How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help with PCOS: A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Balance by Dr Annika Vels, ND
- Dr Annika Vels, ND
- May 4
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, impacting up to 10% of women globally. With the diagnostic criteria of oligomenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycles), excessive androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, PCOS is also closely associated with insulin resistance, weight gain, infertility, elevated cortisol, and emotional distress.
In recent years, naturopathic medicine has emerged as a popular and effective treatment for PCOS for women seeking natural, non-invasive, and individualized care. While conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with birth control pills or insulin-sensitizing drugs, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) emphasize treating the root cause and restoring holistic balance through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, botanical medicine, supplements, and mind-body connection.
In this article, we will explore what to expect when working with a naturopath to address PCOS, how naturopathic treatments for PCOS work, and provide an overview of some of the evidence-based natural remedies for PCOS that a naturopath might use.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder involving multiple systems of the body. While there is no known singular underlying cause, the pathogenesis usually involves the secretion of abnormal levels of pituitary gland hormones including LH, FSH, and prolactin, which causes the dysregulation of systemic hormones such as cortisol, insulin, androgens, estrogen, and progesterone, which in turn causes the collection of signs and symptoms seen in PCOS. It is diagnosed when at least two of the following three criteria are met (the Rotterdam Criteria):
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Excess androgen (male hormone) levels, manifesting as acne, hirsutism (facial hair), or scalp hair thinning
Polycystic ovaries as seen on an ultrasound
Common Symptoms of PCOS Include:
Irregular periods or no periods at all
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, or changes to weight distribution
Excessive facial or body hair
Acne and oily skin
Thinning scalp hair
Infertility, difficulty conceiving, and/or anovulation
Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
Fatigue and/or insomnia
Sugar cravings and insulin resistance
Why Choose Naturopathic Medicine for PCOS?
Naturopathic medicine focuses on the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors aim to uncover the root causes of hormonal imbalances instead of masking symptoms, and to educate patients so that they can take an active role in both the treatment plan and their long-term health. This treatment approach leads to long-term, sustainable health solutions.
Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for PCOS:
Personalized care based on each woman’s unique metabolic and hormonal profile
Emphasis on natural, sustainable changes
Focus on long-term wellness, not just symptom suppression
Reduced reliance on synthetic hormones or pharmaceuticals
The Naturopathic Approach to PCOS
A naturopath’s approach to PCOS will begin with a comprehensive assessment, including:
A thorough medical history and lifestyle review
Bloodwork to test hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, inflammation markers, nutritional deficiencies, and any other individually relevant markers
Dietary habits and digestion analysis
Stress, sleep, and emotional health evaluation
This allows the ND to design a tailored treatment plan using evidence-based natural therapies for PCOS. Depending on the results of this assessment, a treatment plan will be tailored to the individual and may focus on the goals balancing hormones, improving insulin sensitivity, supporting liver and gut health, reducing inflammation, and addressing emotional and mental wellness.
While the following therapies are options that a naturopath may use to treat PCOS, it is necessary to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new herbs or supplements, as they may interact with medications or other treatments, have serious side effects, and/or may be contraindicated in other health conditions. Additionally, not everyone with PCOS has the same presentation of the condition, so while all the therapies below are indicated for PCOS in general, they may not all be relevant for each individual.
1. Hormone Balancing
A central focus of naturopathic PCOS treatment is restoring the natural hormonal rhythm, which helps to establish a regular menstrual cycle, regular ovulation, reduced PMS symptoms, and improved fertility.
Herbal Medicine for Hormonal Regulation
Several herbs for PCOS have been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen excess, and support adrenal health in order to reduce cortisol:
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Promotes ovulation and balances progesterone.
Licorice Root: Reduces testosterone and supports adrenal health.
Spearmint Tea: Shown to reduce hirsutism (excess/thickened hair around the mouth and chin) and androgen levels.
Peony and Rehmannia: Often used in traditional Chinese medicine for hormone balancing.
