Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Alternative therapies that help

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a very common disorder found in women. It affects not only reproductive ability, monthly cycles but also their general appearance. Surprisingly, not much is known of the causes of this problem. However, alternative therapies provide some effective cures for the disease.

As the name suggests polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition where the ovaries in most cases are enlarged and are lined with small and numerous cysts on their outer edge. A woman having PCOS may or may not have the common symptoms of the syndrome. This makes its detection all the more difficult.

Some symptoms which might indicate towards the presence of cysts in the ovaries are –

•    Infrequent, prolonged or absent menses
•    Excessive body and facial hair
•    Acne and pimple prone skin, specially the chest and area below the neck
•    Obesity and sudden weight gain
•    Pain in the ovaries may or may not be there
•    Too many hormonal imbalances and mood swings
•    Women with PCOS may find it difficult to conceive

In most of the cases the condition is found to be a hereditary one. PCOS if not detected in time may lead to some serious problems in future. Other than decreased chances of conception, PCOS may trigger diabetes, heart diseases and even strokes in later age.

This syndrome is a recurring one and usually medication is ongoing and quite strong. It is for this reason that people find herbal substitutes to be a better option to go about curing the problem. No one wants to perpetually drug their bodies year after year.

Alternative therapies of all kinds generally aim at curing the problem from its root cause. Since the root cause is difficult to pin point in this case, a number of methods are used to see what suits the patient best. These therapies aim at rebalancing the hormonal system and thereby provide a cure.

Here are some of the alternative therapies known to help with PCOS –
 
Herbal therapy – there are several herbs which aim at improving the ovarian function, reduce the androgens in the body and improve female fertility. They are thus effective cures for PCOS with minimum side effects as they are very gentle in nature.
 
•    Evening Primrose – corrects irregular menses.
•    Chasteberry – effects the functioning of the pituitary gland and thus, balances the hormones secreted by it. This in turn reduces the weight and excessive facial and body hair.
•    Dandelion herb works towards optimum liver function, which also balances the hormones.
•    Blue cohosh and false unicorn root, which balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
•    Black cohosh – treats the complete absence of periods and pre-menstrual symptoms.
•    Saw Palmetto – this herb is a known anti-androgen and thus, treats all symptoms of PCOS.

Chinese traditional medication – it uses the herb gui zhi fu ling wan to treat the abnormality in menstrual cycle. Dong Quai is another popularly used herb for PCOS. It has positive effects on the endocrine system and improves liver function. As a result the hormonal imbalances in the body are treated.

Diet and nutrition therapies – it is always wise to consult a dietician for a special PCOS Diet. Generally for polycystic ovary syndrome, a low carbohydrate and high fibre diet is suggested. Animal fats and proteins need to be kept away. The diet aims at keeping the blood sugar levels and the glycemic index low. Insulin levels also have to be regulated, just as the inflammatory prostaglandins. This helps to improve the functioning of the ovaries as the liver is detoxified off estrogens. As a result fertility increases and so do the chances of conception.

Weight management training – in order to counter the ill after effects of obesity due to PCOS is managed by weight control. Not only does weight management lead to significant decrease in the symptoms of PCOS, it also helps to prevent diabetes and heart ailments in the future. Routine weight training, long rigorous walks for atleast half an hour every day, exercising and some major lifestyle changes are all different methods of reducing weight.

Naturopathic medicines – these medicines generally focus their treatment on the proper functioning of the liver and through that, the hormones are balanced in the body.

Acupuncture – it rebalances the flow of energy in the body and thus helps to break the cysts.

Yoga – many exercises in yoga are known to focus on the female reproductive system, thus, enhancing fertility in the long run. They regularise the menstrual cycle and balance the hormones in the body. They also tone the body, help burn calories and generate the flow of positive energy.

PCOS is an ailment which can easily be cured; it however, needs constant monitoring nod efforts from the person to prevent it from reoccurring. Major lifestyle changes and a healthy attitude go a long way in normalising the condition.