In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the area of natural treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Menstrual irregularities, acne, and significant weight gain characterise the endocrine condition polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which affects a large percentage of women of reproductive age. Holistic methods, such as dietary changes and herbal supplements, may help treat symptoms and reestablish hormonal balance, especially when combined with traditional medical treatment. This research will guide you in making evidence-based choices for your health and fitness, demonstrating the natural treatments for PCOS symptoms.
Dive into the world of natural treatments for PCOS with our comprehensive guide.
What is PCOS?
The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition, remains a mystery. A mix of elements, such as genetics, way of life, and surroundings, might play a part. “Polycystic ovarian syndrome” suggests that the ovaries are the central location of the disease and that each ovary may have many cysts.
Causes of PCOS
While we understand polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to be a hormonal condition, the exact cause remains a mystery. A mix of elements, such as genetics, way of life, and surroundings, might constitute a contributing factor. Because there could be several cysts on each ovary in “polycystic ovarian syndrome,” the name suggests that the ovaries are the central location of the abnormality. Regardless, they are not cysts but eggs in their early stages.
Symptoms of PCOS
Periodic cystitis symptoms could involve:
- Periods that are either missed, irregular, or very light.
- Symptoms of enlarged or cyst-ridden ovaries.
- Excessive hair growth on the body, particularly the back, chest, and stomach (hirsutism).
- Putting on extra pounds, particularly in the abdominal area.
- Oily or acne-prone skin.
- Baldness that follows a male pattern of hair loss.
- Being unable to conceive.
- Small bits of skin that hang loosely about the neck or under the arms (skin tags).
- The breasts, armpits, and back of the neck may have thick or dark areas of skin.
Lifestyle Changes for PCOS
Cut Down on Carbs and Sugars
Insulin resistance, a common condition in PCOS women, plays a significant role in the development of low insulin levels. When combined with pancreatic insulin, this condition aids in converting food-based glucose into usable energy and regulates blood glucose levels. Your healthcare provider may recommend a low-carb, low-sugar diet to manage your blood sugar levels.
An ideal diet for PCOS women includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean meats (such as fish and poultry), and high-fibre carbs. Healthcare professionals often advise patients to reduce sugar, fat, and carbohydrates in their diets. Opting for meals low on the glycemic index (GI) can help your body burn carbohydrates for energy instead of fat, aiding in weight management. Foods rich in fibre can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Take Control of Your Weight
Hydrolysing carbs into sugar is advantageous, so cutting back is a good idea. Foods such as white flour, processed sugar, rice, and potatoes are examples of refined carbohydrates. Avoid drinks and juices that are high in sugar. Fat percentages tend to rise in women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. A few additional pounds might creep on while that operation is running. Possible side effects include infertility, diabetes type 2, and cardiovascular problems. You may consult with a nutritionist or weight reduction specialist at the Langone Health System at New York University to develop a low-calorie, low-fat eating regimen. Calorie counters or written meal diaries are potentially valuable tools for them. Pinch yourself to lose weight.
The recommended daily fibre intake for women is 21–25 grams. A few examples of foods that are rich in fibre include lentils, fruits, and beans. Veggies, chia seeds, and seeds in nuts like almonds, pistachios, and others contain vegetables, chia seeds, and anti-inflammatory foods. One characteristic of polycystic ovarian syndrome, according to experts, is the inflammatory process that leads the ovaries to manufacture androgens. Eating foods that help fight inflammation might be helpful. “The tomatoes are ripe” is one such statement. Green leafy vegetables, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and green vegetables are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.), fruits (oranges, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.), unrefined olive oil, and whole grains. In a healthy diet, carbohydrates play a role. Opt for whole grains whenever you consume carbohydrates. Whole grains affect blood sugar levels less than processed carbs due to their higher fibre content—the unsaturated fats. The researchers also found that taking fish oil with vitamin E helped lower insulin levels.
Keep Moving Regularly
Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome benefit most from regular physical activity as a treatment. Exercise and calorie restriction leads to weight loss and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Exercise also lowers cholesterol and testosterone levels. Your mind also benefits from exercise. Research has linked polycystic ovarian syndrome to an increased likelihood of mental health problems. Mind and body workouts are complementary. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and qi gong all fall under this umbrella. When it comes to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the best kind of exercise is… Researchers have yet to determine the best types of exercise.
Nonetheless, they contend that PCOS patients may benefit from physical activity. The key to reaping the benefits of exercise is consistency. The aerobic fitness model includes activities like swimming, cycling, and other forms of aerobic exercise. Resistance training, on the other hand, helps build muscle and stamina through activities like weightlifting, squats, sit-ups, and push-ups. By incorporating these into your routine, you can take control of your health and well-being.
Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule
How well you sleep affects both your stress levels and the hormone cortisol. However, disruptions to sleep occur twice as often. Reliable resource for PCOS women. To improve your nightly routine:
- Try to get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep a night.
- Set up a consistent schedule for when you go to bed.
- Stay away from stimulants and fatty, protein-heavy meals in the hours leading up to the night.
- Lessen anxiety.
