Polycystic Ovaries, PCOS and Endometriosis

Polycystic ovaries and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are often spoken about together, but they are not always exactly the same thing. In Western medicine, PCOS is generally understood as a hormonal and metabolic condition that may involve irregular ovulation, higher androgen levels, and ovaries that contain many small follicles. It can be associated with irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, difficulty conceiving, and changes in insulin regulation.

Endometriosis is different again. It involves tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing in places where it does not belong, often around the pelvis, ovaries, bowel, or bladder. It may contribute to pelvic pain, heavy or painful periods, fatigue, pain with sex, digestive disturbance, and fertility challenges.

From an East Asian medicine perspective, these conditions are not treated only by name. The pattern underneath matters. Two people may both have PCOS, but one may show more Dampness, another more Blood Stasis, another more Cold, and another more depletion. This is why treatment should always be individualised.

In some cases, a combination of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan and Shi Quan Da Bu Wan may be considered. Traditionally, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is used to support movement where there is stagnation or Blood Stasis in the lower abdomen, while Shi Quan Da Bu Wan is used to build Qi and Blood where the system is depleted and lacks the strength to repair.

Together, when appropriate, this combination may help improve circulation through the pelvic region, support the body’s ability to clear waste products, and strengthen the deeper resources needed for long-term hormonal and reproductive health.

This is not usually a quick process. When working with long-standing ovarian, menstrual, or endometrial patterns, treatment often needs to be considered over several cycles, with a minimum of around six months giving the body time to respond.

Herbs should always be prescribed by a qualified practitioner, especially if you are trying to conceive, undergoing IVF, taking hormonal medication, using blood-thinning medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, or awaiting surgery. Chinese herbal medicine can be powerful, and quality, dosage, suitability, and interactions all matter.

The aim is not to force the body into change, but to restore movement, nourishment, warmth, and strength so the reproductive system has better conditions in which to regulate itself.