Treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Naturally

5-10% of women in the US suffer to some degree with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS. Although many women with PCOS do not know what is wrong with them, they all understand that something is not quite right.

Symptoms of PCOS include:

Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods at all, and/or irregular bleeding during menstrual periods
Infertility, lack of ovulation
Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes
Acne, oily skin or dandruff
Pelvic pain
Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying excess weight around the waist
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood sugar
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Patches of thickened and darker skin on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs
Skin tags in the armpits or neck area
Sleep apnea or excessive snoring

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition in which women's bodies have high levels of male hormones, or androgens, they have an irregular menstrual cycle or none at all, and they may have many small cysts in their ovaries.

No cause has been found for PCOS, and there is no way of knowing who will have it. There may be a genetic link, but this has not been proven. There also may be a link to insulin resistance, the body's inability to properly produce and use insulin to regulate blood sugar.

Life with PCOS is often miserable, with severe menstrual pain, excruciating pain when large cysts develop, irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, obesity, and a general feeling of things not being right.

What's more, not only is PCOS itself difficult to live with, causing major problems for the women who suffer from it, but it creates long-term risks as well.

Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation produce estrogen but not progesterone, which cases the endometrium to shed each month. This can eventually lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The earlier in life the symptoms are brought under control, the better the prognosis for a healthy life.

There are several natural supplements and vitamins which can help with PCOS symptoms and bring the condition under control, improving not only the PCOS but also overall health, and decreasing the risks for serious long-term illnesses.

First, a good multivitamin and mineral are called for to increase overall health.

Chromium is well-known as a PCOS treatment because it helps with insulin usage by encouraging the formation of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), a substance produced by the liver which makes insulin more effective. A deficiency in chromium can lead to insulin resistance, which seems to be a lead factor in PCOS.

B Vitamins help control PCOS symptoms, including controlling weight and hormone balance.

Zinc is necessary for the correct behavior of many hormones, including insulin, and is crucial to overall health.

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance, which is a major element in PCOS.

Agnus Castus (chastetree berry) helps to regulate pituitary gland function, and is very important for PCOS treatment.

Saw Palmetto, which is often used for treatment of prostate conditions, functions to prevent excess levels of testosterone.

PCOS is a miserable and potentially very serious condition, but there are natural treatments available, and it can be treated effectively.