We’ve shared many times on Natural-Fertility-Info.com that diet and lifestyle are effective tools for managing PCOS. We’ve also shared that women with PCOS can use herbal therapies to help regulate their cycles, balance their hormones, and improve fertility.
Yet, you may be wondering: Where’s the proof? We have some! This article discusses a recent study on PCOS that documents the effectiveness of natural therapies (including diet, lifestyle and herbal formulas) for relieving PCOS symptoms and increasing fertility.
The Growing Use of Natural Therapies for PCOS
PCOS is believed to affect up to 21% of women in their reproductive years. Of those, it’s thought that around 70% are undiagnosed. In talking with women with PCOS about their options, a survey conducted by National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia research fellow Dr. Susan Arentz (who led the study highlighted below), finds an astounding 99% would prefer alternative therapies to birth control and fertility drugs.
Today, some evidence finds around 70% of women with PCOS use complementary therapies. 2 out of 5 also use herbal approaches! Moreover, recent research finds herbs along with diet and lifestyle may be a very good approach to consider for PCOS.
The PCOS Study:
A 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research, studied two groups of overweight women with PCOS. Both groups received a 3-month program, involving 150 minutes of exercise each week, and a low glycemic, high nutrition plan. One of the groups received herbal extracts tailored towards PCOS management containing: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum); Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra); White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora); St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum); and Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris).
The Results: Of the two groups, around half of the women given herbal extracts had a regular cycle at the end of the three months, compared to under a quarter of women in the diet/exercise group alone. While both groups showed benefits, the combined therapy group lost more weight; had better hormone test results (including fasting insulin levels); higher rates of conception; and less anxiety, depression and stress.
Sarah’s Comments:
While this was a small study, it’s significant. PCOS is a top fertility challenge, and seeing natural therapies at work is very encouraging. You can reduce your symptoms, ease stress, and increase fertility with PCOS by making diet and lifestyle changes. For women who want to increase these benefits, learning more about herbs to help manage symptoms is another great option.
The place to start learning is our guide
How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs
A challenging diagnosis like PCOS doesn’t exist in a box. There are many types of PCOS and the woman experiencing it have their own unique differences. In addition, not every fertility herb addresses PCOS. It’s best to have guidance from a qualified naturopath or Fertility Herbalist to help you develop a natural fertility program that is well suited to your needs.
If you have PCOS and have already started a PCOS Diet and program, stay patient and be kind to yourself! It can take time to see the benefits of natural therapies for PCOS (sometimes 6-10 months). Feel confident that the changes you’re making are helping. Know the improvements in your overall health and fertility will be well worth it.
- Arentz, S., Smith, C.A., Abbott, J., Bensoussan, A. (2014 Dec 6). A survey of the use of complementary medicine by a self-selected community group of Australian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014; 14: 472. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-472. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4265410/
- Arentz, S., Smith, C.A., Abbott, J., Fahey, P., Cheema, B.S. et al. (2017, Sept.). Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Phytotherapy Research. Vol. 31, Issue 9, pp. 1330-1340. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5858. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5858/full
- Berry, S. (2017, Oct.). Natural Approach Offers Hope To Women with PCOS. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/natural-approach-offers-hope-to-women-with-pcos-20171030-gzbd5h.html
Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She’s the Co-Author of “Healthy Healing” with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary’s College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.
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