If you're living with acne that just won’t go away, irregular or missed periods, unexplained mood swings, or persistent fatigue, you might have heard of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—commonly known as PCOS. But what if the way we look at PCOS is only part of the picture?

As a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) physician specializing in women’s health, I often meet women who feel overwhelmed by their symptoms and feel like they're chasing relief without answers. The good news? There is another way to look at PCOS—one that treats you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.

PCOS: More Than Just a Hormonal Imbalance

In Western medicine, PCOS is considered a hormonal disorder characterized by:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• High levels of androgens (male-type hormones like testosterone)

• Small ovarian cysts seen on ultrasound

These imbalances can lead to symptoms like acne, hair thinning, excessive hair growth, sleep issues, and insulin resistance. While lab work helps confirm the diagnosis, the conventional treatment approach often focuses on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

The TCM Approach to PCOS: Looking at Patterns, Not Just Problems

Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t treat PCOS as one-size-fits-all. Instead, we identify patterns of imbalance in the body. PCOS is viewed as a reflection of how your qi (energy), blood, and organ systems are functioning together—or not.

Here are some common TCM patterns associated with PCOS:

• Phlegm and Damp Accumulation: Often linked to weight gain, fatigue, and irregular cycles
• Qi Stagnation and Heat: Leads to acne, mood swings, PMS, and breast tenderness
• Yin Deficiency: Connected to insomnia, anxiety, and light or absent periods
• Blood Stasis: Results in painful periods with dark clots

Each person’s experience of PCOS is unique, and in TCM, so is the treatment.

Real Case, Real Results

In my clinic, I recently treated a 42-year-old woman with PCOS who was not trying to conceive. Her main concerns were severe acne on her chest and back, irregular periods, and high stress. Her Western diagnosis showed elevated testosterone levels, but in TCM, we diagnosed her with qi stagnation with heat and blood stasis.

Her treatment plan included:

• Acupuncture to clear stagnation and regulate hormones

• Herbs like danggui, mint, and peony to support blood and liver function

• A cooling, anti-inflammatory diet

• Breathwork, light movement, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress

After three months, her acne improved significantly, her cycles became more regular, and her stress levels dropped.

Food, Herbs, and Lifestyle Tips to Support Your Healing

If you’re navigating PCOS symptoms, here are some starting points to consider:

✅ Include:

• Leafy greens, whole grains, flaxseed, chia, seaweed

• Herbal teas like spearmint and chrysanthemum

• Movement like walking, yoga, or tai chi

• Journaling and regular stress management

🚫 Avoid:

• Dairy, refined sugars, fried and processed foods

• Staying up past 11pm (yes, sleep timing matters!)

Of course, any herbal treatment should be prescribed by a licensed TCM practitioner to match your unique constitution.

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Want to Learn More?

I go deeper into the root causes of PCOS and how we treat it in TCM in my latest YouTube video—including:

• A detailed case study

• Acupuncture points that support hormonal balance

• My favorite herbs for PCOS

• Easy, natural steps you can start today

👉 Watch the full video here and don’t forget to subscribe for more women’s health insights rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.