Treating PCOS with Vitamins and Herbs
Polycystic ovarian syndrome commonly referred to as PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries doesn’t make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
Usually the Dr will treat pcos with medicine such as birth control pills to regulate the woman’s menstrual cycle, or use a diabetes medication such as metformin also known as glucophage. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. But these medicines have a lot of side effects of there own and many woman will not want to use them .So they look for other things that they can use and many turn to the use of vitamins and herbs. There are several herbs and vitamins that can be used in treating Pcos; we will take a look at some of the most used ones.
First start off with taking a good daily multivitamin this will ensure you are getting the minimum requirements a day. Then you can add in the extra ones that will help make a difference.
Chromium is an extremely important mineral if you have PCOS. It helps to encourage the formation of glucose tolerance factor which is a substance released by the liver and required to make insulin more efficient. A deficiency of chromium can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key problem in the case of PCOS; too much insulin can be circulating but it is unable to control your blood sugar levels. Chromium is the most widely researched mineral used in the treatment of overweight. It helps to control cravings and reduces hunger. Chromium also helps to control fat and cholesterol in the blood.
If you are diabetic and on medication, you should speak to your doctor before taking chromium, it could cause the blood sugar to lower to much.
Next are the B vitamins, there important in helping to correct the symptoms of PCOS. Vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6 are particularly useful for controlling weight, and here’s why: Vitamin B2 helps to turn fat, sugar and protein into energy. B3 is a component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is released every time blood sugar rises, and vitamin B3 helps to keep the levels in balance. Vitamin B5 has been shown to help with weight loss because it helps to control fat metabolism. B6 is also important for maintaining hormone balance and, together with B2 and B3, is necessary for normal thyroid hormone production. Any deficiencies in these vitamins can affect thyroid function and consequently affect the metabolism.
The B vitamins are also essential for the liver to convert your old hormones into harmless substances, which can then be excreted from the body.
Zinc is one of the key minerals that we need in our daily diets and it has a wide range of functions. Unfortunately, because our soil has been depleted by over farming, there is very little natural zinc found in our food. Furthermore, processing and refining strip out what little might be remaining. So no matter how good your diet, you may not be getting anywhere near the levels of zinc that you need. There are two approaches to this: you can eat whole organic food, which has much more rigorous controls on farming methods, or you can add a zinc supplement to your diet. But why is it so important?
Zinc is an important mineral for appetite control and a deficiency can cause a loss of taste and smell, creating a need for stronger-tasting foods, including those that are saltier, sugary and/or spicier often more fattening, Zinc is also necessary for the correct action of many hormones, including insulin, so it is extremely important in balancing blood sugar. It also functions together with vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Magnesium levels have been found to be low in people with diabetes and there is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance. It is, therefore, an important mineral to include if you are suffering from PCOS.
Co-Enzyme Q10, This is a vitamin-like substance that is contained in nearly every cell of your body. It is important for energy production and normal carbohydrate metabolism (the way our bodies break down the carbohydrates we eat in order to turn them into energy). One study showed that people on a low-fat diet doubled their weight loss when they supplemented with Co-Q10 as compared to those who did not take it. Co-Q10 has also been proved useful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Next we will look at some Herbs that are known for helping the symptoms of Pcos.
Herbs are extremely useful in the treatment of PCOS. Making changes and adding supplements to your diet will help to control weight and balance blood sugar, while herbs go a step further, targeting any problems involving hormone balance.
Herbs can also be very beneficial in encouraging the function of your liver, in order to make sure that it is metabolizing the hormones efficiently and then eliminating them.
Some of the ones to look for are, Agnus castus (Vitex/chastetree berry) This is one of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps to stimulate and normalize the function of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of LH (luteinising hormone). This herb has the effect of enhancing progesterone and decreasing estrogen levels. It supports the endocrine system to find its own balance.
When using chaste tree berry, don’t expect immediate results. It may not have much effect until it is taken for at least 3-6 months.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
This is one of the key herbs for the liver, which acts as your waste disposal unit, and it is therefore essential for the treatment of PCOS. It helps to protect your liver cells against damage and to promote the healing of damaged cells, so improving the general functioning of the liver and all its detoxifying properties.
Cinnamon may be a very useful herb for treating the insulin resistance that frequently accompanies polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome nearly always benefit from treatments for insulin resistance-whether or not they are diagnosed as insulin resistant. Further, the risk of developing diabetes is nearly 40% for women with PCOS-a very good reason to work to improve your insulin response.
Evening Primrose: a widely popular supplement taken by many women for PMS, fibrocystic breast disease and to improve skin quality. It can also help with irregular cycles. It is rich in G.L.A and linolenic acid; essential fatty acids which the body requires to regulate hormones. Evening Primrose oil also helps with heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Red clover blossoms this herb’s high vitamin content is very valuable to the uterus and its high protein content benefits the whole body. It’s also quite high in calcium & magnesium, which relax the nervous system and help promote fertility. This herb also contains nearly every trace mineral needed by the glands. Daily use can help balance hormonal functioning.
Raspberry leaf is probably the most popular of all fertility herbs. It is a well-known uterine tonic and is also quite high in calcium. It’s fertility promoting effects are most useful when combined with Red Clover.
Aloe Gel has astringent & antibacterial properties and is applied topically.
This can be used to treat acne, a common problem found with pcos.
This is just a few of the many available vitamins and herbs used to treat Pcos, always check with you herbalist and Dr to avoid any complications, just because herbs are natural doesn’t mean they don’t have dangers, take the recommended dose and do your research.Several herbs can not be taken with fertility medicines check with your DR.
Heather Shockney
