Natural Treatment for PCOS Naturopathic Approach to PCOS, Weight Gain & Acne
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to one in ten women — but many still ask, “Could it be PCOS?” when struggling with acne, weight gain, irregular periods, or fertility issues.
From a naturopathic perspective, PCOS is not just a hormonal condition — it’s a reflection of what’s happening deeper in your metabolism, stress response, gut, and inflammation levels. The key to healing lies in identifying your underlying cause and working with your body naturally.
Could It Be PCOS?
If you’ve been told your hormones are “a bit off”, or you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms like:
Irregular or missing periods
Persistent acne (especially on the jawline or back)
Weight gain around the stomach
Hair thinning or unwanted facial hair
Fatigue and sugar cravings
…it’s worth investigating whether PCOS could be the cause.
A diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasound findings — but even without classic “cysts” on the ovaries, you can still have a PCOS-type hormonal imbalance.
Why Finding the Root Cause Is Essential in PCOS Treatment
There’s no single cause of PCOS. It’s a syndrome — meaning a cluster of symptoms that can arise from different underlying imbalances.
Conventional treatments often focus on symptom control, but naturopathic medicine looks deeper to discover why your body is out of balance.
Identifying your individual root cause is vital because:
It determines the right supplements and herbs for you
It directs your diet and lifestyle plan
It prevents long-term complications like insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or fertility issues
The Four Most Common Causes of PCOS
1. Insulin Resistance
The most common type. High insulin levels drive excess androgen production and stops ovulation.
Signs include:
Weight gain (especially around the middle)
Cravings for carbs and sugar
Fatigue after meals
Difficulty losing weight
A low-GI, high-fibre diet, movement after meals, and nutrients like inositol, magnesium, and chromium can improve insulin sensitivity naturally.
2. Inflammatory PCOS
Chronic inflammation disrupts the communication between the brain and ovaries.
You may notice:
Acne, skin redness, or puffiness
Digestive discomfort or bloating
Elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin)
Natural anti-inflammatory support — such as omega-3s, curcumin, zinc, and a whole-food diet rich in antioxidants — is key.
3. Adrenal (Stress-Driven) PCOS
When stress hormones like cortisol and DHEA are elevated, they can mimic PCOS symptoms even with normal insulin levels.
These women often feel anxious, wired-but-tired, and experience irregular cycles.
Naturopathic treatment focuses on nervous system support, adaptogenic herbs (like Withania and Rhodiola), restorative sleep, and gentle exercise.
4. Post-Pill or Hormonal Rebound PCOS
After coming off the oral contraceptive pill, some women experience a temporary PCOS-like state while their natural cycle restarts.
Supporting liver detoxification, gut health, and hormone clearance helps your body regain its rhythm more quickly.
Other causes
These can include thyroid dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies (zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins), poor gut health, and genetic or epigenetic predispositions affecting detoxification or hormone clearance.
PCOS and Weight Gain: Why It Happens and What Helps
Many women with PCOS find it frustratingly difficult to lose weight — even when they eat well.
This is usually due to insulin resistance and inflammation, which signal the body to store fat rather than burn it.
Naturopathic strategies for PCOS and weight gain:
Balance blood sugar with protein and fibre at every meal
Avoid skipping meals — it increases stress hormones
Include resistance training to build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity
Support metabolic health with nutrients like inositol, magnesium, and omega-3s
Reduce environmental toxins that can disrupt hormones.
PCOS and Acne: Healing Hormonal Skin from Within
Hormonal acne in PCOS is typically caused by excess androgens (like testosterone) that increase oil production and inflammation.
Topical treatments can help, but the real solution comes from balancing hormones from within.
Naturopathic approaches for PCOS-related acne:
Zinc and vitamin A to reduce oil production and inflammation
Spearmint tea to naturally lower androgens
Liver and gut support to improve hormone clearance
Stress reduction to prevent cortisol-driven breakouts
Why the Pill Isn’t the Answer for PCOS
The oral contraceptive pill is often prescribed to “regulate” periods or reduce acne, but it doesn’t treat the cause.
It works by shutting down ovulation and replacing natural hormones with synthetic ones — giving the illusion of regular cycles.
Over time, the pill can:
Deplete essential nutrients (B vitamins, zinc, magnesium)
Increase inflammation
Mask underlying issues like insulin resistance or thyroid imbalance
Cause a rebound of symptoms once stopped
For many women, a natural PCOS treatment plan offers a more sustainable and restorative approach — one that supports your body’s own hormonal rhythm.
How a Naturopath Treats PCOS Naturally
Step 1: Functional Testing
We identify your PCOS type and underlying imbalances — insulin, adrenal, inflammatory, or thyroid — using blood work and sometimes gut or hormone testing.
Step 2: Personalised Nutrition
We use food as medicine to stabilise blood sugar, improve detoxification, and reduce inflammation.
Step 3: Herbal Medicine and Targeted Supplements
No “one-size-fits-all” protocols — your formula is tailored to your drivers.
For example:
Inositol for insulin resistance
Peony & licorice for ovulatory support
NAC for inflammation
Adaptogens for stress and adrenal balance
Step 4: Lifestyle and Stress Support
Rest, movement, and self-care are medicine too. Supporting your nervous system and sleep quality improves hormonal balance.
Step 5: Long Term Support
Once cycles regulate and symptoms ease, the focus shifts to long-term prevention — supporting insulin sensitivity, maintaining a healthy microbiome, and building resilience through nutrition and lifestyle.
The Takeaway: PCOS Is Manageable — Naturally
PCOS is not just about your ovaries — it’s a whole-body condition involving hormones, metabolism, and stress.
By finding and addressing your root cause, it’s possible to restore regular cycles, clear acne, support healthy weight, and improve fertility — naturally and sustainably.
Looking for a Natural PCOS Treatment Plan?
If you’re wondering “Could it be PCOS?” or you’ve been diagnosed but haven’t found answers, a naturopathic approach can help uncover your unique hormonal drivers and create a plan that works with your body — not against it.
Book a consultation to start your personalised natural treatment for PCOS and reclaim your hormonal balance, energy, and confidence.