Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that affects up to 10% of women during their reproductive years. It is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms such as ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and bleeding patterns, insulin resistance, fertility challenges and excess androgens. These high levels of androgens, in combination with many of the aforementioned hormonal changes, can lead to hirsutism, acne, oily skin, male pattern baldness and weight gain. Women with PCOS experience a lower quality of life as a result.
Fortunately, there are medications, natural health products, nutritional interventions and lifestyle habits that can be implemented to support PCOS and its symptoms. Specifically, a number of therapeutic herbal extracts have been identified to address symptoms of excess androgens:
Glycyrrhiza glabra: More commonly known as licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the best studied natural therapies for lowering testosterone levels in women. Multiple animal studies have demonstrated that licorice root is able to prevent a rise in the LH/FSH ratio, a known biomarker for PCOS. These studies have also shown that licorice root can decrease ovarian cysts, increase fertilization rates and improve embryo development in PCOS-induced female rats. One human study in healthy women showed that licorice root can significantly reduce testosterone levels. Additionally, a human clinical trial found it to reduce the unwanted diuretic effect of spironolactone, a medication used in the treatment of PCOS related hyperandrogenism.
Paeonia lactiflora: White peony’s active ingredient, paeoniflorin, inhibits the production of testosterone by promoting aromatase activity and converting testosterone into estrogen. Paeoniflorin has also been shown to normalize production of progesterone in dexamethasone treated cells. Interestingly, white peony is often studied alongside licorice root in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula known as ‘Shao-Yao-Gan-Cao-Tang’. This blend has been shown to reduce testosterone levels in PCOS patients. A separate TCM formula called ‘Unkei-to’, a complex of 12 different herbal extracts that includes both licorice root and white peony, has also been demonstrated to lower and help normalize LH levels in women with PCOS. Collectively, white peony shows strong promise in treating androgen dominant conditions.
Cinnamomum verum: This culinary herb is also a component of the aforementioned ‘Unkei-to’ TCM formula. While cinnamon may be contributing to the success of Ukei-to, it deserves attention in and of its own right for PCOS management. For example, animal research has found that cinnamon is effective for reducing testosterone levels in PCOS-induced states. Moreover, one double-blind, placebo controlled study of 84 women with PCOS found that 1.5 grams of daily cinnamon supplementation for 12 weeks improved antioxidant status and lipid profiles. Another randomized study of 45 women with PCOS over 6 months showed cinnamon supplementation to improve menstrual cyclicity.
Ganoderma lucidum: Reishi mushroom, although used largely for its immunomodulating capabilities, has also found a role within the anti-androgen space through its ability to significantly reduce levels of 5-alpha reductase. By blocking this enzyme, reishi is able to prevent the conversion of testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In fact, one study compared reishi to 18 other medicinal mushrooms and found it was the most potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor of the group.
Mentha spicata: Commonly known as spearmint, Mentha spicata has been shown to decrease free testosterone while increasing LH, FSH and estradiol. These hormonal improvements were thought to be responsible for generating the reductions seen in patient-reported measures of hirsutism. A separate study of 21 females with either diagnosed PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism found that two cups of mint tea daily for 5 days in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle led to reduced free testosterone levels. A follow-up study with 41 females showed promising outcomes through reductions in patient reported measures of hirsutism, in addition to reductions in free and total testosterone, after 30 days of spearmint tea ingestion.
Urtica dioica: Stinging nettle is best known for its anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and analgesic actions, hence its common use in allergy complexes. However, it has also demonstrated testosterone lowering actions in both men (used in benign prostatic hyperplasia) and women. In women with documented hyperandrogenism, 300-600 mg/day has been shown to reduce total and free testosterone levels while improving acne, oily skin and menstrual cycle regularity after 4 months time.
Collectively, Hormone Balance TL combines all of these therapeutic herbal extracts into one effective testosterone lowering product for women experiencing symptoms of hyperandrogenism or any individual with excess testosterone levels. Vitex agnus-castus is added for its progesterogenic support and its ability to manage premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, reduce cyclical breast pain and reduce hyperprolactinemia. Hormone Balance TL is available in a 120-vegetable capsule count bottle