Nutritional Supplements and Foods
Myo-inositol: Improves insulin sensitivity and supports ovulation.
NAC: Improves menstrual regularity, lowers androgens, improves embryo quality, and improved ovulation rates.
Vitamin D: Often low in women with PCOS, important for hormonal balance.
Magnesium: Supports insulin regulation and reduces PMS symptoms.
Zinc: Helps reduce acne and supports ovarian function.
Phytoestrogens (soy, flax): May support insulin regulation, promote ovulation, and balance estrogen/progesterone
2. Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Balance
Insulin resistance is present in many women with PCOS. It contributes to weight gain, changes to fat distribution, increased androgens, and infertility. Diet and exercise are key components in the management of insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Naturopaths design treatment plans with the goals to stabilize energy, improve blood sugar regulation, and promote weight loss if necessary.
Naturopathic Strategies for Insulin Sensitivity:
Low glycemic diet: Minimize the consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars by consuming foods with a low glycemic index.
Prioritizing Protein and Fibre: Can reduce the absorption rate of glucose into the bloodstream, improve satiety, and provides the building blocks to create the necessary hormones as well as to clear them from the body.
Chromium and Berberine: Natural compounds that act similarly to Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.
Exercise: Moderate intensity physical activity can improve ovulation rates, reduce insulin resistance, and promote weight loss, as well as reduce the long-term risk of some of the comorbidities of PCOS, including Type II Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Stress Management: Stress can cause increased blood glucose levels.
3. Gut and Liver Support
The gut-liver axis plays a major role in hormone metabolism and systemic inflammation, among many other functions including.
Naturopathic Focus:
Probiotic foods and supplements: To restore gut flora, reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut) that contributes to immune dysregulation, and improve digestion.
Liver detox support: Herbs like milk thistle and dandelion promote estrogen metabolism.
Anti-inflammatory diet: Eating a diet rich in omega-3’s, fibre, and a variety of vegetables while avoiding simple carbohydrates is a simple dietary approach to reducing inflammation, which supports gut, liver, and hormonal health.
4. Reducing Systemic Inflammation
Women with PCOS often have chronic low-grade inflammation, which worsens insulin resistance and hormone imbalances.
Anti-inflammatory Interventions:
Turmeric/curcumin: A powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation.
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA): Reduces inflammation and also supports cardiovascular health, mood, and ovarian function.
Elimination Diets and/or food sensitivity testing: Temporarily removing gluten, dairy, or other suspected food allergens to test immunological triggers, which increase inflammation. Additionally, food sensitivity testing may uncover additional causes of low-level inflammation.
5. Mind-Body Medicine
Mind-body connection is a theory that focuses on the connection of psychological states and neural activities (the mind) to physiological processes and health conditions (the body). Mind-body medicine focuses on addressing these mental states, such as stress, anxiety, cPTSD, etc. in order to reduce their detrimental impact on the physical body and relevant health conditions. In relation to PCOS, stress can exacerbate PCOS by disrupting cortisol and insulin regulation.
Natural Stress Management:
Adaptogenic herbs: Herbs such as ashwagandha, and holy basil can modulate an individual’s stress response.
Mindfulness and meditation: Helps calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol.
Acupuncture: Shown to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS, promote ovulation, promote fertility, and reduce anxiety.
Patient Counselling: Naturopaths aim to provide a therapeutic space in which to process how this condition has affected the patient’s life, and provide direction to relevant support, education, and resources such as support groups, podcasts, etc.
Conclusion
PCOS can be a complex and frustrating condition, but naturopathic medicine offers hope and support to women seeking natural and effective relief. By treating the root causes and empowering women to take charge of their health, naturopaths help restore balance, vitality, and fertility naturally.
If you're searching for lasting relief from PCOS, consider booking a consultation with a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health. With the right support and plan, you can reclaim your hormonal health and feel better in your body.
