EP 46: Natural treatment for PCOS with Chinese Medicine (ft. Aik Kim Heng)

When experiencing irregular or non-existent menstrual cycles or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), doctors may prescribe the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP). It works but NOT if you want to get pregnant. Furthermore, OCP may come with undesirable side effects such as mood swings, bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, increased appetite, and increased risk of blood clots.  Thankfully, there are options - acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Aik Kim Heng, our leading herbalist and menstrual health detective at ALIVE shares current research demonstrating beneficial effects of TCM herbal formulas in PCOS treatment. Chinese medicine works so well that the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan covers not only western medicine but also Chinese herbal medicine equally. A nationwide study, published in 2019, found that 66.43% of women with PCOS sought out TCM for infertility or menstrual disorders.  Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (JWXYS - Supplemented Free Wanderer Powder), the most commonly prescribed herbal formula, plays a vital role in treatment of anxiety, irritability, stress, depression, premenstrual tension, and infertility. That said, it’s not for all patients. So, if you want results, we strongly advise that you seek help from a licensed herbalist/TCM practitioner like Kim before using Chinese herbal medicine.  Feel free to DM us with questions