Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. According to MayoClinic.com, PCOS causes distressing symptoms such as excessive hair growth, menstrual problems and infertility. Left unchecked, PCOS can lead to long-term, significant complications, including heart disease and diabetes. No herbal remedy has been proven to effectively treat PCOS, but several herbs may offer some benefits. Consult your primary care provider before using any herb to treat PCOS.
Chasteberry
Also known as vitex or monk's pepper, chasteberry may help stabilize hormones and mediate symptoms in women suffering from PCOS. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that chasteberry eases PMS symptoms and other menstrual discomforts. It also appears to enhance fertility in women with fertility-reducing medical conditions such as PCOS. However, the NCCAM says that there isn't enough conclusive evidence to definitively prove chasteberry's safety or efficacy.
Wild Yam
Many women use wild yam and extracts of the compound to naturally treat PCOS. However, there is no evidence that it is effective in any medicinal capacity. Yam's use as a treatment for female hormone disorders stems from the historic use of wild yam to create synthetic progesterone. Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce progesterone from wild yam, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, wild yam is an improbable and under-researched treatment for PCOS and its symptoms.
Red Clover
Red clover flowers contain natural estrogen-like compounds known as isoflavones. Because of its capacity to alter female hormones, scientists have investigated red clover as a treatment option for hormonal disturbances, menstrual disorders and infertility. According to the National Institutes of Health, red clover may help ease common PCOS symptoms, including PMS and cyclical breast pain. Red clover may also help reduce menopausal symptoms, which can be similar to PCOS. However, there is not enough evidence to firmly recommend red clover as a treatment for any condition.
Soy
Soybeans contain isoflavones similar to those found in red clover flowers. Like red clover, soy supplements may help defeat hormonal imbalances caused by or leading to deficiencies of estrogen. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that soy can help ease menopausal symptoms. The medical center acknowledges that soy appreciably affects female hormones, but there isn't enough evidence to prove that it effectively treats hormone-related conditions. Always seek the guidance of a qualified practitioner before using any medicinal herb.
