Posted on February 07, 2012
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common diagnosis in any fertility clinic – however in our experience it responds well to complementary medicine and lifestyle changes. The disorder is estimated to affect up to 10% of women, though the exact definition of the condition is debated – as we see many variants of the syndrome. PCOS is currently defined by the Rotterdam criteria as presenting with two out of the three following; polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, excessive androgenic hormones and annovulation or olioovulation (irregular or absent ovulation).
PCOS can affect each women differently, one might be slender with acne and high testosterone levels, whereas another could struggle more with her weight and excess hair growth. Women diagnosed with PCOS are often prescribed Clomiphene for several months to boost the production of mature follicles in the ovaries. Others are prescribed metformin – a drug also used with diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. Clomiphene is very effective in triggering ovulation, however it has other unwanted effects on the body which significantly lowers the actual live birth rate. Since there is a risk of overstimulating the ovaries it is not suitable for longer than six months.
Women with PCOS are also thought to be at greater risk of miscarriage, so from our point of view it makes sense to resolve the underlying problems and improve health before conceiving. At NNFP we see each case of PCOS as unique and therefore there is no ‘standard’ treatment. We use a combination of the following;
Acupuncture is used to stimulate ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle as well as improve fertility and regulate blood flow to the ovaries thus improving egg quality and follicle size. Recent research supports the effectiveness of acupuncture and exercise in balancing hormones and loosing weight. The study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism found that four months of acupuncture treatment combined with electrical stimulation reduced the levels of testosterone in women with PCOS by 25 percent.
Herbs are prescribed to help the body regulate overall hormone levels, including insulin, testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH.. Anti-inflammatory herbs are often used, since PCOS has a strong inflammatory component.
Massage can prevent and attempt to correct the waxy capsule formed around the ovaries in PCOS. It is also useful to increase blood flow to the reproductive system.
Nutritional therapy is used to improve insulin resistance and keep blood sugar levels steady. Certain foods may also regulate oestrogen and progesterone balance, as well as decrease excessive testosterone levels. Weight loss can be a key component in restoring normal ovulation and menstruation.
We find that even the most resilient cases of PCOS will show some positive change within three months – proving there is a commitment to following our treatment plan! Although many women with PCOS know what they should and shouldn’t eat, it can be harder for them than most to implement these changes. Often due to underlying problems with blood sugar and insulin levels, their bodies tend not to respond in the normal way to exercise and conventional diets, making them work much harder to maintain a normal BMI. Herbs and homeopathy are fantastic at managing this underlying insulin resistance, making the lifestyle and nutritional advice easier to follow. Having PCOS just means you have to pay a little more attention your body – it really does respond well and between us we have seen many women achieve healthy pregnancies.