Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women, affecting up to 10 percent of American women, and is associated with both reproductive and metabolic disorders. It is a disease involving enlargement of the ovaries often associated with obesity, hirsutism, menstrual problems, and infertility. Relatively young women who are obese and who have polycystic ovarian syndrome are at increased risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis, also referred to as "hardening of the arteries." The prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients is high. Some individuals have bouts of low blood sugar.

Diet and polycystic ovary syndrome
The fertility problems and hormone irregularities that plague women with PCOS may improve on a low-carbohydrate diet. It is a good idea to cut down on sugar and eat more protein. Glucose ingestion causes higher insulin levels than does protein ingestion, and sugar stimulates cortisol which aggravate PCOS. Protein intake suppresses ghrelin production longer than does glucose, which suggests a prolonged satietogenic effect.
   Weight loss is one of the most important things to do to reduce the severity of PCOS. Weight loss should be done by eating a healthy diet. Diet can make a significant influence in this condition. Eat more fish and vegetables and exercise as much as you can. To help you eat less, consider Diet Rx.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves the excess production of androgens and can lead to the development of acne, hirsutism, and infertility. It has also been associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Over half of the women who are diagnosed with PCOS are overweight or obese. Recommendations are made for overweight/obese women to lose weight via diet and exercise. Women with PCOS should also consider maintaining a diet that is patterned after the type 2 diabetes diet. This diet includes an increase in fiber and a decrease in refined carbohydrates, as well as a decrease in trans and saturated fats and an increase in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. Foods that contain anti-inflammatory compounds (fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and red wine) should also be emphasized. Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Feb; Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other androgen excess-related conditions: can changes in dietary intake make a difference?Liepa GU, Sengupta A, Karsies D. School of Health Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.

Natural treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome
Weight loss and exercise are key to symptom reduction in those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Supplements may offer additional help.

Chromium mineral
Chromium may be slightly helpful in improving glucose tolerance.

Effect of chromium supplementation on insulin resistance and ovarian and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Fertility Sterility. 2005. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, chromium picolinate (200 microg/d) improves glucose tolerance compared with placebo but does not improve ovulatory frequency or hormonal parameters. This pilot study indicates that future studies in the polycystic ovary syndrome population should examine higher dosages or longer durations of treatment.

Hoodia appetite suppressant
I came across your website regarding hoodia supplements while searching to see if there are any reports on results similar to my own. I have been diagnosed seven years ago with PCOS, three other doctors confirmed this diagnosis. My weight continued to elevate from 5'5" 135 pounds to a whopping 220 pounds. I had been taking metformin (for insulin resistance) this entire time with no positive weight loss results, although all docs had told me it was a good possibility. My menstrual cycle had almost ceased completely, with periods intervals of about one every four to five months. About 9 months ago, I ordered a two month supply of hoodia online and started taking four hoodia pills a day with my 500mg metformin 2 times a day. My menstrual cycle returned at a 28 day interval almost immediately. After three months, I had lost almost thirty pounds from my middle, lost all sugar and white flour cravings. I tapered off of the metformin and continued on the hoodia supplements for about a month, and results ceased. I then tried metformin alone for about a month with no results either. Returned to the metformin / hoodia combo (I call it a cocktail) and results started up almost immediately again. I am now down to 155 pounds and counting. It seems apparent to me that this is an effective mix for PCOS patients, yet I do not find ANY studies or evidence online. Other results I have noticed only in combination: Immediate return of libido, No need for antidepressants whatsoever, No more symptoms of lethargy.
   This is very interesting.

Licorice herb or tea use
Licorice can reduce serum testosterone probably due to the block of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase. Licorice could be considered an adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women.
Steroids. 2004 Oct-Nov.
Licorice has been considered a medicinal plant for thousands of years. The most common side effect is hypokalemic hypertension, which is secondary to a block of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 at the level of the kidney, leading to an enhanced mineralocorticoid effect of cortisol. We have investigated the effect of licorice on androgen metabolism in nine healthy women 22-26 years old, in the luteal phase of the cycle. They were given 3.5 g of a commercial preparation of licorice (containing 7.6% W.W. of glycyrrhizic acid) daily for two cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice can reduce serum testosterone probably due to the block of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase. Licorice could be considered an adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Inositol
Myo inositol has been studied. Other names for Myo-Inositol include: Inositol, Inositol Monophosphate, and Inositol Hexaphosphate.

Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trial.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Mar-Apr; Costantino D, Minozzi G, Minozzi E, Guaraldi C. Centro Salute della Donna, Azienda USL, Ferrara, Italy.
To investigate the effects of treatment with Myo-inositol (an insulin sensitizing drug), on circulating insulin, glucose tolerance, ovulation and serum androgens concentrations in women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Forty-two women with PCOS were treated in a double-blind trial with Myo-inositol plus folic acid or folic acid alone as placebo. Treatment of PCOS patients with Myo-inositol provided a decreasing of circulating insulin and serum total testosterone as well as an improvement in metabolic factors.

Spearmint tea may or may not help
Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial.
Phytother Res. 2010 Feb. Grant P. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK.
Hirsutism in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), consequent to elevated androgen levels leads to significant cosmetic and psychological problems. Recent research in Turkey has shown that spearmint tea has antiandrogenic properties in females with hirsutism. Forty two volunteers were randomized to take spearmint tea twice a day for a 1 month period and compared with a placebo herbal tea. Free and total testosterone levels were significantly reduced over the 30 day period in the spearmint tea group. LH and FSH also increased. Patient's subjective assessments of their degree of hirsutism scored by the modified DQLI were significantly reduced in the spearmint tea group. There was, however, no significant reduction in the objective Ferriman-Galwey ratings of hirsutism between the two trial groups over the trial duration. There was a clear and significant alteration in the relevant hormone levels. This is associated clinically with a reduction in the self-reported degree of hirsutism but unfortunately not with the objectively rated score. It was demonstrated and confirmed that spearmint has antiandrogen properties, the simple fact that this does not clearly translate into clinical practice is due to the relationship between androgen hormones and follicular hair growth and cell turnover time. Simply put, the study duration was not long enough. The original studies from Turkey were in fact only 5 days long. The time taken for hirsutism to resolve is significant and a much longer future study is proposed as the preliminary findings are encouraging that spearmint has the potential for use as a helpful and natural treatment for hirsutism in PCOS.

Hormone use
Do you think DHEA supplementation would be helpful in polycystic ovary syndrome?
   I think not, it may actually be the wrong hormone to take and could aggravate the condition but I am not sure.

Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion of other causes of hyperandrogenism. Screening for diabetes is important.

Complications
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and possibly cardiovascular disease. PCOS increases risk for infertility. PCOS and insulin resistance are associated.

Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms
These include irregular menstruation, which is the most common symptom of PCOS; infertility, hirsutism, thinning hair, skin abnormalities including skin tags and acanthosis nigricans, which darkens and thickens the skin, usually on the neck or in the underarms or groin. This condition results from excess insulin in the blood stream. There may also be depression and anxiety.

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Weight loss appears to improve egg release in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment is directed at the presenting symptom as the primary cause is unknown. Long-term medical treatment may include the oral contraceptive pill or metformin. Long-term surveillance is recommended for the early detection and treatment of potential metabolic complications.

I have been diagnosed by my endocrinologist with PCOS. I have been placed on metformin (after trying solely natural products first), and I am finally seeming to do better (currently on 1500mg./day, but my doctor wants me to work on up to 2000mg/day). This flu season has been particularly difficult one for my family and me. I've had to take two rounds of Levaquin (again after trying various natural products) to finally get over infections. I was considering taking Dr. Ohirrah's probiotic formula to try to support my immune system and "build back." Would there be any contraindication in taking this or any other probiotic (concerning the lactic acid in the products) and in the rare, but possible, side-effect of lactic acidosis with taking metformin.
   I have not seen any studies regarding the interactions between metformin and probiotics, but generally probiotics do not have much of an interactions with most medications and supplements.