September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most common yet often misunderstood conditions impacting reproductive health. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries of reproductive age. While it’s most often discussed in the context of infertility, PCOS is much more than a fertility concern – it’s a whole-body condition tied to hormones, metabolism, and inflammation.
At Natural Harmony Reproductive Health in San Diego, we take a unique, integrative approach to supporting patients with PCOS. By blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern, evidence-based care, we help patients not only improve cycle regularity and fertility, but also restore overall health and vitality.
Understanding PCOS Beyond the Diagnosis
PCOS can look very different from person to person. Symptoms may include:
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Irregular or absent periods
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Difficulty conceiving
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Acne or oily skin
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Unwanted hair growth or hair thinning
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Weight changes or difficulty losing weight
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Blood sugar and insulin resistance issues
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Fatigue, mood changes, or sleep disruptions
- Fertility challenges
This variability is one reason PCOS is often missed or misdiagnosed. In Chinese medicine, we look deeper than the label of “PCOS” to identify the root imbalances, whether they stem from excess dampness, heat, blood stagnation, or deficiencies in yin, yang, or qi.
From a biomedical lens, these TCM patterns often parallel underlying mechanisms we see in research:
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Dampness can reflect metabolic sluggishness or insulin resistance.
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Heat may mirror inflammation and elevated androgens (like testosterone).
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Blood stagnation can connect with poor pelvic circulation or disrupted ovulation.
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Yin, yang, and qi deficiencies can often correspond to hormonal imbalances and endocrine issues including HPA (adrenal), HPO (ovarian) and/or HPT(thyroid) dysfunction.
By translating symptoms into both TCM and biomedical frameworks, we’re able to create a treatment plan that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, so patients feel both seen and supported.
How We Support PCOS Through TCM
In TCM, the menstrual cycle is a vital sign that tells us how the body is functioning. For PCOS, we often see patterns that include phlegm-damp accumulation, liver qi stagnation, or kidney yang deficiency, among others. Treatment is customized, but may include:
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Acupuncture to regulate the menstrual cycle, improve ovulation, and reduce stress
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Herbal medicine tailored to support blood flow, hormone balance, and reduce inflammation
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Nutrition therapy rooted in both TCM food principles and modern functional nutrition (such as stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammatory triggers, and balancing macronutrients)
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Lifestyle and stress support to calm the nervous system and improve sleep, energy, and mood
The Integrative Lens: East Meets West
While TCM provides powerful tools to restore balance, we also collaborate with reproductive endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, and functional medicine providers. Integrative care for PCOS may include:
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Lab testing for hormones, blood sugar, and inflammation markers
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Supplements such as inositol, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids, tailored to your needs
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Personalized coaching to help sustain lifestyle changes
This collaborative model ensures patients aren’t left navigating PCOS alone or piecing together conflicting advice. Instead, we work as a team, blending the wisdom of Eastern medicine with the precision of Western care.
Why PCOS Awareness Matters
Raising awareness isn’t just about improving fertility outcomes. PCOS is linked to long-term health risks, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Early intervention and a whole-body approach can make a tremendous difference in both short-term quality of life and long-term health.
Our Invitation to You
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with PCOS, or suspects they may be struggling with it, know that there are options beyond “watch and wait” or medication alone. At Natural Harmony Reproductive Health, we believe in personalized, compassionate care that empowers you to understand your body, improve your health, and feel supported every step of the way.
This PCOS Awareness Month, we invite you to take the next step in your care journey. Whether you’re trying to conceive, seeking relief from symptoms, or looking for a more holistic approach, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how integrative reproductive health care can make a difference.
👉 Call us at 619-512-9783 or visit naturalharmonyhealth.com