Natural Remedies for PCOS
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 1 in 5–10 women. It is also one of the conditions where natural treatment — particularly traditional Chinese medicine combined with dietary and lifestyle modification — produces some of its most impressive results. In my clinic, I regularly see women with PCOS who have been told their only options are the pill or Metformin, and who achieve regular ovulation and natural conception through a structured natural treatment programme.
Understanding PCOS Naturally
The root of most PCOS cases is insulin resistance — excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce androgens (male hormones), which disrupt follicular development and prevent regular ovulation. Reducing insulin resistance is therefore the single most important goal in natural PCOS management. In TCM terms, this corresponds to resolving phlegm-dampness and strengthening kidney yang — the metabolic energy that processes fluids and drives ovulation. See our related article on types of PCOS for a breakdown of the different presentations.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has strong evidence for PCOS specifically. Research has shown it regulates the HPO axis, reduces LH/FSH ratio, lowers testosterone, improves insulin sensitivity, and — most importantly — stimulates ovulation. A Swedish research group demonstrated that repeated electro-acupuncture (low-frequency electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles) improved ovulation frequency and reduced testosterone in women with PCOS, with results comparable to exercise and superior to no treatment. I treat PCOS patients weekly for a minimum of three months, targeting ovulation through cycle-phase specific protocols.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The TCM treatment for the most common PCOS pattern (kidney yang deficiency with phlegm-dampness) combines kidney yang tonics with phlegm-resolving and dampness-draining herbs. Formulas that have clinical research support for PCOS include Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (blood-moving and dampness-resolving), modified Cang Fu Dao Tan Tang (phlegm-resolving), and combinations incorporating Yin Yang Huo (epimedium) for kidney yang tonification. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, adjusted across the cycle phases.
Diet for PCOS
A low-glycaemic diet is the most evidence-backed dietary intervention for PCOS — reducing refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol directly lowers insulin and androgen levels. The Mediterranean diet has the best evidence for improving PCOS markers. Inositol (myo-inositol 4g daily) significantly improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgens, and restores ovulation — it is the best-evidenced nutritional supplement for PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in PCOS and should be corrected. Zinc reduces androgens and supports ovulation.
Exercise
Regular moderate exercise — particularly resistance training and walking — improves insulin sensitivity independent of weight loss. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking five days per week produces measurable improvements in PCOS markers. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has specific evidence for PCOS.
To discuss PCOS treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
