Women: You don’t have to suffer in silence

I find it downright disappointing how modern medicine tends to ignore certain health problems simply because they can’t prescribe a drug to “treat” the issue.

Indeed, it’s a real pity that Big Pharma has turned some docs into prescription pushing “machines.”

What happened to the human, thought-provoking elements of practicing medicine?

This is particularly common when it comes to female-based conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a poorly understood endocrine disorder that impacts up to 13 percent of reproductive-aged women. Yet, a whopping 70 percent might never get a proper diagnosis—leaving them to suffer in silence from debilitating symptoms…

Shining light on a common condition

Similar to celiac disease (or gluten sensitivity), conventional medicine believes you either have PCOS… or you don’t.

But, it’s not that simple…

Celiac disease and PCOS are spectrum disorders, meaning you can have a mild or severe case.

Just because your symptoms are mild (or unconventional), doesn’t mean you don’t have a medical issue. And it certainly doesn’t mean your symptoms should be brushed off.

Now, I’ve addressed gluten sensitivity quite often over the years. But PCOS is something I should address more frequently.

After all, it’s one of the most common disorders among reproductive-aged women. It’s a major risk factor for diseases like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. And it’s a leading cause of infertility.

So, let’s take a closer look…

Old remedy, new promise

PCOS often causes hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts.

There are drugs to treat symptoms—but they aren’t regularly discussed in medical school. Therefore, many women remain undiagnosed, untreated, and miserable.

Fortunately, research is starting to shine light on this disparity. And a recent study looks at an old remedy to treat this persistent problem.

In fact, an ancient Chinese remedy for malaria might just prove effective against PCOS.

I’m talking about a derivative of artemisinin—a molecule that comes from Artemisia plants, which have been used since 1596 to treat malaria in China—called artemether.

In an animal study, scientists found it works similar to the drug spironolactone in decreasing testosterone (T) levels by lowering production of T in the ovaries.

And in a small pilot clinical study, 19 women with PCOS took the drug dihydroartemisinin (which contains active artemisinin derivatives) for 12 weeks.

Researchers found it substantially reduced testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). (AMH levels tend to be higher in PCOS patients, which contributes to irregular menstruation.)

In other words, lowering testosterone levels can go a long way in managing symptoms of PCOS. (I wish more conventional docs would realize this.) And artemisia, which can be found at health food stores near you, is one way to help do that.

P.S. Don’t have the hallmark symptoms of PCOS? Well, emerging research suggests restoring your gut health may be the key to reversing the most troublesome aspects of the condition. Learn about an important “two-in-one PCOS solution” in the July 2018 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives. Click here to gain access!

Source:

“Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: New Science Offers Old Remedy.” Medscape, 06/18/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-new-science-offers-old-remedy-2024a1000bbf)