Monday, March 30, 2009

Natural Woman

Every once in a while I will have someone suggest to me that I look into “natural” treatments for my PCOS. (Natural as in herbal or holistic.) I usually say something about how I’ll look into it, and then I don’t. Since our insurance won’t pay for IUI, though, (and it’s the next step according to the RE,) I figure now is as good of a time as any to look into something a little different. (Also, when I think about it, pumping my body full of MORE chemicals doesn’t seem like such a great idea….. )

Here’s the thing, though… I don’t have a clue of where to start in this area. I’ve always been known as a “walking pharmacy.” I’ve never really questioned the drugs, just did as my good Dr. said. If there’s anyone out there in Bloggy World who can point me in the right direction (or, hell, even ANY direction) I’d love the advice!

13 comments:

Jendeis said...

I've been trying to switch to more natural foods and found Kelly the Kitchen Kop to be a good beginner's site. She's a former IFer too, so that's a bonus.

I searched for PCOS on her site and came up with a bunch of references.

Passionista said...

I don't really know about this, but wish you lots of luck! I have been told that acupuncture is a good option.

Anonymous said...

I don't know a lot about holistic treatments, but I have heard a lot of women have had success with limiting their intake of carbs (especially refined carbs). Sorry if that's old news.

I have PCOS too. Just once I would like to be able to MAINTAIN weight, rather than be in a constant cycle of either gaining or fighting to lose the gain.
Turia.

C said...

i have been doing acupuncture in conjunction with IF treatments. acupuncture can help regulate your hormone levels and support ovulation and regular cycles. i really enjoy it, it may be worth a try for you.

Good Egg Hatched said...

I have done acupuncture, which I really liked. I also cut out most refined carbs (I stick with whole grains...almost never have white rice or pasta and try to limit sugar) a year or two ago and I think it helps with weight maintenance and even some of my skin issues.

kate said...

The only naturalistic PCOS treatment I'm aware of is sticking with a low Glycemic Index diet. It does what met.formi.n does, basically (kinda/sorta- not really, but that's the best way I can think of to explain it without writing an essay).

This book (PCOS Diet) is the one I see mentioned a lot. I own it and like most of the recipes, but I still rely on the pharmacy mostly to help my PCOS symptoms. Though I suppose it couldn't hurt to add the diet, too, right?

Celia said...

I eat about 50% organic, use gentle cleaners. and use these cds when I sleep. http://www.garudainternational.com/enlightened_cds.htm

If that link did not work, google Jeffrey Thompson Alpha Relaxation cds. They have helped my stress. I bought three and play them in a row. Ocean Waves is my favorite. Plus they are pretty cheap.

I try to follow a low glycemic diet as well.

Mary Sue said...

Check out this site:
http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/natural-fertility-boosters.html

I'm not a big "natural"ist so don't hold me to it.

:)

Serendipity said...

I went to a naturopath/herbalist and highly recommend it - I was made to drink a ridiculous herbal concotion that tasted absolutely foul but saw a marked result in the lowering of testosterone.

I use the recipies from the PCOS diet book also, I'd recommend getting a copy and giving it a read, it was recommended by my fertility nurse.

All About Me said...

I have PCOS as well and my journey for a family has been long and on going...hope you don't mind if I follow your blog!

All About Me said...

Yay! I'm so happy to make another PCOS friend! LOL!

MissNoAngel (find me on Twitter) said...

Sorry, no advice here. In these situations I generally defer to Dr Google myself. ;)

Good luck! I hope you find something.

osuraj said...

This is random, but I saw you are from Canton...do you go to Reproductive Gyn. out of Akron? I go there and was wondering if we share doctors!