Holistic treatment for PCOS patients: Patient and physician perspectives

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In everyday language, the term holism is controversial and often interpreted negatively. Holistic therapies are said to be an “unconventional” form of medicine, sitting alongside the conventional medicine available in Western society. Nowadays, many therapists claim to provide holistic care, particularly when it comes to treating patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But what do patients mean by holistic treatment and what do they expect from this comprehensive care? In this article, the co-president of the French patients’ association Asso’SOPK reports on patients’ point of views, and we offer them some answers, thanks in particular to the latest international recommendations on the diagnosis and management of PCOS published in 2023, as well as a literature review on the various practices patients are turning to. Findings on meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, naturopathy, food supplements, herbal remedies, and the practice of yoga will be discussed.