How Traditional Chinese Medicine Helped Me Overcome PCOS: A Personal and Scientific Perspective

Living with Undiagnosed PCOS as a Teenager

When I was 16 years old, my health began to decline in ways I didn’t immediately understand. My diet consisted mostly of processed foods: sandwiches, snacks, and fast food. Over time, I noticed my ability to focus diminished. I struggled with mental clarity, experienced frequent fatigue, and even simple cognitive tasks became unnecessarily challenging.

At first, I thought it was just stress or a normal part of teenage life. But these were early signs of a deeper issue: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

The Diagnosis: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The turning point came when I experienced the most excruciating menstrual pain of my life. On the first day of my cycle, I was completely bedridden with severe abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. Over-the-counter pain medications didn’t help at all.

After several medical assessments, I was diagnosed with PCOS, a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects 10–15% of women of reproductive age.

The Problem with Standard PCOS Treatment

My doctor prescribed oral contraceptives as the standard treatment. While they did suppress my symptoms — especially the menstrual pain — the side effects were overwhelming. I gained nearly 15 kg in two years, my body image deteriorated, and I started isolating myself socially.

I tried supplements, adjusted my diet, and followed mainstream advice, but I still felt completely disconnected from my body and health.

Discovering Traditional Chinese Medicine for PCOS

Desperate for something different, I began exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its approach to women's reproductive health.

Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on suppressing symptoms, TCM views PCOS as an imbalance in the body’s internal systems. Patterns such as Qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm-damp accumulation, and kidney or spleen deficiency are commonly identified in Chinese gynecology.

A Holistic Approach: Chinese Herbs and Personalised Diagnosis

I consulted with a licensed TCM practitioner who looked at more than just my lab results. They assessed my cycle, digestion, energy levels, emotional health, and overall constitution.

I was prescribed a tailored herbal formula containing several traditional Chinese herbs known for supporting hormonal balance and metabolic function:

• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis): Promotes blood circulation and regulates menstruation

• Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora): Nourishes blood and calms Liver Yang

• Fu Ling (Poria cocos): Resolves dampness and supports digestion

• Cang Zhu (Atractylodes): Strengthens the spleen and reduces damp accumulation

• Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong): Moves blood to ease pain from stagnation

My Results After Using Chinese Herbal Medicine

Within just three months of consistent treatment, my menstrual cycles became more regular. The intense pain that once kept me bedridden disappeared — and I no longer needed painkillers.

Gradually, I also noticed:

• Improved digestion

• A significant boost in energy

• The disappearance of the brain fog I had lived with for years

Most importantly, my cycles began to regulate naturally, without the need for synthetic hormones. These herbs didn’t just hide the symptoms — they helped my body regain its natural rhythm by addressing the root imbalances behind PCOS.

Why Chinese Herbs Work for PCOS: The Science Behind It

Modern studies support the effectiveness of Chinese herbs for PCOS. Many of the herbs used in TCM formulas have been shown to:

• Reduce chronic inflammation

• Regulate insulin sensitivity

• Improve blood flow to the ovaries

• Balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis

These mechanisms align with what we now understand about PCOS: a condition of hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation.

Living Without Pain or Pills

Since starting Chinese herbal treatment, I have enjoyed pain-free, regular periods without relying on pharmaceutical interventions. I no longer live in fear of when my next cycle will come or what it will do to my body and mind.

“Since I started taking Chinese herbs, I have not experienced menstrual pain or missed periods. After countless supplements and medical appointments, I finally found a solution that addressed the root cause of my PCOS, not just the symptoms.”

Final Thoughts: Hope for Women with PCOS

My healing journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine taught me that true wellness doesn’t come from masking symptoms — it comes from listening to the body and restoring its balance.

For anyone living with PCOS, know this: there are options beyond the pill. And sometimes, the most effective path is the one rooted in ancient knowledge.

💚 Interested in Chinese herbs for PCOS or hormonal health?

Visit Ventus Clinicals or speak with a licensed practitioner at Casa Sakra to explore safe, personalized options for your healing.