Painful, irregular periods are not just a “fact of life”—they may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a common condition, yet the WHO estimates that over 70% of affected women go undiagnosed, often enduring its symptoms without proper support. Osteopathy for PCOS pain provides a natural approach to relief, helping restore balance and improve well-being.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, have irregular or painful periods, or have other symptoms mentioned below, talk with an Osteopath to learn how they can help you find relief.
Keep reading to learn more about PCOS, its symptoms, and how osteopathy can help you find relief.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal imbalance that can affect women during their childbearing years, affecting approximately 8-13% of reproductive-aged women. An ultrasound can help identify polycystic ovaries or sacks, and blood tests can also help diagnose PCOS.
Women with the syndrome often have elevated hormones, including:
- Testosterone
- Oestrogen
- Luteinising hormone (LH)
- Insulin
- Anti-müllerian hormones
PCOS disrupts regular ovulation cycles, making it difficult for couples to conceive naturally. PCOS is a leading cause of explained infertility, believed to be attributed to 25% of infertility disorders.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but doctors believe a family history of PCOS and Type 2 diabetes may be a contributing factor. If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with PCOS, early diagnosis and treatment, weight management, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of long-term effects of PCOS, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms of PCOS
If you are in your reproductive years and notice any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor about PCOS:
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Irregular cycles may be normal for you or indicate a health concern. Chat with your doctor if your periods are longer or shorter than average, longer than 35 days apart, or not on a predictable schedule.
- Acne, excessive hair growth, balding: These may be signs your body is producing too many androgens (the male hormone), a symptom of PCOS.
- Polycystic ovaries in scans: An ultrasound may show the presence of cysts. You may develop follicles outside your ovary which contain immature eggs. This affects the proper functioning of your ovaries.
- Weight gain or fluctuations: If you notice unexplained weight gain around your belly, it may indicate PCOS. Struggling to lose weight can also be a sign.
- Mood swings: When your hormones are imbalanced due to PCOS, you may experience mood swings or elevated levels of anxiety or depression. It could also lead to otherwise unexplained fatigue.
How osteopathy can alleviate PCOS-related pain
Many women with diagnosed or suspected PCOS can see their osteopath for help to alleviate the pain or symptoms. Osteopathy provides a holistic approach to managing PCOS, viewing the body as an interconnected system. Your osteopath can help you relieve symptoms and improve your general health.
Here are a few ways they can support your health and help you become pregnant with PCOS.
Boosting circulation
An osteopath can help boost your circulation. Improved circulation can stimulate blood flow to your uterus to help you get relief from ovarian cysts. Myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and manipulation of the body’s bony structures can help loosen and lengthen soft tissues to increase blood flow circulation.
Balancing your hormones through Osteopathy for PCOS Pain
Another side effect of PCOS is hormonal imbalances. Your osteopath may recommend the following:
- Supplements
- Dietary monitoring and changes
- Exercise routines
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Stress relief massage and management
Providing PCOS-related pain relief with Osteopathy
PCOS sufferers sometimes also experience abdominal pain, including menstrual cramps and heavy periods, sometimes leading to anemia. While these may be the result of your PCOS, they may also indicate endometriosis.
While your osteopath works to find the source of your pain, they can help you find relief. They can perform soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, and myofascial release to reduce tension in your abdomen. They can also help reduce your stress and make diet suggestions to ensure your body is as healthy as possible so you can focus on healing and pain management.
Supporting a healthy reproductive system
It is possible to get pregnant if you have PCOS. If you’re trying to conceive, your osteopath can recommend a plan to boost your fertility and reproductive health. Through gentle manual manipulations, they can help align and improve the function of your pelvis and reproductive organs to make conception easier. They can also help you improve your menstrual regularity to time your cycles and conception more predictably.
Other ways they may help support your healthy reproductive system include:
- Closely managing your weight
- Balancing your blood sugar levels
- Treating pain and side effects from PCOS
Reducing insulin resistance
A side effect of PCOS is insulin resistance (high insulin level), where your body makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively. It affects 70-95% of PCOS sufferers who are already overweight or obese. This overproduction and under-use of insulin in your body creates inflammation and leads to weight gain and sometimes Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Your osteopath can help you boost metabolic function through increased exercise (to build muscle and increase your metabolic rate), healthy eating, and stress management. Some hands-on manual techniques can also help improve circulation to reduce inflammation and joint stiffness.
Help reduce your stress and anxiety
Reducing stress and anxiety can holistically support your whole body wellness. Whether the stress comes from your worry about PCOS or any other source or reason, an osteopath can help you address physical tension in your body. Massage and relaxation techniques can help you reduce your stress, feel more energized, and stabilize mood swings.
Osteopathy can help improve your body awareness (mind-body connection) to better identify stress triggers and deal with them more systematically and calmly.
Where to find an osteopath specializing in PCOS or fertility
At Thuja Wellness, I specialize in fertility support and women’s health, including those suffering from PCOS. Whether your goal is to become pregnant or find relief from the PCOS symptoms and improve your reproductive health, osteopathy is a non-invasive treatment solution.
I welcome you to our clinic to discuss your fertility and women’s health concerns so I can create a plan to help you live without the pain from conditions like PCOS. Book your free consultation today to get started.
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