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We’ve discussed a few prescription medications that are given to help various side affects of PCOS, and we will continue to review more medications that are commonly used. However, there is another side to treating/controlling your PCOS, through herbal remedies (herbal supplements)

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, there is no cure for PCOS…yet. There are many ways to treat and control the side affects. Below I will list the most common complaints of PCOS, as well as some herbal remedies that can help.

**NOTE - As mentioned before, do not being any herbal remedy or supplement without speaking with your Doctor. While most doctors are completely against herbs or natural supplements, its not a good idea to start herbs if you’re currently taking prescription medication (including birth control, and ANY infertility medication) or if you have a pre-existing condition (like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc) These herbs will not harm you, but there are some that can increase or decrease the efficacy of certain medications, some affect your blood sugar, and some that can elevate your blood pressure**

Hormone imbalance

• Vitex (ChasteBerry)
  This is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries for hormonal imbalances in women. It is also one of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps stimulate and stabilize the function of the pituitary gland which controls the release of LH (luteinizing hormone). The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone.
  **Vitex is NOT recommended for those currently undergoing infertility treatment. Taking it with infertility medication can heighten the affects of the IF meds.**
  **This herb can also alter the affects of oral contraception, so it is not recommended if you are currently using any type of birth control**

• Dandelion root:
  A great liver tonic! This helps cleanse your liver and remove the build up and toxins that accumulate. A lot of menstrual problems/infertility issues are made worse because the excess hormones tend to “back up” in your liver. Dandelion Root will help keep your liver working properly which will help it rid your body of all the excess “crud” you don’t need. It can also help control and possibly prevent NASLD.
• Milk Thistle
  A key herb for the liver; one that is so important for the treatment of PCOS. Milk Thistle helps your liver cells against damage, and promotes healing of damaged cells. This improves the overall function of your liver (Extremely beneficial in the control or prevention of NASLD)

Hirsutism (Male Pattern Hair Growth, a.k.a. excess facial and/or body hair) and Elevated Testosterone Levels:
Many women with PCOS often have elevated levels of testosterone which is converted into DHT. DHT is what stimulates the male pattern hair growth, and male pattern hair loss. Reducing the DHT in your body can help reduce the excess facial/body hair, as well as acne/oily skin and thinning hair (or male pattern hair loss) you may be experiencing.

• Saw Palmetto
  This herbal remedy stops the production of, and helps breakdown DHT. It has also been shown to have anti-estrogenic effects. (Anti-estrogenic means countering the excess estrogen. Women with PCOS often have higher estrogen levels. These elevated levels can stop the elimination of DHT) Saw Palmetto; in addition to reducing the overall levels of testosterone/DHT, has been shown to regulate your estrogen levels. This can further assist in the regulation/removal of the excess DHT, regulate your hormones, increase your labido, and help with weight loss.
• White Peony Tea
  This has been shown to positively influence low progesterone, as well as reduce elevated androgens (testosterone) and acts to regulate estrogen and prolactin levels.

Insulin Resistance

• SX Fraction (Maitake Mushroom Extract) — (This is what I take)
  Recent studies suggest that Sx Fraction helps to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and reduce insulin resistance.  Its a great “all in one” supplement that controls and helps many issues that accompany PCOS and insulin resistance including:
  1. Healthy insulin function
  2. Healthy glucose metabolism
  3. Healthy lipid metabolism
  4. Healthy body weight management
  5. Healthy blood sugar levels
  6. Healthy cardiovascular function
• Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)
  Gymnema is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used as an antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, lipid lowering agent and to support weight reduction. Gymnema is well indicated for PCOS, due to its insulin modulating activity and the added benefits of reducing the elevated triglycerides associated with PCOS. It also suppresses the sweet taste on the taste buds, so if taken before food it hides the sweet sensation, therefore reducing your intake of sweets and bad carbs. Gymnema regulates your blood sugar and may prove to be one of the most significant herbs in the treatment of the underlying factor of insulin resistance. It is often referred to the “herbal” form of Metformin.
  
• Inositol
  Inositol has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, relieve depression, regulate your appetite, and help your liver metabolize fat (which is great if you have NAFLD!) You can read more about Inositol here

Tags: DHT, estrogen, fertility, hair loss, herbal medicine, herbal remedies, herbal supplements, herbal treatments, Hirsutism, infertility, low progesterone infertility, managing pcos, pcos, pcos symptoms, pcos treatment, polycystic ovarian syndrome, progesterone, symptoms of pcos, testosterone, treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome