The Natural Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Janet Maendel DO(EUR), DNM
In the Mirror
This is often a woman of reproductive age who has irregular periods—or, in some cases, no period at all. She carries excess weight that feels impossible to lose. She’s the woman who “gains a pound just looking at a cookie.” Her skin is oily and acne-prone. She may be struggling with infertility or recurrent miscarriages. Excess hair growth appears in places it shouldn’t. She may already know that her cholesterol is elevated and her liver enzymes are creeping up. Poor blood sugar control disrupts her sleep, leading to insomnia. As symptoms progress, it’s understandable that she feels anxious, discouraged, or depressed.
Inside PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to several complications, including metabolic syndrome, weight loss resistance, diabetes, and infertility. Clinically, PCOS is recognized by menstrual irregularities and signs of elevated androgens, such as facial or chin hair growth.
PCOS is multifactorial. Genetics, stress, hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation all play a role. Diagnosis often involves female hormone testing and ultrasound imaging to identify the presence of ovarian cysts. Traditionally, PCOS has been viewed as an endocrine disorder involving dysregulation of female hormones, androgens, and insulin. In conventional medicine, treatment often begins with birth control pills, which may regulate the menstrual cycle but do not address the underlying drivers.
Hormonal patterns often seen in PCOS include high luteinizing hormone (LH) and low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) mid-cycle. In women without PCOS, both LH and FSH rise together to trigger ovulation. Without this coordinated spike, a follicle may not be released, leading to anovulation and infertility.
Testosterone normally rises mid-cycle, but in PCOS it often stays elevated throughout the month. Hyperinsulinemia—high insulin—raises LH levels, further contributing to infertility. Research consistently shows that PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance. Impaired glucose handling is the cornerstone of this condition, and reducing insulin levels over time is often necessary to restore hormonal balance.
Addressing PCOS
The first and most important step is regulating insulin. Women with PCOS benefit from a clean, whole-foods diet that keeps insulin and inflammation low, as both drive many downstream complications.
Intermittent fasting can be helpful for those who are insulin resistant, lowering fasting insulin and glucose levels. Studies show that low-carbohydrate diets (less than 20g/day) can significantly reduce insulin in PCOS patients. As insulin normalizes, weight and BMI improve, testosterone levels move toward normal, LH/FSH ratios balance, and some women even experience restored fertility.
High inflammation is best addressed with colourful, low-glycemic foods such as dark leafy greens, and red, blue, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables. Environmental toxins—including xenoestrogens, chemicals, and pesticides—place a heavy burden on the body’s detoxification systems. The liver, central to detoxification, can become overwhelmed, contributing to inflammation and worsening insulin resistance. Exercise, sweating, lemon water, and adequate sleep support this detoxification process.
Genetics may contribute to PCOS risk, but genetic predisposition does not guarantee disease. Epigenetics shows that lifestyle and environment can turn genes on or off.
Stress is almost always a contributing factor. Modern lifestyles affect food choices, sleep patterns, and adrenal function—all of which influence glucose regulation. Chronic stress causes glucose to be released into the bloodstream, elevating blood sugar and promoting insulin resistance, setting the stage for Type 2 diabetes.
A natural approach to PCOS focuses on regulating blood sugar through diet, reducing stress, lowering inflammation, supporting detoxification, and minimizing exposure to environmental hormonal disruptors.