Herbal Treatment of PCOS:
Initiate ovulation, normalise follicle development, tonify the reproductive system and improve fertility:
Decrease androgens:
Treat latent hyperprolactinaemia:
Support luteal phase of the menstrual cycle:
Reduce insulin resistance:
Support liver function:
Reduce cardiovascular risk:
Support adrenal function:
Soften scarring if needed:
Treat cysts:
Improve hirsutism:
† Some authors do not agree that using chaste tree in PCOS is useful and recommend against it as they have
observed in clinical practice that it worsens menstrual irregularity in some cases. As a result they feel that more research is required for using chaste tree in PCOS. However, other practitioners use it routinely in this disorder,especially to promote fertility.
Dietary Changes Recommended:
• Treat insulin resistance: initially a supervised weight
loss program utilising a ketogenic or zone diet
protocol may be needed followed by maintenance
on a ‘small meals frequently’ low glycaemic
index/zone diet protocol. Consistent aerobic and
anaerobic exercise is essential.
• Enhance oestrogen balance and clearance: ensure
an intake of dietary fiber of 40 g/day, encourage
abundant vegetables and leafy greens from the
Brassica family and bitter greens, encourage
dandelion tea/coffee, include cultured dairy
products, reduce saturated fats, ensure adequate
protein (lean meats, legumes)and
include dietary phyto-oestrogens especially linseed.
• Minimise exposure to xeno-oestrogens wherever
possible: encourage the use of organic and
biodynamic food especially dairy, poultry and meat
products, avoid plastic food containers and wraps,
decrease (and if possible avoid) use of
petrochemical-based toiletries, cosmetics and
household cleaning products.
• Avoid all social poisons: coffee, alcohol, all refined
sugar and associated products, trans-saturated fats,
cigarettes and excess refined salt.
• Key nutrients: chromium, coenzyme Q10,
lipotrophic nutrients, magnesium, omega 3 fatty
acids, silica, soya isoflavones, vitamin B complex
with good levels of vitamin B6, vitamin E, zinc.
• Licorice considerations: when administering
licorice long term it is necessary to closely monitor
blood pressure, ensure that the diet is high in
potassium and low in sodium (you may need to track serum potassium levels). Licorice should not
be prescribed when patients are taking the diuretic
spironolactone.
Case Studies Where these Herbal remedies were successful:
The following principles of preconception care (PCC)
are advised for at least 4 months prior to conception for
both partners:
• Diet and lifestyle: combination of zone and
detoxification protocol, avoiding ALL refined foods,
trans fats, sugar, artificial sweeteners, tea, coffee,
alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, and any
foods or chemicals which trigger sensitivities or
allergies. Regular exercise (3–4 times per week,
20–45 minutes) and stress management integrated
into daily routine.
• Nutritional supplementation (PCC protocol): a
daily program covering all vitamins, minerals, trace
elements, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and
probiotics needed for reproductive health,
spermatogenesis and oogenesis. For full details see
Better Babies by Francesca Naish.
• Environmental health: a review of exposures to
occupational and household toxins i.e.
electromagnetic radiation (e.g. mobile phones,
personal computers), petrochemicals (i.e. cleaning
and gardening products), heavy metals with a focus
on avoiding exposure wherever possible and
reducing risk where exposure is inevitable.
• Comprehensive pathology tests and physical exam
to check all major organ systems and rule out
hormonal imbalance and genitourinary tract
infections. HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) is
recommended to test for heavy metal toxicity and
further assess metabolic function.
• For the female partner: immediate cessation of
OCP (oral contraceptive pill) and use of both
symptothermal charting and barrier methods for
contraception. The natural fertility management
(NFM) method of symptothermal (ST) charting
tracks cervical mucus, basal temperature and lunar
fertility along with the secondary signs and
symptoms indicative of PMS (premenstrual
syndrome) and hormonal imbalance.
The above information was recommended in the cases below:
Case Study 1
Detoxification & Stabilisation (Oct–Dec 2001)
31-year-old Chloe had been trying to fall pregnant for 4
years when she sought my help. For the last 3 years she
and her husband Jack had been working with IVF
treatment every 2 months to no avail. They were
investigating the possibility of adoption but also wanted
to work with NFM.
Chloe began using the OCP during her early twenties.
