Top Herbs for PCOS

PCOS is such a common hormonal condition for women and AFAB folk and there are so many promoted treatments out there that it can become overwhelming! Unfortunately, for many people with PCOS the oral contraceptive pill is the first port of call for treatment, but there are amazing naturopathic treatments out there that can really help to improve the condition, instead of just masking symptoms the way the pill does. Here we take a look at some of the top herbs for managing PCOS and how they can help to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is the most common hormonal condition that affects women and AFAB folk. It is characterised by dysregulation of the sex hormones - testosterone and other androgens are too high compared to oestrogen, leading to impaired ovulation, infertility, and physical changes to appearance. PCOS is a syndrome, which means it is a constellation of symptoms that occur together, but there’s a lot of variance between individuals with PCOS and no two presentations are identical.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods that may also be heavy when they do come

• Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight

• Hair loss on head

• Hirsutism - hair growth on face, chest, stomach and back

• Acne

• Infertility

Blood tests may show high levels of androgens (“male” type hormones such as testosterone). Imaging studies may show enlarged ovaries with multiple “cysts”. However, these are not actually cysts - they are immature follicles from unsuccessful ovulation. These follicles do not cause pain. Pain is a not a symptom of PCOS. A person may have both PCOS enlarged follicles and ovarian cysts, which are not the same thing.

What Causes PCOS?

It’s not clearly understood what causes PCOS and there are likely multiple factors affecting each individual. Possible underlying causes include:

• Genetics - there is a strong link to family history with this condition

• Insulin resistance - this may be a cause, but it is just as likely to be a symptom. Researchers are still investigating whether insulin resistance causes PCOS or if it occurs as a symptom of PCOS

• Chronic inflammation - leads to an increased conversion of oestrogen into testosterone. However, it’s again not clear if this is a cause or a consequence of PCOS

Treating PCOS with Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has some amazing tools for treating PCOS, with a growing body of evidence to back up their use. Here are some of the most commonly used herbs for managing symptoms of PCOS:

Liquorice

Yes, the ever-popular liquorice herb is a common herbal treatment for PCOS. It’s frequently combined with peony (see below) and this combo is often a first port of call for me in clinic when it comes to treating PCOS. Liquorice can help to increase oestrogen levels while also decreasing androgens. It also helps to balance insulin and thus blood sugar levels, and improving adrenal balance, which can be important for people with PCOS who often have high stress.

Peony

Peony is such a beautiful herb and works wonderfully in harmony with liquorice. Peony can help to reduce testosterone and increase oestrogen, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.

Vitex

Vitex, AKA chaste tree or chasteberry, has a long history of use - at least 2000 years. This herb is useful for PCOS because it can help to stimulate ovulation by increasing oestrogen receptor activity, as well as reducing prolactin levels. Vitex acts on the pituitary gland, helping to regulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This can be so beneficial in initiating or improving ovulation, which requires good regulation of LH and FSH.

Spearmint

Animal studies on the use of spearmint have shown even just 30 days’ treatment can reduce free testosterone levels in the blood, and human trials have shown spearmint tea to be effective in reducing hirsutism. Most studies have used around 3 cups of spearmint tea per day for effect.

Tribulus

Also known as puncture vine, this powerful hormone balancing herb works well for PCOS by normalising steroid hormone levels (both oestrogen and testosterone), as well as improving oestrogen activity inside the ovaries to help with induce ovulation.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a palm-like plant native to North America, traditionally used to support prostate health in men. However, research suggests that saw palmetto may also benefit women with PCOS by reducing excess androgen levels and improving symptoms such as hirsutism and hair loss.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a wonderful warming herb to add into treatments. Studies have shown that cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle can help improve liver function and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS, as the liver plays a crucial role in hormone metabolism and detoxification. This is a go-to in clinic for me for anyone with PCOS who also shows signs that their liver might benefit from extra support.

Which Herbs are Right for Me?

Naturopathy is a truly individualised medicine - no two treatment protocols are identical, because we are all unique beings with unique needs. The best way to know which treatments are right for you is to see a qualified clinical naturopath or herbalist, who can help guide you.

If you’d like to learn more or are ready to book your appointment, book an appointment today.

About the Author

Lizzie Stow is a clinical naturopath from Newcastle, Australia.

To find out more about Lizzie, click here.

Book an appointment with Lizzie click here.