PCOS is one of those conditions that can be hard to treat, medically speaking. We’re just finding out now, for example, that one of the most common medical treatments for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive – the hormone progestin – may actually hinder a woman’s ability to get pregnant rather than help it.

For that reason, and for many other reasons, women with PCOS often turn to natural PCOS treatments. Alternative medications and treatments can be a powerful ally in the struggle to become pregnant, and can in some cases even complement conventional medicine.

Here are some of the kinds of natural PCOS treatments women sometimes pursue:

• Herbal remedies. Herbal remedies rely on a variety of herbs to help the body heal itself and defend against disease. Some common herbal remedies for PCOS include evening primrose, Chasteberry, Dong Quai, black cohosh, and others. Check with your herbalist to see what she recommends that may help with addressing fertility issues with PCOS.
• Homeopathic remedies. The basic idea of homeopathy is that you treat “like with like.” Homeopathic remedies have worked with some women but not for others, so it’s important to treat this one cautiously.
• Acupuncture and acupressure. Traditional Chinese remedies that involve pressure points in the body have been shown to work with some women in combatting PCOS and the infertility that often goes along with it. In addition, acupuncture is thought to improve circulation, decrease anxiety, and even improve your immune system – all of which can help with trying to conceive.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Make sure you understand what treatment plans are available. Ask your health care provider about any natural PCOS treatments you’re considering, as well, as you don’t want to risk taking something that might interfere with what’s happening from the medical perspective.

What about you? If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, what natural treatments have you tried? What worked for you, and what didn’t work for you?

 

 

This entry was posted on Monday, June 11th, 2012 and is filed under PCOS.