In our “From the Journals” series, I break down the latest research from the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) so you can apply the science to your daily life.
Because April is National Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight a recent comprehensive narrative review that explores one of the most common—and most frustrating—hormonal conditions women face: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Article: “Beyond the Biological Realm: A Multidimensional Lens for PCOS Management with Naturopathy and Yoga”
Author: Silwal K, Chaturvedi K, Kewalramani N, Nair P.
Publication: CAND Journal, Vol. 31, No. 2 (June 2024) https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/169
The Gist: Beyond the Biological Checklist
PCOS is a widely prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, elevated androgens, and low-grade inflammation. However, this paper argues that treating PCOS purely as a biological checklist is a flawed approach.
- The conventional blind spot: Current standard management predominantly focuses on the biological dimension. This usually involves using oral contraceptives and anti-androgenic drugs for menstrual issues, metformin for insulin sensitivity, and anti-obesity drugs combined with lifestyle changes. While sometimes necessary, these often overlook the root cause.
- The root-cause approach: Naturopathy seeks to treat the whole person by addressing not only the biological aspects but also the psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of the condition.
- Proven naturopathic tools: The review highlights that specific integrated interventions—including therapeutic fasting, low-glycemic nutrition, adaptogenic herbs, and yoga—have the potential to help improve health outcomes.
Dr. Jennifer’s Take: The Nervous System is the Missing Link
I love this paper because it perfectly encapsulates my philosophy of Longevity Medicine. PCOS is not just a reproductive issue; it is a metabolic and nervous system issue.
One of the most profound takeaways from this review is the impact of the nervous system on ovarian health. The study highlights that adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha aid in lowering cortisol levels. Furthermore, mind-body practices like yoga and rapid breathing (Kapalbhati pranayama) promote autonomic and neurohormonal balance.
If you are chronically stressed, your body is bathed in cortisol. This stress directly exacerbates the insulin resistance and inflammation that trigger PCOS symptoms like weight gain, hair loss, and “moon face”. You cannot heal your hormones if your nervous system is in a constant state of “fight or flight.” We have to treat the environment your cells are living in.
The Patient Takeaway: Actionable Steps to Reclaim Your Hormones
If you are struggling with PCOS, you have more options than just birth control and metformin.
Focus on Fiber & Healthy Fats: A naturopathic diet rich in fiber, omega-3s, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)—abundant in nuts and seeds—has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve lipid profiles, and reduce abdominal adiposity.
Give your digestion a break: The review notes that supervised fasting can enhance autophagy, boost insulin sensitivity, and diminish oxidative stress.
Test, Don't Guess: To truly manage PCOS, we need to know exactly what is driving yours. Is it insulin? Is it high cortisol? We can uncover this using comprehensive lab work (like the DUTCH hormone test) to create an individualized approach to your healing.
Ready to Get to the Root of Your PCOS?
Stop treating just the symptoms. Dr. Jennifer Luis offers comprehensive hormone testing and personalized naturopathic protocols to help you regain metabolic and hormonal balance.
References:
- Silwal K, Chaturvedi K, Kewalramani N, Nair P. Beyond the Biological Realm: A Multidimensional Lens for PCOS Management with Naturopathy and Yoga – A Comprehensive Narrative Review. CANDJ [Internet]. 2024 Jun. 27 [cited 2026 Mar. 19];31(2):18-24. Available from: https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/169