When she came off the pill in 1998 she failed to
recommence her menstrual cycle and was diagnosed
with PCOS. Her menstrual pattern since 13 years was an irregular 30–49 day cycle with a moderate, clotty 3–5 day bleed. She had moderate dysmenorrhoea for the first 2–3 days of her cycle,
suffered from breast tenderness, anxiety, irritability,
sugar cravings, abdominal bloating and acne for 3–7
days premenstrually. Since stopping IVF treatment in
July 2001 she had menstruated twice, with cycles of 45
and 47 days.
Chloe was very fatigued with a wide range of symptoms
indicative of insulin resistance, dysbiosis and poor liver
function. Her diet was generally adequate in terms of
nutrients, but was too high in refined carbohydrates,
refined foods generally and caffeine. Her exercise
pattern was sporadic at best.
Treatment Regime:
Chloe wanted to take a break from the intensity of
trying to conceive and agreed to work on her whole
body health for several months. During this time we
focused on the gastrointestinal tract, her diet, exercise
and lifestyle habits.We began working with her
endocrine system and she started tracking her
menstrual cycle with charting.
Herbal Formula
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 90 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 180 mL
Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) 1:3 90 mL
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 180 mL
Additionally:
• Tablets containing St Mary’s thistle, globe
artichoke, dandelion root, greater celandine and fringe tree : 2 tablets b.i.d. and tablets containing
Schisandra, St Mary’s thistle and rosemary: 1 tablet b.i.d.These tablets were used to support liver function
with a focus on supporting phase I and II
detoxification, bile production and protecting liver
cells during the detoxification process.
• A broad-spectrum probiotic powder and a
gastrointestinal repair powder (both: 1 teaspoon
twice daily).
Treatment Rationale
• Licorice: adrenal restorative, combined with Paeonia
to support the reestablishment of ovulation.
• Gymnema: tonic for the pancreas and to assist
blood sugar economy.
• Golden seal: mucous membrane restorative (to
support fertile cervical mucus production),
ovarian tonic.
• Paeonia: female reproductive tonic, oestrogenic
support.
The herbal formula and herbal tablets were prescribed
at this dosage for 3 months. Her GIT and liver integrity
improved markedly with scores on her health appraisal
questionnaire dropping from the very urgent
category to low priority category. By the end of this time
she was no longer suffering from symptoms of malabsorption and dysbiosis. Her blood sugar economy stabilised markedly. Chloe worked hard at her diet and exercise program and she lost 3 kg in weight and her BMI improved. Her menstrual cycle began to stabilise immediately to cycles of 35, 32 and 31 days respectively.
Her charts showed increasing levels of mid-cycle fertile mucus and her temperature readings confirmed ovulation in both November and December. Her PMS symptoms improved across the board by around 70%, but her skin remained problematic with acne flare-ups premenstrually.
Case Study 2:
Initial Consultation Nov 2002
30-year-old Louise presented with amenorrhoea since
ceasing the OCP in July 2002. She was feeling generally
unwell, extremely fatigued with poor stamina and
endurance despite daily exercise, appropriate diet and
adequate sleep. She felt as if she was suffering from PMS
constantly.
She had taken the OCP from age 18–29 with a 6-month
break at 24 years. She had always experienced mild to
moderate side effects on the pill: PMS, acne, weight gain
and monthly vaginal thrush. However from December
2001 to June 2002 she felt that these symptoms
markedly worsened in frequency and severity
prompting her to cease taking the OCP. Her HAQ
revealed scores in the urgent category for liver and
gallbladder, thyroid, ovaries and nervous system
(anxiety, depression) and in the high priority for gastric
hypoacidity, hypoadrenal, hyperglycaemia and
hypoglycaemia, PMS, skin and vitality.
She had been involved in a serious motor vehicle
accident in April 2001 experiencing severe whiplash,
lacerations, bruising and soft tissue injuries throughout
her thoracic spine and ribcage. She had slowly recovered
physically, however her doctor prescribed sertraline
from June to March 2002 for post-traumatic stress.
Symptom summary:
• Post-OCP amenorrhoea with ongoing moderate to
severe symptoms of PMS types A, C, D and H
• Weight gain of over 8 kg in the previous 6 months
• Nervous system and adrenal depletion
• Symptoms of generalised gastrointestinal
malabsorption and dysbiosis
• Very poor blood sugar economy
• Acne
Herbal Formula
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 180 mL
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 90 mL
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) 1:2 115 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 120 mL
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1:2 30 mL
Additionally:
• Chaste tree tablets: 2 tablets (taken in the
morning). Chaste tree is used to support and
stabilise the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
• Tablets containing Withania and Korean ginseng:
2 b.i.d.
