Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy for PCOS: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It’s Helpful To Manage Symptoms

You are understandably unimpressed by promises of quick-fix synthetic treatments for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). You wonder if chemicals that further stress your body are even worth the trouble. 



But pure synthetics are not the only option out there! Learn more about Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT) to discover how to counteract the symptoms of PCOS in a way that will be better for your body in the long run. 

We'll fill you in on how Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy for PCOS works, other ways to manage your PCOS symptoms, and more.

Table of Contents

NHRT is the use of natural means (supplements, plants, etc.) to correct the hormonal imbalance and resulting symptoms involved in PCOS. 

Who wouldn’t prefer to tackle their symptoms naturally? NHRT gets closer to the underlying cause of PCOS symptoms by directly targeting hormone and nutrient levels to correct a particular deficiency or surplus. 

This complex condition calls for a holistic approach to each individual’s physiology. NHRT is the perfect approach for sustainable treatment of this kind.

There are two types of NHRT: bioidentical and traditional.

This type of NHRT uses bioidentical hormones, which have the same molecular structure as the hormones they are intended to replace. They are synthetically derived from plant estrogens, but their structure renders them more readily suited for use by the body.

Imagine building a red Lego tower. You have run out of Legos to complete the tower, but you do have small wooden blocks of the same size, though without raised circular projections on the top surface and hollowed-out spaces on the underside. 

You substitute this block in the midsection of your tower. It holds up, but not so sturdily and not quite perfectly. The block is like a lab-created hormone, a substitute: better than nothing, but not ideal.

Another Lego — let’s say a green one your friend gave you — didn’t come from the same box of Legos. But put in the place of the wooden block, it gives your tower the exact kind of support it needed to stand strong.



The green Lego, coming from elsewhere but performing just the same function as the red Legos, is like a bioidentical hormone, identical in purpose and function to the hormones inside your body.

This type of NHRT uses supplements and plants to help manage symptoms. Here are some products that are commonly indicated to manage PCOS.

Those that may help decrease insulin resistance:

• Inositol
• Cinnamon extract — May also help regulate menstruation
• Berberine — May also increase metabolism
• Chromium — May also improve BMI
• Magnesium
• Turmeric — Is also a known anti-inflammatory agent

Those that may help regulate menstruation:

• Evening primrose oil — May also alleviate period cramps and improve cholesterol levels
• Combined vitamin D and calcium — May also encourage ovulation
• Cod liver oil — Also helps eliminate belly fat

Those that may disrupt testosterone production:

• Nettles
• Saw palmetto
• Green tea 
• Spearmint tea

Those that decrease cortisol levels:

• Holy basil
• Ashwagandha
• Maca root

Those that target other symptoms:

• Zinc — May boost fertility and immune response, as well as excessive hair growth or alopecia
• Vitamin B12
• Phytoestrogens — Dietary estrogens naturally found in plants
  

NHRT has become a favorable alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy, which is associated with a greater risk of blood clots, breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. 

Hormones used in traditional HRT work by increasing the reactivity of estrogen receptors, whereas bioidentical hormones share the same molecular structure as naturally-occurring hormones. 

Foods and supplements that positively impact PCOS systems work without medical intervention.

The following benefits are a few of those that may be associated with NHRT adherence:



• Increased energy and sense of well-being
• Healthier skin and hair
• More restful sleep
• Greater mental clarity, less anxiety and depression
• Greater ease of shedding fat and gaining muscle
• Less bloating
• Fewer instances of hot flashes
• Improved libido
  

Both bioidentical and synthetic hormones are developed in a lab. The difference is that bioidentical hormones were extracted from a natural source, such as plants, whereas synthetic hormones are entirely man-made.



The advantage of bioidentical hormones over the phytoestrogens found in food is that the former are measurable and thus can be dosed accurately to supply a given patient’s deficiencies. (There’s no telling how many Brussels sprouts you might have to eat to entirely make up for low estrogen levels.)

