5 Natural Treatments for PCOS

This week’s show was on Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Our guest, Dr. Alan Martinez, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey was clear that there was no firm scientific evidence that alternative or natural treatments for PCOS would improve symptoms or increase your fertility, but it is difficult to run scientific tests on the effectiveness of natural remedies for many reasons, not the least of which is finding funding. The way we look at it, many of these remedies are good for you regardless, so why not give them a shot.

Exercise-30 minutes of sustained activity every day. There is some evidence that exercise, regardless of its value it helping you lose weight, may improve the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Avoid conventionally raised beef and dairy products because of the risk they may have been raised with the use of growth promoters, which could leave residues of estrogenic hormones in your system.
Increase your intake of whole soy foods, including tofu, tempeh, soymilk, and edamame. The isoflavones in soy may help with the hormonal imbalances.
One-quarter to one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder each day may reduce insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
Acupuncture may help to control symptoms and restore hormone balance. Western medicine style studies have not been able to prove that acupuncture improves fertility or reduces symptoms of PCOS, but Chinese medicine has for thousands of years used it to treat hormonal imbalances, and it could be argued that western studies are not designed to allow for the individualization of treatment, which is at the heart of acupuncture.

To learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and latest treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) listen to this week’s Creating a Family Radio show.