Polycystic disease, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal problem that affects as much as 10 percent of all women of childbearing age, according to the University of Chicago. Symptoms can include male-pattern hair growth and infertility, and the condition is associated with increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Treatment for this condition generally includes hormone replacement medication to restore hormonal balance. In addition, improving the quality of the foods you eat may help decrease symptoms of PCOS. Herbal supplements, too, may help decrease some of the symptoms of PCOS. Check with your physician before using any natural supplement.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as chaste tree berry, is a natural treatment used for menstrual irregularities and symptoms of menopause. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, chasteberry contains precursor chemicals of the hormones progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione. The presence of these precursors may help decrease irregularities that may cause symptoms of PCOS by restoring menstrual balance. This balancing effect may also help to restore fertility in women who are having problems becoming pregnant due to PCOS. Chasteberry can also cause menstrual problems, stomach problems and acne in some women, so check with your physician before using this herb.
Saw Palmetto
The dried berries of the saw palmetto plant are used in extract, capsule and tincture forms to treat an enlarged prostate gland in men. This effect, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, may result from polysaccharides that help decrease inflammation, however research on this effect is mixed. The UMMC adds that saw palmetto can decrease levels of male hormones in your body, which can cause PCOS symptoms such as excess male-pattern hair growth.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh appears to be somewhat effective in decreasing symptoms of menopause that are caused by fluctuating hormones, according to the UMMC. This herb also has anti-androgenic effects, which can reduce unwanted male-pattern hair growth in women caused by PCOS. This same effect may also help rebalance your hormone levels, although your doctor may also recommend a hormone replacement medication. Black cohosh may increase your risk of developing dangerous blood clots, so if you are on medication for blood clotting or have a pre-existing cardiac condition, check with your doctor before using this herb.
Gymnema
Gymnema is a plant found in parts of India that is used to treat blood glucose instability, such as the kind that can occur with PCOS. According to Drugs.com, research suggests that gymnema may help manage blood glucose levels, however more research is needed to provide support for this effect. Gymnema also appears to help reduce weight, particularly in the areas of the upper abdomen, waist and hips. The University of Chicago explains that women who have PCOS generally also have shared characteristics including obesity and an increased risk of diabetes. Gymnema may help to reduce excess weight and decrease your risk of developing diabetes as a result of PCOS.
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