Can Milk Thistle Help Polycystic Ovaries?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is an imbalance of female hormones that results in menstrual cycle changes, cysts in the ovaries, difficulty getting pregnant and changes in the body, such as acne, a deepening of the voice and decreased breast size. PCOS has links to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NAFLD is a condition that occurs when the liver has trouble breaking down fats. Fat builds up in the liver tissue, causing inflammation and scarring. If the scarring is severe enough, it can cause liver failure. Risk factors for NAFLD include gastric bypass surgery, high cholesterol and triglycerides, obesity, rapid weight loss, type 2 diabetes and toxins or chemicals. Although the exact cause of NAFLD is not yet known, research has shown that PCOS and NAFLD tend to co-exist.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Polycystic Ovary Disease

In one study reported in the February 2009 "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology," 71 percent of women age 20 to 45 who had evidence of NAFLD also had PCOS. Five of these women had advanced liver disease, with fibrosis of the liver. A second study published in the September 2007 "Journal of Hepatology" found similar results. Of 41 women who had PCOS, 17 also had NAFLD.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is an herbal remedy in use for over 2,000 years for liver problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that milk thistle protects the liver from toxins and may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle treats fatty liver disease, although the treatment is traditional rather than based on scientific research.

Milk Thistle and PCOS

There is no specific data on the use of milk thistle specifically for PCOS. A large review of all available studies, reported in "Research in Complementary Medicine" in February 2008, did note that it is reasonable to use milk thistle for liver cirrhosis. Naturopath and fertility specialist Samantha Bulloch uses milk thistle in her treatment of PCOS to provide liver support, as does Rev. Dr. Lisa Waltz, a naturopath and author of "The Herbal Encyclopedia." You should not try to self-manage PCOS or NAFLD. If you have questions or concerns, consult a health-care professional.

References

• "Research in Complementary Medicine"; An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis for the Clinical Evidence of Silymarin; R. Saller, et.al.; February 2008
• PubMedHealth; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Susan Storck, M.D. and David Zieve, M.D.; March 2010
• The Herbal Encyclopedia; Treating Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids; Rev. Dr. Lisa Waltz, N.D., D.D., C.N.C.; 2011
• "Drugs"; The Use Of Silymarin in the Treatment of Liver Diseases; R. Saller et.al.; 2001
• "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; An Association Between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; M. M. Brzozowska, et al.; February 2009
• "Journal of Hepatology"; Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; C. Cerda, et.al.; September 2007