PCOS can be controlled and cure by using natural home remedies, herbs, and changing diet.Are you suffering from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
And are you hesitant to resort to the medications and hormone therapy because of side effects?Then why not opt for natural alternatives and lifestyle modification to treat polycystic ovary syndrome.
POCS is a condition that is related to the hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age, linked with high levels of androgens (male hormones ) in the body.Hormones can be balanced using natural herbs.
It is characterized by the enlargement of the ovaries and small collections of fluid, called follicles.
Women with POCS may complain of infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, acne and growth of excess hair. Adolescent girls having POCS complain of infrequent or absence of menstrual periods.
If POCS is diagnosed at an early stage and proper treatment is ensured, then we can avoid the risk of acquiring any associated long-term consequences.They can be like type-2 diabetes and heart-related complications.
The exact cause of POCS is yet not clear. Research has shown that high levels of insulin can cause the ovaries to synthesize more male hormones. And you may be at a high risk if you have a family history of POCS.
But there are many traditional and natural therapies for treating POCS which is considered to be less invasive and also come with minimum side effects.
Table of Contents
Natural And Home Remedies For PCOS
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is considered to be a very effective drug in the treatment of POCS, as it can help in normalizing the menstrual cycle.
Plus a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility showed the ability of this herb to reduce insulin resistance in women with POCS.
Try to include cinnamon regularly in your diet, you may add some cinnamon powder to your dish or can even have a teaspoon of cinnamon after each meal.
You can also go for cinnamon supplement tablets but after consultation with a doctor.As Cinnamon can also lower your blood sugar levels.
You may also add a tablespoon of cinnamon to a glass of hot water and drink it.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also equally effective as it aids in controlling the blood sugar levels and improve the overall insulin sensitivity.
It restricts your body from producing an excess of insulin thus implying less testosterone. It also helps you in losing your weight and gain overall health.
A dosage of one-two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar is enough initially. If you aren’t comfortable with the taste, you may take it along with juices. Or you may mix it in a glass of water and drink it.
3. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is known to possess anti-androgenic properties and hence is effective in treating POCS.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that spearmint tea can reduce the condition of hirsutism, or excess of body hair.
It does so by reducing the free and total testosterone levels and increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
How To Make Spearmint Tea?
1.Boil a cup of water in a pan.
2.To the boiling water add a teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves.
3.Leave it simmer for around ten minutes.
4.Strain the water properly and drink it. Have it twice a day daily for two weeks.
4. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are also known to reduce androgen levels in the body thus helping in treating POCS.They are known to contain lignans which can increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
They can bind testosterone present in the blood and thus combat POCS.They are also rich in fiber and help slow down the metabolism of glucose and reduce blood sugar levels.
Ground a teaspoon of flaxseeds and mix it with a glass of water and drink it daily for a few months until satisfactory results are seen.
You may also include them in your regular diet, adding it on top of your smoothies, soups, and salads.
5. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have the ability to promote the metabolism of glucose in your body.It also improves insulin resistance and helps in balancing the imbalance of hormones.
It aids in lowering your cholesterol levels and aids weight loss, thus keeping the heart functioning healthily.
You can add fenugreek seeds and leaves into your regular diet.
You can also soak them in water for around 6-8 hours and have a teaspoon of soaked seeds with honey on an empty stomach in the morning, and also before having lunch and dinner also. Do this regularly for a few weeks or until satisfactory results.
6. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a herb which possesses anti-androgenic properties; it blocks 5-alpha-reductase activity.
Thus, it restricts the conversion of testosterone into its more active form of dihydrotestosterone. This will, in turn, reduce hirsutism or excessive hairiness in women.
It is requested that you get your condition diagnosed by a trained physician and then go for home remedies according to their advice.
Consult a licensed naturopathic physician before taking any of these herbal remedies for safe and better effectiveness.
Lifestyle Advice
1. Quit Smoking
Women who smoke are at a higher risk of POCS as smoking is linked with having higher levels of androgens.
Even though you don’t smoke, try to avoid any exposure to passive smoking. Smoking may also cause many heart-related complications also.So quitting smoking is a preventive measure that you can take for POCS.
2. Keep Your Weight Under Control
Maintain a healthy weight, since obesity can make insulin resistance even worse.Keep yourself energetic.
The Loss in weight will also make sure that your cholesterol levels are controlled.It also reduces the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Don’t do in for crash course or into intensive exercise, keep it simple.
Consult a nutritionist and they will be able to guide you on how to reduce weight. And avoid going into medications for weight loss as they are bound to give side effects.
A modest weight loss can help reduce androgen and insulin levels in the body.
Weight loss of as little as 5% to 7% over six months can reduce androgen levels enough to restore ovulation and fertility in more than 75% of women who have PCOS.
3. Switch To A Healthy And Balanced Diet
High carbohydrate and the low-fat diet are known to increase the insulin levels in the blood, so you may have to think about a low –carbohydrate diet if you are suffering from PCOS.
Include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet, don’t cut down completely on carbohydrates.You can have complex carbohydrates which are rich in fiber.
Prefer foodstuff which is rich in fiber, as fiber takes some time to get digested and so the blood sugar levels also rise slowly.You should follow a PCOS diet plan.If you know what are foods you should eat and what to avoid, then managing it will be easy.
Consult a nutritionist and make detailed diet chart with his/her guidance.
4.Keep Yourself Active
Come out of the sedentary lifestyle; regular physical activity is a must as it keeps a good circulation of blood and oxygen supply in your body.
A sedentary lifestyle may put you at the risk of a host of medical complications especially heart diseases.Regular physical activity will be helpful in preventing insulin resistance and keeping your weight under control.
Dietary Advice
- Dairy products should be avoided or should be consumed in limited quantity.
- Avoid intake of saturated fats.
- Additives, food chemicals, and preservatives should be prevented.
- Sugar should be avoided.
- Alcohol and caffeine must be strictly avoided.
- Drink Plenty of water- Water will flush out any free radicles or any organisms that may cause hormonal imbalance causing POCS. You may include plenty of watery fruits and vegetables like melons, cucumbers, etc.
Supplements To Be Considered
Usage of oral contraceptive pills may greatly affect your hormonal balance as well as the balance of vitamins and minerals which are a contributing factor to POCS, in such cases, you can consider these supplements to correct the imbalance.
These supplements are to be considered only after consulting a doctor.
- B Vitamins
- Chromium
- Co-enzyme Q10
- Diindolylmethane (DIM)
- Essential minerals
- Essential vitamins
- Magnesium
Some Herbs To Be Considered
While the supplements take care of vitamin and mineral imbalances, the hormonal imbalance is taken care by herbs.
1.Chaste Tree (VitexAgnuscastus)
This herb stimulates and normalizes the function of the pituitary gland and helps in treating infertility and PCOS.
2.Maca
Maca is a herb that can cure the symptoms of PCOS like acne, irregular menstrual cycles and also insulin resistance.
3.Gymnema
Gymnema is a herb that can reduce sugar and carbohydrate craving and will help you maintain your body weight.
4.Tribulus
Tribulus is a herb that aids in regulating ovulation and also helps in restoring menstrual regularity
Here in this article, I have covered some natural home remedies to cure polycystic syndrome.Lots of lifestyles and dietary advice are also given so as to prevent the occurrence of this disease.
There are some supplements and herbs which should be taken only after the consultation of a doctor.
Hope all these information helps you to stay healthy and free from this disease. If you have any query, then do write to us.
