Understanding PCOS Through Traditional Chinese Medicine
Like many challenges that women face, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is woefully understudied and poorly managed. PCOS affects between 8-13% of women during their reproductive years and is a major cause of hormonal imbalance and irregular menses. Despite its prevalence, Western medicine's interventions often fall short, with most women being prescribed Metformin and Birth Control, which come with various side effects and limited efficacy (check back for a blog on the long term side effects of birth control soon). PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
The pathogenesis of PCOS is fairly complicated and is often connected with endocrine disorders. The increase of androgen and luteinizing hormone (LH) is the main cause of a series of symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant advantages and impressive curative effects in the treatment of this disease. Research shows that TCM can effectively reduce the insulin level of PCOS patients, regulate lipid metabolism, and increase ovulation rate and pregnancy rate and has fewer side effects than western treatments. While Western medicine typically focuses on symptom management through hormonal treatments and lifestyle changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach, aiming to correct underlying imbalances and restore harmony and homeostasis.
The TCM Perspective on PCOS
In TCM, PCOS is viewed as a disorder of imbalance involving the kidneys, liver, and spleen systems. The condition is often associated with the accumulation of dampness and phlegm, stagnation of Qi and blood, and kidney deficiency. These imbalances can be hereditary or due to dietary, lifestyle, and stress factors. In Chinese medicine, the mind is deeply connected to the body, and it is essential to treat every person as a whole.
Spleen Qi Deficiency and Phlegm-Damp accumulation:
One common pattern of disharmony for PCOS is Damp-Phlegm accumulation. “Dampness” and “Phlegm” accumulate due to a weakness in the Spleen organ. The Spleen is in charge of processing both foods and emotions and is associated with the emotion of worry and overthinking, which can be both a symptom of and a cause of spleen qi deficiency. Dampness is often a sign of poor digestion and possible dysbiosis or candida, and can lead to the obstruction of the free flow of qi and blood throughout the body.
We encourage evaluating your diet and lifestyle to build healthy habits through exercise, whole foods, and stress mitigation. I cannot stress enough how essential it is for us to take the time to care for and nourish ourselves with high quality whole foods and time doing the things we enjoy. For this pattern I often recommend our Resolve formula, particularly for the second half of your cycle, to awaken the spleen, dissolve dampness, move the qi and blood, and nourish the Kidneys.
Qi and Blood Stagnation
Another pattern seen in PCOS is Qi and Blood Stagnation, often resulting from stress impacting the Liver, which is in charge of the free flow of Qi (energy) and Blood throughout the body. This pattern may present with fewer digestive issues and more PMS or PMDD-related symptoms, such as emotional stress, frustration, mood swings, and cramps.
The Liver and the Spleen are closely connected, and an issue with one often leads to an issue with the other. For this pattern, it’s important to focus on moving your body—whether through yoga, qi gong, or more vigorous exercise. I recommend going light on exercise a few days before your period and while you are menstruating. For this pattern, we recommend our Regulate Formula, which moves the Qi and Blood and resolves stagnation. This formula is based on the classical Chinese herbal formula Xiao Yao San, extensively researched for its anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties and its ability to regulate women's cycles.
Kidney Deficiency
Kidney deficiency is another pattern associated with PCOS. In TCM, the Kidneys are responsible for reproductive health and cycle regulation. We are born with a certain amount of energy in our Kidneys (essence or jing), and this energy depletes throughout life due to age, stress, and overwork. This pattern may present with menstrual irregularity, significant fatigue, and hair loss.
We encourage you to identify activities and people that bring you joy and energy and try to increase these as much as possible. For those with Kidney Qi deficiency we are really looking for ways to restore your health and energy and often this pattern is associated with aging or overworking. For this pattern, we typically recommend Nourish, a formula focused on supporting and nourishing your Kidneys, helping you build resilience and balance your hormones.
Research and Efficacy
There is substantial research backing the safety and efficacy of Chinese medicine for PCOS. However, our medical model is inherently difficult to fit into Western medical research due to the tailored nature of treatments. Noxi is the closest thing to custom herbs on the market, and I am thrilled to share them with you! Check out the research below and reach out with any questions.
At NoxiHerbs.com, we are committed to supporting women with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Embrace this journey with confidence, and let us help you achieve balance and health. For more information and personalized advice, visit us at NoxiHerbs.com.