Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also called PCOS, is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, according to MayoClinic.com. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including infertility, abnormal hair growth and hormonal abnormalities. While there is not a single herbal remedy that helps with all of the symptoms of PCOS, there are various supplements that may ease some symptoms of the disorder. If you have PCOS, consult your doctor before using any herbs to help treat the condition.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree berry, also known as vitex, is an herbal remedy that has been used for thousands of years to help regulate female hormones and menstruation, relieve breast pain and reduce uterine bleeding, says Drugs.com. It has also been used to help ease depression, vaginal dryness, low libido and premenstrual syndrome. This herbal supplement has progestrogenic effects and has been shown to improve fertility and progesterone levels in women who have hormonal problems, according to Drugs.com. This may be helpful for women with PCOS, who often suffer from hormonal imbalances and infertility. Typical daily doses of chaste tree extract range from 1.6 to 4.2 mg, standardized to different casticin content, says Drugs.com. Talk with your doctor about what dose is safe and appropriate for you.
Gymnema
The leaves and stem of the gymnema plant are used medicinally for a multitude of reasons. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used to help manage diabetes, water retention, blood pressure disturbances and liver disease, says Drugs.com. More recently, it has been used in helping treat high cholesterol, reduce inflammation and aid in weight loss. Women with PCOS may have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and may also struggle with obesity, according to MayoClinic.com. Taking gymnema may help control blood glucose levels and help these individuals lose weight. Clinical studies have used 200 or 400 mg of gymnema, twice a day, for anti-diabetic properties, states Drugs.com. Ask your health-care provider about whether this supplement may benefit you before taking it.
Saw Palmetto
Women with PCOS may have hirsutism, which is a condition in which women have excess facial and body hair. The hair is usually coarse and dark and grows in places where men have hair, like the back and face. This occurs because of high levels of androgens, which are male hormones. Take 160 mg of standardized saw palmetto extract two times a day, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may help with hirsutism, although no clinical evidence exists for its use with PCOS, according to the medical center. Ask your doctor if this supplement is safe for you, because it may cause bleeding and have adverse interactions with blood-thinning medications.
Considerations
In addition to herbal remedies for PCOS, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce your excess hair growth. You may also need different medication if you are trying to get pregnant and are having fertility problems. Talk with your doctor before using any herbal supplements to help treat symptoms of PCOS. They can interact with medications and cause adverse effects, even if they are natural.
References
- Drugs.com; Complete Chaste Tree Information; 2009
- Drugs.com; Gymnema Information; 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Symptoms; Mayo Clinic Staff; December 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hirsutism; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Mayo Clinic Staff; December 2009
Member Comments