Herbal Support for PCOS

Along with healthy diet and lifestyle habits, herbs can play a very powerful role in helping women to achieve their health goals in managing the hormonal condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Herbs and herbal extracts can be helpful in balancing blood sugar levels, regulating hormones, reducing stress, nourishing the adrenal glands, optimizing the body’s detoxification pathways, and managing inflammation levels.

Working with a skilled herbalist or naturopath is recommended, so that he or she can help determine the best herbs for PCOS and the dosages most beneficial for you.

There isn't one best herb for PCOS, so here is a list of key herbs that may have a positive effect.

Blood Sugar Support

Cinnamon, gymnema and berberine (from goldenseal or Oregon grape root)

These herbs help to balance blood sugar levels, address insulin resistance, and can improve one’s lipid profile. Because PCOS is a condition caused by insulin resistance and increases a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease, addressing blood sugar balance is a top priority.

If you'd like to add cinnamon, start in the kitchen. A sprinkle on oatmeal or plain yogurt is an easy daily habit. For a more consistent amount, Cinnamon 250 Mg from Pathway provides 250 mg per capsule. Be sure to check with your healthcare practitioner for the correct dosage, especially if you take blood sugar medication.

Adaptogens

Ginseng, schisandra, aswhagandha, rhodiola, and maitake mushroom

These herbal remedies for polycystic ovary syndrome are examples of adaptogens, which may help the body manage stress. This is so important because when under stress, the body produces excess cortisol, which increases blood sugar and insulin levels, increases prolactin levels, leads to androgen excess and menstrual cycle dysregulation, increases inflammation, and leads to sleep disturbance. Because adaptogens have a balancing effect on the body, they can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and support many other areas of one’s health.

Hormone Regulators

Licorice, white peony, tribulus, chaste berry, black cohosh, blue vervain, and saw palmetto

These herbs for polycystic ovaries are considered hormone regulators because they may help to increase progesterone secretion, balance LH:FSH, decrease testosterone, and decrease prolactin levels. As a result, they can increase ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS.

Research on herbs and fertility in PCOS is still growing. A 2021 review looked at Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with PCOS, and more research is needed on herbal supplements for PCOS. These herbs are best chosen with a practitioner who knows your cycle and your lab results.

Liver Support

Milk thistle and dandelion

Liver-supporting herbal remedies for PCOS may help support healthy detoxification and hormone balance. By boosting the body’s detox and elimination pathways, one can reduce the levels of environmental estrogens that may be a contributing factor in PCOS. And, because women with PCOS have a higher risk for developing fatty liver disease, supporting liver health is very important.

Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric

Stress, toxins, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory foods can cause chronic immune activation and inflammation. As a result, this can impede ovulation, disrupt hormone receptors, and stimulate adrenal androgen production. In herbal medicine for PCOS, turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it may also help support detoxification and cardiovascular health.

Choosing the Right Herbs for You

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs can help reduce stress and manage cortisol in PCOS?

Adaptogens are the main group to look at. Ginseng, schisandra, ashwagandha, rhodiola and maitake mushroom may help the body manage stress. This matters because stress causes the body to make extra cortisol. Extra cortisol can raise blood sugar and insulin, increase inflammation, disturb sleep and throw off your cycle. Because adaptogens have a balancing effect, they may also help support blood sugar levels. A skilled herbalist or naturopath can help you choose the right one.

What herbal remedies regulate hormones and increase fertility in PCOS?

Licorice, white peony, tribulus, chaste berry, black cohosh, blue vervain and saw palmetto are thought of as hormone regulators. They may help increase progesterone, balance LH and FSH, and lower testosterone and prolactin. As a result, they may help support ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS. Research in this area is still growing, and more is needed. These herbs are best chosen with a practitioner who knows your cycle and your lab results.

How do liver-supporting herbs help women with PCOS?

Milk thistle and dandelion may help support healthy detoxification and hormone balance. When your body's detox and elimination pathways work well, it may help lower levels of environmental estrogens, which may play a part in PCOS. Women with PCOS also have a higher risk of fatty liver disease. That makes supporting liver health very important.

What anti-inflammatory herbs are recommended for managing PCOS?

Turmeric is the key herb here. Stress, toxins, a leaky gut and inflammatory foods can keep the immune system switched on. Over time, this inflammation can get in the way of ovulation, disrupt hormone receptors and push the adrenal glands to make more androgens. Turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help support detoxification and heart health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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