PCOS: A Holistic Guide to Balancing Hormones Naturally
- Camilla Binns
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 10
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women today, yet it remains deeply misunderstood. Too often, PCOS is reduced to “hormone imbalance,” but new research confirms it’s a whole-body condition that connects hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and emotional health.
In this post, we’ll explore what causes PCOS, the latest research, and holistic ways to support your body so you can understand the condition beyond labels and start finding balance naturally.
🌸 What Is PCOS?
PCOS affects up to 13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, though rates vary by country and diagnostic criteria. It’s diagnosed when any two of the following are present:
Irregular or absent ovulation
Signs of excess androgens, such as acne, excess hair, or hair loss
Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound
These are known as the Rotterdam criteria, used internationally to define PCOS. But PCOS doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some women have regular periods but show insulin resistance. Others experience weight gain, acne, or fatigue without visible cysts. This is why experts now recognise PCOS as multifactorial, driven by genetics, metabolism, inflammation, environment, and stress.
🔬 The Science Behind PCOS
In a healthy cycle, the brain releases gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in steady pulses, guiding ovulation. In PCOS, these pulses speed up, raising luteinising hormone (LH) and lowering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The ovaries then produce more androgens, disrupting normal ovulation.
At the same time, insulin resistance (even in lean women) causes high insulin levels, which further raise androgen production and lower SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). This creates a cycle of imbalance that can manifest as fatigue, acne, weight gain, or irregular cycles.
PCOS also carries a low-grade inflammatory signature: higher cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 and metabolic hormones like leptin. These inflammatory messengers impair insulin signalling, linking metabolism, hormones, and immunity in one feedback loop.
😌 The Role of Stress and Emotional Health
Research and holistic practice both show how chronic stress disrupts hormones. Elevated cortisol alters hypothalamic rhythm and ovulation.
From a mind–body and homeopathic perspective, PCOS often develops in sensitive, driven women after long periods of grief, perfectionism, or emotional suppression. These emotional states aren’t separate from physical symptoms; they shape hormonal regulation.
💊 Conventional PCOS Treatments
Medical management usually begins with lifestyle changes: stabilising blood sugar and supporting metabolic health. Even modest weight loss (around 5–10%) can improve insulin sensitivity and restore ovulation.
Medications you might be offered:
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
Metformin for insulin resistance
Letrozole is now the first-line fertility treatment
The latest international guidelines emphasise individualised care, mental-health support, and long-term metabolic monitoring, not just hormonal suppression.
🌿 Holistic PCOS Treatment: Supporting the Whole Body
Whether or not medication is used, holistic principles can help rebalance your system naturally.
🥗 Nourish, Don’t Restrict
Choose whole, unprocessed foods with a low glycaemic index. Include protein and healthy fats with every meal to steady blood sugar and cortisol.
💃 Move in Joy
Gentle, regular movement such as walking, yoga, or strength training improves insulin sensitivity and lowers inflammation.
🌙 Prioritise Sleep and Rhythm
Regular sleep and morning light help regulate circadian and reproductive hormones.
🧘 Release Stress
Homeopathy, breathwork, journalling, and therapy can calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol spikes. Emotional safety supports hormonal repair.
🌼 Herbal and Natural Support
Under professional guidance, herbs like Agnus castus (Vitex), Cimicifuga racemosa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra may support hormone balance and ovulation.
💛 Homeopathy and PCOS
In homeopathic practice, no two PCOS cases are the same. The remedy is chosen according to the person’s whole picture, not just hormone levels or cycle symptoms.
Below are some of the remedies most frequently indicated in women with PCOS, each reflecting a distinct mind–body pattern.
Pulsatilla 🌸
For gentle, affectionate, and emotionally open women whose moods and symptoms change easily. Periods are often delayed, light, or absent, and acne or nausea can worsen from fatty foods.
Sepia ⚖️
For women who feel emotionally drained, irritable, or detached after long periods of duty or stress. There may be fatigue, low libido, irregular cycles, and a characteristic “bearing-down” uterine sensation.
Staphisagria 🌿
For those who bottle up anger, humiliation, or grief, often appearing calm but deeply wounded inside.
Natrum muriaticum 💧
For women who carry unprocessed grief or rejection, who appear composed but struggle to express emotion.
Lachesis 🐍
For expressive, passionate women who feel constricted or tense. PCOS may involve premenstrual tension and left-sided ovarian pain.
Calcarea carbonica 🕊️
For those who feel chilly, sluggish, or easily overwhelmed.
Thuja occidentalis 🌲
For oily skin, cystic acne, or hormonal imbalance after suppression or stress.
In clinical practice, these remedy pictures can overlap and evolve. For instance, Pulsatilla may precede Sepia as dependency gives way to exhaustion, or Staphisagria may shift to Natrum muriaticum once emotional control becomes chronic.
🌺 The Takeaway
PCOS isn’t simply a hormonal issue; it’s a message from your body that something deeper is out of rhythm.Healing begins when you nourish your body, calm your mind, and allow your hormones to find their natural flow again.
At Vital Roots Healing, we see PCOS as an invitation to rebalance your whole system: physically, emotionally, and energetically.
📚 Research, References & Resources
Quick Guides:
Natural Healthcare Research:
Saxena, V. & Sonkusare, R. (2025). A study on the role of psychosomatic factors in the development of PCOS in females aged 18–40 years and its homoeopathic management. International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences, 9(3).https://www.homoeopathicjournal.com/articles/1718/9-3-115-506.pdf
Islam, M.M. and Chowdhury, A.K., 2023. Magic efficacy of Pulsatilla to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine. Available from: https://www.mansapublishers.com/ijim/article/download/4181/3644/15770 [Accessed 8 November 2025].
Soni, M., 2024. PCOS and homeopathic treatment: A case study analysis. The Bioscan, 19(Suppl. 2), p. 136. Available from: https://thebioscan.com/index.php/pub/article/download/2388/2265/4467 [Accessed 8 November 2025].
Javed, S., Saeed, M., Mahmood, Z. and Iqbal, R., 2022. Phytotherapy of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 146, 112573. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8902792/ [Accessed 8 November 2025].
Mainstream Scientific Research:
ASRM (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/recommendations-from-the-2023-international-evidence-based-guideline-for-the-assessment-and-management-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
Salari, N., Kazeminia, M. & Shohaimi, S. (2024). Global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 22(1), 15.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10583117/
Teede, H.J., Misso, M.L. & Costello, M.F. (2023). International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2023 Update). Monash University / ESHRE /
Shukla, A., Rasquin, L.I. & Anastasopoulou, C. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Aetiology, Pathogenesis and Diagnosis. StatPearls.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/
Su, P., Chen, C. & Su, Y. (2025). Physiopathology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Endocrinology, Metabolism and Inflammation. Journal of Ovarian Research, 18(1), 62.https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-025-01621-6
Mohammad Sadeghi, H. et al. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Management, and Drug Repurposing. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(2), 583.https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/2/583
Cowan, S. (2023). Lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome – beyond diet and physical activity. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 14, 20420188221147309.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9841505/
Balen, A.H. et al. (2023). Polycystic ovary syndrome: an update on diagnosis, management, and long-term health implications. BMJ, 380, e072556.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36980421/
Javed, S., Saeed, M., Mahmood, Z. & Iqbal, R. (2022). Phytotherapy of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review.Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 146, 112573.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8902792/
Super helpful info - thanks Camilla 🫶