This combination forms a potent support
tool for both adrenal and nervous system
functions.
• Magnesium, chromium and B complex powder.
It was recommended that Louise work with a combination
of an anticandidiasis and zone diet protocol. She
increased her water intake and continued with her
exercise program.
Treatment Rationale
• Paeonia: oestrogenic balance, combined with
licorice (in a ratio of 2:1) to initiate support and
stabilise ovulation and as a general reproductive
tonic.
• Licorice: also to support adrenal function.
• Schisandra: liver tonic with a focus on liver
detoxification; ovarian tonic and nervous system
support.
• Gymnema: support for both the pancreas and
blood sugar regulation.
• Ginger: warming circulatory tonic.
2nd Consultation Dec 2002
Louise reported a general improvement of around 50%
in terms of energy levels and fatigue, mood stability,
coping and gastrointestinal bloating. She noticed a
reduction in cravings for refined carbohydrates and the
symptoms of hypoglycaemia. She had continued to
suffer from mastalgia premenstrually. Her menstrual
cycle had recommenced after 26 days of treatment with
low grade pelvic cramping on day 1 and 2 of her cycle
with a bright steady flow free of clots or flooding. Her
acne had flared up considerably. She had lost
approximately 3 kg throughout the month.
Her total health profile revealed low ferritin, slightly
raised glucose levels, positive serum Candida antibody
levels, strongly elevated testosterone, LH and FAI;
decreased FSH and SHBG. These results were strongly
indicative of PCOS so I referred her via a doctor to see
an endocrinologist for diagnosis. All major organ
systems were functioning within normal limits.
Herbal Formula
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 150 mL
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 75 mL
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) 1:2 120 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 150 mL
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardised 2:1 50 mL
Additionally:
• Chaste tree tablets: 2 tablets (taken in the
morning)
• Herbal iron tonic containing Withania, nettles
(Urtica dioica), Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula),
licorice, vervain (Verbena officinalis), ginger plus
vitamins (7.5 mL b.i.d.).
• Magnesium, chromium and B complex powder.
The herbal iron tonic was prescribed because her
ferritin levels were low. Ginkgo replaced ginger because
it is a more specific treatment for PMS mastalgia and
still covers circulation.
3rd Consultation Jan 2003
Louise happily reported that she had just finished her
second bleed. The previous cycle had lasted 26 days. She
had suffered from mild bloating and breast tenderness
for 4 days in the premenstrum however she felt that it
had been less severe. Her mood and energy levels had
remained stable through the month (despite the fact
that she had decided to separate from her husband and
had moved out of her home). She continued to suffer
from acne along her jaw line however, she felt that
generally her skin was improving. She had lost a further
4 kg and was almost at her target weight and BMI. The
endocrinologist diagnosed PCOS. Treatment was a continuation of that prescribed in the previous consultation.
4th, 5th, 6th Consultations Feb–Jul 2003
Louise continues to see me monthly and has been on a
very similar program to that outlined above (with the
addition of Tribulus terrestris tablets, 1 t.i.d.). During
this time she relocated to another town, changed jobs
and is in a happy new relationship. She and her partner
are now in the first month of their preconception care
program and are planning to start their family late in the year. Louise’s cycle has remained stable and ovular for the last 6 months. Repeat hormone tests showed that her testosterone, SHBG, FAI and LH levels had normalised. The majority of her PMS symptoms are a thing of the past. The only issue remaining is her acne
which remains stubbornly resistant to treatment.
