaries. Their aim is to alleviate or lessen symptoms by prescribing birth control pills and anti-androgenic pharmaceuticals while ignoring other factors.

PCOS is a multi-layered affair that demands a comprehensive approach. Getting to the root cause of the condition is what naturopathic doctors do best. We ensure the least invasive and most natural approach, in this case, to balancing hormones.

From the physical to the psychological to the effects of the environment’s toxicity on our own fragile ecosystems, a holistic treatment program ensures results. The goal is to heal not only a syndrome but to bring the woman back to balance on all levels.

The hyper secretion of insulin normally goes hand in hand with PCOS. This insulin resistance can result in obesity, Type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease. (Fenugreek seeds and the minerals chromium and vanadium may be advised to improve glucose tolerance.)

Besides high insulin levels elevated blood androgens leads to hair loss or abnormal growth of body hair, acne, obesity, irregular or absent menses although not all of these must be present for a diagnosis.

Studies show that PCOS affects stressed women. It makes sense as the ovaries are influenced by the hypothalamus (part of the brain) therefore potentially harming body chemistry through brain chemistry. It has been shown that women with PCOS are less productive and lack creativity as compared to women with normal ovulation.

The ovaries have been called the center of creativity so you can see why it’s so important to work at feeling empowered. Ambivalent feelings regarding your status of a woman in an often misogynistic culture needs to be explored because if these needs go unfulfilled and creativity remains expressed, your biochemistry is bound to be affected.

PCOS is not usually genetic but it is associated with excess body fat. Since fat is the storage unit for toxins detoxification must be encouraged.

A poor diet and/or chemical dependence—recreational or prescription—further creates nutritional deficiencies, impairing detoxification pathways including the liver (major detox organ), the kidneys (which flush out waste) and the skin (sweats away wastes).

Colonics and botanicals—Silybum marianus, Taraxacum, Arctium lappa etc--target the liver and its associate the gall bladder, ensuring the bile is flowing and the liver is not overburdened.

Food sensitivities, allergies, environmental toxins and drugs can all damage the intestinal mucosa. For this reason, labs for food allergy testing, micronutrient deficiencies and a screen for heavy metals are indicated.

Abnormal calcium and Vitamin D metabolism and other macro minerals along with trace minerals must be sufficient. Probiotics are necessary for beneficial bacteria all through the gut.

Organic fruits and vegetables are the basis of good nutrition. These plus coconut oil and lemon juice can be added on an everyday basis to keep the detoxification pathways chugging along. 

Other botanicals include nettle tea, an adrenal and kidney tonic, which helps to lower androgens. Green tea binds testosterone. Soy, flax meal, Saw palmetto helps in this way as well. Sarsaparilla, Sanguinaria or Vitex Agnus Castus may be added for their progesterone-like effects.

Another botanical, Maca, from the South American rain forests, is showing promise in balancing testosterone as well and is often included in the individual treatment plan.

To sum up: The goal in scientific jargon is to 1) lower estrogens and androgens, specifically to inhibit the conversion of one type of testosterone to another 2) to reduce the hyper secretion of insulin and 3) to induce ovulation.

An optimal treatment program incorporates the physical, psychological and environmental as well as a creative outlet. By addressing all levels of the human experience not only will the menses become regular but vitality, serenity and optimal health will be assured.