Chiropractic Care for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health condition affecting female reproductive organs. The disorder usually causes cysts to form on the ovaries. This causes irregular periods, problems with fertility, and a variety of other symptoms, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. There are many treatments available that help manage the symptoms of PCOS. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective.

Chiropractic care is great for treating many of PCOS’s most common symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and headaches. It might also help improve fertility. Additionally, massage therapy, which is often used as part of a chiropractic treatment plan, can be an effective treatment for unblocking fallopian tubes and reducing fibroids. 

Possible Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Usually, a variety of factors contribute to the problem, and these vary from person to person. Conditions that increase a woman’s risk of developing PCOS include:

Insulin Resistance & the Overproduction of Androgens (Male Sex Hormones)

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It’s responsible for processing sugar, which the body uses for energy.

When this process is inefficient, blood sugar levels rise, and your body makes more and more insulin to try to bring blood sugar levels down. In addition to putting you at risk for type 2 diabetes, this increase in insulin can have other effects. When your insulin levels are too high, it triggers the production of androgen, a male hormone. An increased androgen level can cause problems with ovulation, as well as other symptoms, including:

• Velvety skin patches on the armpits, neck, under the breasts, and groin
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Hirsutism (excess body hair)
• Acne

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation, even if it’s low-grade, hurts the body.

Inflammation can be positive if it’s short-term and in response to an injury or infection. But when your body is in a chronic state of inflammation, it can cause androgen production and cardiovascular problems.

Common Medicinal Treatment Options

Common medicinal treatments for PCOS include:

• Insulin sensitizers
• Hormonal birth control
• Medications that block androgens

Natural Drug-Free Treatment Options for PCOS

Several natural and drug-free treatment options help with PCOS, including:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for PCOS.

Chiropractic treatment alleviates many symptoms associated with PCOS. This includes:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Chiropractors use a variety of tests to determine the root cause of PCOS. This enables them to treat that cause instead of just masking over symptoms. But this doesn’t mean patients must suffer uncomfortable symptoms while the root cause is determined. Chiropractic treatments relieve symptoms without turning to drugs or other invasive treatments.

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes can have a significant impact on cases of PCOS. Implementing any or all of the following can help you reduce your symptoms:

• Eating a balanced diet that includes healthy fat, protein, and fiber
• Choosing whole grains and fresh produce
• Limiting sugar
• Eliminating processed foods and trans fat
• Avoiding carbohydrates early in the day to avoid insulin spikes

Foods to Avoid

Foods to avoid to help with PCOS include:

• Fried food
• Processed snacks and foods
• Prepared cereals that are high in sugar
• Sodas and sports drinks
• Alcohol
• Refined carbohydrates
• Refined flour

Foods That Can Help Alleviate PCOS Symptoms

In addition to eliminating certain foods from your diet, there are things you can add that will help. These include:

• High fiber foods
• Unprocessed, whole foods
• Fatty fish, including tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel
• Dark red fruits, including blueberries, cherries, and blackberries
• Dark, leafy greens, including spinach and kale
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli

Weight Loss & Exercise

Losing weight and incorporating daily physical activity is a great way to manage PCOS symptoms. Both help you:

• Improve muscle mass and boost metabolism
• Burn calories, even at rest
• Improve insulin resistance
• Reduce BMI
• Reduce excess fat

Benefits of Seeking Chiropractic Care for Managing PCOS

Using chiropractic care to treat PCOS offers a variety of benefits. Treatments focus on neurologically-based care. Chiropractors correct spinal misalignments that interfere with communication between the body and brain. The whole body is in disarray when these systems don’t communicate effectively.

One study showed that chiropractic care contributed to subsequent successful outcomes on reproductive integrity. This was true for patients of varying ages, histories, and other medical interventions.

For many women, spinal misalignments are one of the root causes or the root cause of PCOS. Even if it’s not, chiropractic care naturally restores energy, hormone balance, and the body’s functionality.

Chiropractic patients have experienced a variety of benefits, including:

• Regular periods
• Better sleep
• Consistent ovulation
• Conception
• Reduced fatigue
• Increased energy

There are conventional treatments for PCOS that can offer these same benefits. However, chiropractic care provides natural relief and improvement. No pharmaceutical medications are involved in treatments. Patients whose doctors have recommended surgery, which in the case of PCOS might be as severe as a hysterectomy, can avoid this drastic approach by making their symptoms manageable using chiropractic care.

Chiropractic treatments are low-risk and help you improve overall health and target specific medical conditions. Patients who undergo chiropractic care for PCOS enjoy a better quality of life.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.