**All Information was found at :
http://www.mediherb.com.au/pdf/8018.pdf
Initiate ovulation, normalise follicle development, tonify the reproductive system and improve fertility:
- Paeonia
- Tribulus
- wild yam
- shatavari
- true unicorn root (not sold on amazon)
- dong quai
- Rehmannia 6
- black cohosh
Decrease androgens:
- Paeonia and licorice
- black cohosh
- hops
- bugleweed
Treat latent hyperprolactinaemia:
- chaste tree† (Vitex agnus-castus)
- Paeonia
Support luteal phase of the menstrual cycle:
- chaste tree†
Reduce insulin resistance:
- Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)
- goat’s rue
- fenugreek
- bitter herbs
- Korean ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- sarsaparilla
Support liver function:
- phase I: St Mary’s thistle
- phase II: Schisandra
- turmeric
- rosemary
- other: Bupleurum (especially for long menstrual cycles)
Reduce cardiovascular risk:
- soya isoflavones
- Korean ginseng
Support adrenal function:
- licorice
- Rehmannia
- Withania
Soften scarring if needed:
- Calendula
- gotu kola
- possibly dan shen
Treat cysts:
- Thuja
- poke root
- red clover
- violet leaves
Improve hirsutism:
- licorice
- Paeonia
- possibly damiana( not on amazon)
- saw palmetto
- sarsaparilla
† Some authors do not agree that using chaste tree in PCOS is useful and recommend against it as they have
observed in clinical practice that it worsens menstrual irregularity in some cases. As a result they feel that more research is required for using chaste tree in PCOS. However, other practitioners use it routinely in this disorder,especially to promote fertility.
Dietary Changes Recommended:
• Treat insulin resistance: initially a supervised weight
loss program utilising a ketogenic or zone diet
protocol may be needed followed by maintenance
on a ‘small meals frequently’ low glycaemic
index/zone diet protocol. Consistent aerobic and
anaerobic exercise is essential.
• Enhance oestrogen balance and clearance: ensure
an intake of dietary fiber of 40 g/day, encourage
abundant vegetables and leafy greens from the
Brassica family and bitter greens, encourage
dandelion tea/coffee, include cultured dairy
products, reduce saturated fats, ensure adequate
protein (lean meats, legumes)and
include dietary phyto-oestrogens especially linseed.
• Minimise exposure to xeno-oestrogens wherever
possible: encourage the use of organic and
biodynamic food especially dairy, poultry and meat
products, avoid plastic food containers and wraps,
decrease (and if possible avoid) use of
petrochemical-based toiletries, cosmetics and
household cleaning products.
• Avoid all social poisons: coffee, alcohol, all refined
sugar and associated products, trans-saturated fats,
cigarettes and excess refined salt.
• Key nutrients: chromium, coenzyme Q10,
lipotrophic nutrients, magnesium, omega 3 fatty
acids, silica, soya isoflavones, vitamin B complex
with good levels of vitamin B6, vitamin E, zinc.
• Licorice considerations: when administering
licorice long term it is necessary to closely monitor
blood pressure, ensure that the diet is high in
potassium and low in sodium (you may need to track serum potassium levels). Licorice should not
be prescribed when patients are taking the diuretic
spironolactone.
Case Studies Where these Herbal remedies were successful:
The following principles of preconception care (PCC)
are advised for at least 4 months prior to conception for
both partners:
• Diet and lifestyle: combination of zone and
detoxification protocol, avoiding ALL refined foods,
trans fats, sugar, artificial sweeteners, tea, coffee,
alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, and any
foods or chemicals which trigger sensitivities or
allergies. Regular exercise (3–4 times per week,
20–45 minutes) and stress management integrated
into daily routine.
• Nutritional supplementation (PCC protocol): a
daily program covering all vitamins, minerals, trace
elements, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and
probiotics needed for reproductive health,
spermatogenesis and oogenesis. For full details see
Better Babies by Francesca Naish.
• Environmental health: a review of exposures to
occupational and household toxins i.e.
electromagnetic radiation (e.g. mobile phones,
personal computers), petrochemicals (i.e. cleaning
and gardening products), heavy metals with a focus
on avoiding exposure wherever possible and
reducing risk where exposure is inevitable.
• Comprehensive pathology tests and physical exam
to check all major organ systems and rule out
hormonal imbalance and genitourinary tract
infections. HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) is
recommended to test for heavy metal toxicity and
further assess metabolic function.
• For the female partner: immediate cessation of
OCP (oral contraceptive pill) and use of both
symptothermal charting and barrier methods for
contraception. The natural fertility management
(NFM) method of symptothermal (ST) charting
tracks cervical mucus, basal temperature and lunar
fertility along with the secondary signs and
symptoms indicative of PMS (premenstrual
syndrome) and hormonal imbalance.
