Treatment approaches to pcos
Western medicine is based upon the idea of labeling individuals based upon their diagnosis in order to maintain consistency. On one hand, being placed into a certain category can provide clarity as it offers a concrete explanation for your symptoms. However, this framework can also generalize an entire group of people, ignoring individuality.
Expanding on this idea, Dr. Tewari explains that PCOS is a spectrum, meaning every person’s experience within that category is not the same; we are not robots, but unique individuals. Most people agree that every person has different thoughts, opinions and minds, so why wouldn’t this concept apply to the physical body as well? We must acknowledge and respect these differences, overcoming the tendency to believe that all women with a certain condition have the same symptoms and obstacles simply because they are labeled with the same disease.
Another issue that arises with the Western approach is the overmedicalization of the human body. Once you are given a scientific label, you are conditioned to believe medical interventions are your only option, minimizing other approaches and your body’s own capabilities. However, when you rely too heavily on prescription medications, you may only put a band-aid on symptoms, rather than get to their root cause. For example, many doctors will place PCOS patients on birth control to mask irregular periods, rather than determining the underlying reason their body is reacting that way.
The truth is you are not a medical problem that needs fixing, you are a person who can rely on both medicine and your own healing capabilities to manage your condition. Although incredibly innovative and useful, it would be arrogant to believe that Western medicine is right all the time and, perhaps, a different approach should be considered. Luckily, Eastern medicine views PCOS with a more balanced and holistic perspective, less focused on labeling and medicalization. In order to honor the complexity between women, many functional providers move beyond general features of PCOS, determining each person’s baseline, gut health and nutrition in order to determine an individualized treatment plan.
These contrasting approaches to PCOS can be summarized by two main categories: holistic options and standard medical treatments. Although both methods may be useful in different circumstances, it is important to note that PCOS is manageable, but not necessarily curable. I know that sounds scary, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you are bound by this ominous condition for the rest of your life. Some women outgrow it and others are able to manage their symptoms with the right regimen. Know that you are not alone and healing your body is not impossible. With that being said, talk to your doctor about your options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions– that is what they are here for! However, it is important that you do some of your own research, or speak to a functional doctor to discuss additional natural options.
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RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
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Although the information in the following tabs about available treatment options is based on scientific research, it is still important to understand the limitations of these studies. In regards to both holistic and standard treatments, there is conflicting data regarding their efficacy, indicating there is actually limited evidence demonstrating their benefits for PCOS.
However, research on standard treatments tends to be more abundant and based in a traditional scientific method with large sample sizes. The main problem with medicalized quantitative studies, however, is that they lack qualitative patient perspectives necessary to understand women’s experiences. Oftentimes studies on alternative therapies offer a more holistic approach that acknowledges factors outside of medicine. Despite this benefit, studies on holistic medicines are still less abundant and often lack large sample sizes necessary to draw proper conclusions.
Approaching this research with a balanced perspective is paramount for determining which solutions resonate the most with you. There is no right or wrong answer– it simply depends on your interpretation of the studies and what will serve your specific body.