polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by:

  1. Irregular or absent periods (anovulation/oligoovulation).
  2. Excess of androgens (acne, hirsutism, male pattern hair loss or elevated test results).
  3. Ovaries with multiple microcysts visible ultrasonographically.

For diagnosis, according to the Rotterdam criteria (2003), at least 2 of the above 3 criteria are required, after excluding other causes.

PCOS means that the ovaries stop working regularly, produce too much androgen hormones and have small cysts, and is often associated with insulin resistance and increased metabolic risk.

PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility,

PCOS is not only a gynecological but also a metabolic problem. The key is balancing insulin, not just regulating hormones.

📊 Prevalence

  • PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in young women.
  • It affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age (depending on the diagnostic criteria used).
  • Unfortunately, many cases remain undiagnosed (it is estimated that up to 70% of women do not know they have PCOS).

🔗 Link to insulin resistance

  • 70-80% of women with PCOS and obesity have insulin resistance.
  • Increased insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more testosterone, which leads to the classic symptoms (hirsutism, acne, irregular periods).
  • It's a vicious circle: insulin resistance → hyperinsulinemia → hyperinsulinemia → hyperandrogenism → menstrual disorders and infertility.

⚠️ Clinical manifestations

  • Rare, irregular or even absent menstrual periods (oligo-/menstrual bleeding).
  • Infertility (chronic anovulation).
  • Androgen excess:
    • hirsutism (excessive hair on the face, chest, lower abdomen);
    • persistent acne;
    • androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
  • Enlarged ovaries, with multiple small follicles ("string of pearls") on ultrasound.
  • Frequently associated with:
    • central obesity;
    • increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome;
    • emotional disorders (anxiety, depression).

🌿 Adjuvant naturopathic protocol

(note: it does not replace medical treatment, but can be an important support)

1. Diet and lifestyle

  • Intermittent fasting or regular low glycemic index meals → reduce insulin.
  • Moderate low-carb diet (not extreme, but emphasizing vegetables, protein, healthy fats).
  • Avoid sugar, ultra-processed foods and refined flours.
  • Movement: strength exercises + cardio (sensitizes insulin receptors).
  • Weight loss of even 5-10% can normalize menstrual cycles.

2. Useful supplements

  • Inozitol (myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol) → regulates ovulation, reduces insulin resistance.
  • Vitamin D3 + K2 + Magnesium → many women with PCOS have vitamin D deficiency. Dosage: 2 capsules a day. Periodically (every 6-8 months) dose vitamin D in the blood and if it reaches 100 ng/ml , stop. When it drops below 60 ng/ml, resume.
  • Liposomal Omega-3 → anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing effect. Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Maslin leaf extract → helps insulin resistance. Dose: 70 ml per day.
  • NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) → regulates the cycle and has antioxidant effect.
  • Zeolite (detoxifying, reducing background inflammation). Dose: 6 capsules a day. 
  • AHCC (immune modulation, indirect hormonal balance by decreasing systemic inflammation). Dosage: 2 capsules per day (AHCC Vitals) or 3 capsules per day (AHCC Mycelcaps)

3. Hormonal phytotherapy

  • Vitex agnus-castus (fruit of chastity) → can stimulate the secretion of progesterone, regulates the cycle.
  • Red clover / flax seeds (mild phytoestrogens).
  • Peony + licorice (traditional Chinese associations for hormonal balancing).

Food supplements do not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Food supplements do not cure and cannot replace treatments prescribed by a doctor.