The above information was recommended in the cases below:
Case Study 1
Detoxification & Stabilisation (Oct–Dec 2001)
31-year-old Chloe had been trying to fall pregnant for 4
years when she sought my help. For the last 3 years she
and her husband Jack had been working with IVF
treatment every 2 months to no avail. They were
investigating the possibility of adoption but also wanted
to work with NFM.
Chloe began using the OCP during her early twenties.
When she came off the pill in 1998 she failed to
recommence her menstrual cycle and was diagnosed
with PCOS. Her menstrual pattern since 13 years was an irregular 30–49 day cycle with a moderate, clotty 3–5 day bleed. She had moderate dysmenorrhoea for the first 2–3 days of her cycle,
suffered from breast tenderness, anxiety, irritability,
sugar cravings, abdominal bloating and acne for 3–7
days premenstrually. Since stopping IVF treatment in
July 2001 she had menstruated twice, with cycles of 45
and 47 days.
Chloe was very fatigued with a wide range of symptoms
indicative of insulin resistance, dysbiosis and poor liver
function. Her diet was generally adequate in terms of
nutrients, but was too high in refined carbohydrates,
refined foods generally and caffeine. Her exercise
pattern was sporadic at best.
Treatment Regime:
Chloe wanted to take a break from the intensity of
trying to conceive and agreed to work on her whole
body health for several months. During this time we
focused on the gastrointestinal tract, her diet, exercise
and lifestyle habits.We began working with her
endocrine system and she started tracking her
menstrual cycle with charting.
Herbal Formula
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 90 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 180 mL
Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) 1:3 90 mL
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 180 mL
Additionally:
• Tablets containing St Mary’s thistle, globe
artichoke, dandelion root, greater celandine and fringe tree : 2 tablets b.i.d. and tablets containing
Schisandra, St Mary’s thistle and rosemary: 1 tablet b.i.d.These tablets were used to support liver function
with a focus on supporting phase I and II
detoxification, bile production and protecting liver
cells during the detoxification process.
• A broad-spectrum probiotic powder and a
gastrointestinal repair powder (both: 1 teaspoon
twice daily).
Treatment Rationale
• Licorice: adrenal restorative, combined with Paeonia
to support the reestablishment of ovulation.
• Gymnema: tonic for the pancreas and to assist
blood sugar economy.
• Golden seal: mucous membrane restorative (to
support fertile cervical mucus production),
ovarian tonic.
• Paeonia: female reproductive tonic, oestrogenic
support.
The herbal formula and herbal tablets were prescribed
at this dosage for 3 months. Her GIT and liver integrity
improved markedly with scores on her health appraisal
questionnaire dropping from the very urgent
category to low priority category. By the end of this time
she was no longer suffering from symptoms of malabsorption and dysbiosis. Her blood sugar economy stabilised markedly. Chloe worked hard at her diet and exercise program and she lost 3 kg in weight and her BMI improved. Her menstrual cycle began to stabilise immediately to cycles of 35, 32 and 31 days respectively.
Her charts showed increasing levels of mid-cycle fertile mucus and her temperature readings confirmed ovulation in both November and December. Her PMS symptoms improved across the board by around 70%, but her skin remained problematic with acne flare-ups premenstrually.
Case Study 2:
Initial Consultation Nov 2002
30-year-old Louise presented with amenorrhoea since
ceasing the OCP in July 2002. She was feeling generally
unwell, extremely fatigued with poor stamina and
endurance despite daily exercise, appropriate diet and
adequate sleep. She felt as if she was suffering from PMS
constantly.
She had taken the OCP from age 18–29 with a 6-month
break at 24 years. She had always experienced mild to
moderate side effects on the pill: PMS, acne, weight gain
and monthly vaginal thrush. However from December
2001 to June 2002 she felt that these symptoms
markedly worsened in frequency and severity
prompting her to cease taking the OCP. Her HAQ
revealed scores in the urgent category for liver and
gallbladder, thyroid, ovaries and nervous system
(anxiety, depression) and in the high priority for gastric
hypoacidity, hypoadrenal, hyperglycaemia and
hypoglycaemia, PMS, skin and vitality.
She had been involved in a serious motor vehicle
accident in April 2001 experiencing severe whiplash,
lacerations, bruising and soft tissue injuries throughout
her thoracic spine and ribcage. She had slowly recovered
physically, however her doctor prescribed sertraline
from June to March 2002 for post-traumatic stress.