A balanced diet made up of whole foods makes for an optimally functioning endocrine system that can more effectively regulate blood sugar. Steering away from highly processed and preserved foods will help prevent inflammation and insulin resistance. A diet composed of the following is ideal:

• Protein-rich lean meats
• High-fiber vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados
• Low-sugar fruits, such as berries and melons



See here for a more detailed explanation of the roles these foods play in PCOS management.

Gut health is important for immunity, mental health, and heart health. Some gut bacteria help metabolize estrogen, and thus help treat PCOS by regulating estrogen levels. 



Both stress and poor diet can disrupt normal gut bacteria. The strong link between poor gut health and PCOS indicates this is a critical step in finding relief.

The following can help you maintain healthy gut bacteria:

• Prebiotic supplements
• Probiotic supplements
• Fermented foods such as kimchi or kombucha
• Cruciferous vegetables

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods

Getting enough exercise (150 minutes per week is recommended for PCOS patients) is important for maintaining a healthy weight, which helps decrease insulin resistance and regulate menstruation. 



Regular low-impact activities — such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, and walking — help lower cortisol levels and manage stress. High-intensity workouts, however, can raise cortisol levels. 

Strength training helps increase your cells’ response to insulin and keep healthy blood sugar levels.

Getting adequate sleep is important for your overall health. With better sleep, your body can more effectively regulate its levels of cortisol and other hormones.



If you struggle to get enough sleep, (7–8 hours is a healthy amount) there are several helpful measures you can take:

Have a regular bedtime routine.

• Avoid stimulants and rich, fatty foods before bedtime. 
• Turn off your electronics at least an hour before you go to sleep.
• Use high-quality, comfortable bedding.
• Lower the temperature in your bedroom.
• Do breathing exercises.

Inadequate sleep (fewer than 6 hours) in women has been associated with irregular menstruation, higher blood sugar, and greater chance of insulin resistance.

In response to stress, the body secretes cortisol, which enables it to respond more aptly to stress. But prolonged exposure to cortisol has negative effects on the body and can exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS. 



Reducing stress can reduce cortisol levels and thus correct this problem. Stress may seem like something you don’t have a lot of control over, but you can take steps to alleviate stress, such as:

• Going for regular walks
• Practicing yoga
• Reading a book
• Taking warm baths
• Decreasing personal use of electronics
• Reorganizing your day to allow time for relaxation
• Reducing caffeine intake
• Getting sufficient sleep
  

It is best to limit caffeine intake because it can interfere with estrogen levels and the behavior of other hormones. If you must have caffeine, consider opting for green tea, as there is evidence that it has a favorable effect on blood glucose levels.



Alcohol is likely to increase anxiety and depression over the long term. Despite its short-term benefits for mood, alcohol also increases the risk of some cancers and disrupts the absorption of important nutrients.

Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) is based on the direct connection between the health of an organ and a specific neurological reflex. When your body is in contact with the substance that is responsible for your symptoms, the reflex will be weaker. Thus the offending substance can be identified as one that causes a weaker reflex. 



At HealthierU, NRT is the first step in beginning Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy for PCOS. HealthierU will monitor your reflexes while you hold 200 glass bottles, one at a time, each containing a substance that could be the root cause of your health problem. Your reflexes will reflect whether you are experiencing a food allergy, a nutrient deficiency, or exposure to too much of a toxic substance.

Since incorporating NRT into her practice, Dr. Donna Sergi at HealthierU has helped thousands of patients with issues ranging from lower back pain and digestive health to hot flashes, acid reflux, anxiety, and more.



Her approach is personalized. She REALLY gets to know you, your body, and how you react to different foods. Through NRT she determines which deficiencies, allergies, intolerances, etc. are present.

From there, she helps you to create a comprehensive diet suited specifically for you. The plan will include necessary supplements and lifestyle changes you can pursue to help reverse the negative symptoms of PCOS. Contact HealthierU today to begin the journey to long-lasting, natural relief.