Symptom summary:
• Post-OCP amenorrhoea with ongoing moderate to
severe symptoms of PMS types A, C, D and H
• Weight gain of over 8 kg in the previous 6 months
• Nervous system and adrenal depletion
• Symptoms of generalised gastrointestinal
malabsorption and dysbiosis
• Very poor blood sugar economy
• Acne
Herbal Formula
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 180 mL
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 90 mL
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) 1:2 115 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 120 mL
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1:2 30 mL
Additionally:
• Chaste tree tablets: 2 tablets (taken in the
morning). Chaste tree is used to support and
stabilise the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
• Tablets containing Withania and Korean ginseng:
2 b.i.d.
This combination forms a potent support
tool for both adrenal and nervous system
functions.
• Magnesium, chromium and B complex powder.
It was recommended that Louise work with a combination
of an anticandidiasis and zone diet protocol. She
increased her water intake and continued with her
exercise program.
Treatment Rationale
• Paeonia: oestrogenic balance, combined with
licorice (in a ratio of 2:1) to initiate support and
stabilise ovulation and as a general reproductive
tonic.
• Licorice: also to support adrenal function.
• Schisandra: liver tonic with a focus on liver
detoxification; ovarian tonic and nervous system
support.
• Gymnema: support for both the pancreas and
blood sugar regulation.
• Ginger: warming circulatory tonic.
2nd Consultation Dec 2002
Louise reported a general improvement of around 50%
in terms of energy levels and fatigue, mood stability,
coping and gastrointestinal bloating. She noticed a
reduction in cravings for refined carbohydrates and the
symptoms of hypoglycaemia. She had continued to
suffer from mastalgia premenstrually. Her menstrual
cycle had recommenced after 26 days of treatment with
low grade pelvic cramping on day 1 and 2 of her cycle
with a bright steady flow free of clots or flooding. Her
acne had flared up considerably. She had lost
approximately 3 kg throughout the month.
Her total health profile revealed low ferritin, slightly
raised glucose levels, positive serum Candida antibody
levels, strongly elevated testosterone, LH and FAI;
decreased FSH and SHBG. These results were strongly
indicative of PCOS so I referred her via a doctor to see
an endocrinologist for diagnosis. All major organ
systems were functioning within normal limits.
Herbal Formula
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 150 mL
Licorice high grade (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 75 mL
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) 1:2 120 mL
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) 1:1 150 mL
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardised 2:1 50 mL
Additionally:
• Chaste tree tablets: 2 tablets (taken in the
morning)
• Herbal iron tonic containing Withania, nettles
(Urtica dioica), Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula),
licorice, vervain (Verbena officinalis), ginger plus
vitamins (7.5 mL b.i.d.).
• Magnesium, chromium and B complex powder.
The herbal iron tonic was prescribed because her
ferritin levels were low. Ginkgo replaced ginger because
it is a more specific treatment for PMS mastalgia and
still covers circulation.
3rd Consultation Jan 2003
Louise happily reported that she had just finished her
second bleed. The previous cycle had lasted 26 days. She
had suffered from mild bloating and breast tenderness
for 4 days in the premenstrum however she felt that it
had been less severe. Her mood and energy levels had
remained stable through the month (despite the fact
that she had decided to separate from her husband and
had moved out of her home). She continued to suffer
from acne along her jaw line however, she felt that
generally her skin was improving. She had lost a further
4 kg and was almost at her target weight and BMI. The
endocrinologist diagnosed PCOS. Treatment was a continuation of that prescribed in the previous consultation.
4th, 5th, 6th Consultations Feb–Jul 2003
Louise continues to see me monthly and has been on a
very similar program to that outlined above (with the
addition of Tribulus terrestris tablets, 1 t.i.d.). During
this time she relocated to another town, changed jobs
and is in a happy new relationship. She and her partner
are now in the first month of their preconception care
program and are planning to start their family late in the year. Louise’s cycle has remained stable and ovular for the last 6 months. Repeat hormone tests showed that her testosterone, SHBG, FAI and LH levels had normalised. The majority of her PMS symptoms are a thing of the past. The only issue remaining is her acne
which remains stubbornly resistant to treatment.
**All Information was found at :
http://www.mediherb.com.au/pdf/8018.pdf
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