Stay Stress Free
Stress plays a significant role in PCOS, and managing it is critical to controlling cortisol levels. Implementing yoga, getting adequate sleep, and reducing coffee can reduce stress levels and improve overall health. Another way to lessen the impact of stress is to make time for outdoor walks and other forms of relaxation and self-care.
How does birth control work for polycystic ovary syndrome?
Hormonal birth control may alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms in women by controlling menstrual cycles, reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies, and lowering testosterone levels. Some hormonal contraceptives include just progestin, whereas others contain both progestin and estrogen, which is why many women prefer the latter.
Discovering the Power of Botanical Remedies and Natural Treatments for PCOS
Natural Supplements to Treatments PCOS
Nutritional supplements assist you throughout this period of change. However, it is not possible to rely only on supplements to deal with an unhealthy lifestyle. Allow me to introduce you to 7 of the top PCOS supplements on the market.
INOSITOL: Vitamin B8, or inositol, is an excellent supplement for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it helps maintain healthy ovarian and blood sugar levels. When you searched for inositol, you could see myo-inositol on the label. There are two types, however, and both are effective against PCOS. According to most studies, the ideal ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is 40:1.
Zinc: Zinc and palmetto taken together may aid the body in eliminating extra testosterone, which causes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). These nutritional supplements enhance testosterone’s androgen potency by blocking 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Zinc may be helpful for PCOS women coping with symptoms including acne, mood swings, excessive hair growth, and weight gain due to testosterone excess. According to the research, zinc improves the metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Vitamin D: Research shows that about 42% of Americans suffer from vitamin D insufficiency. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) isn’t the only condition this affects. Vitamin D supplementation improves fertility and helps women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have more regular periods (after three months of therapy), according to research. This, in turn, raises the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In addition, supplementing with vitamin D has been associated with improved mood and a reduced risk of depression in women, regardless of whether they have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
B Complex: B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, are the best natural treatments for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). They could be helpful in the fight against insulin resistance in PCOS patients. These water-soluble minerals offer numerous benefits. Some vital supplements that may assist with mood regulation are B6 (which helps make serotonin and dopamine, which are required for happy and contented feelings) and B12 (which is vital for creating and using serotonin). It may be essential for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to take B12 supplements since metformin has the potential to reduce B12 levels in the body.
VITEX (CHASTEBERRY): Vitex agnus-castus promotes hormonal balance by acting specifically on progesterone levels. There is an effect on the hypothalamus from the vata gland. This gland in the brain instructs the ovaries to produce hormones. By disrupting this hormonal feedback loop, Vitex has the potential to improve estrogen and progesterone levels while reestablishing a healthy testosterone balance. Cysts, acne, PMS, miscarriage, and endometriosis are some of the PCOS symptoms that have shown improvement with treatment.
Fish Oils/Omega 3: Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. (Here, remember that the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids is higher in fish than in plant sources; hence, eating fish is the optimal choice!) Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory qualities that effectively treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Fish oil supplementation and other omega-3 fatty acids have shown a “substantial improvement” over placebo-controlled studies, reducing disease activity and the need for anti-inflammatory medications. Despite their many health advantages, how exactly might omega-3 fatty acids help with PCOS therapy? A recent meta-analysis identified omega-3 fatty acids as beneficial in reducing insulin resistance and blood total cholesterol (TC) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Magnesium: In most cases, women’s health may benefit from taking magnesium supplements. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis are just a few of the serious health problems linked to the magnesium shortage. Taking magnesium helps with various health conditions, including decreasing these risks and improving energy, mood, hormone balance, and bowel regularity. A magnesium deficiency is linked to diabetes because magnesium is required for the body to use insulin and break down sugar. According to the researchers, taking 300 mg of magnesium before bed significantly improved insulin and fasting blood glucose levels. Elevated magnesium levels ameliorate polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance.
Natural Herbs to Treatments PCOS
Shatavari: According to Ayurveda, the “queen of herbs” is Shatavari, asparagus racemosus. Shatavari is gaining popularity worldwide because of mounting evidence that it reduces symptoms of endometrial illness and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while simultaneously increasing follicular growth, development, and ovulation in clinical patients. It controls blood flow, menstruation, and fertility. Minerals, bioflavonoids, B vitamins, calcium, and zinc are essential for women’s health.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon extract improves insulin selectivity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Cinnamon has a hypoglycemic effect because its polyphenols and procyanidins activate the insulin signalling system. Taking cinnamon regularly may help normalise your cycle if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Ashwagandha: It is possible that ashwagandha, one of the most potent adaptogens, might reduce severe PCOS symptoms. This plant alleviates stress by lowering cortisol levels in the blood, brain, and body. It aids weight loss by enhancing hunger and eating behaviours. It also aids PCOS patients in managing hair thinning and loss, controlling blood sugar, and improving energy metabolism.
Turmeric: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that offers numerous benefits. Most polycystic ovary syndrome patients see a reduction in insulin resistance after using turmeric. Fasting insulin levels were shown to be lower in PCOS individuals who took 500–1000 mg of curcumin daily after the trial. PCOS women who take turmeric show reduced insulin resistance and fasting blood sugar levels. Turmeric reduces the risk of heart disease by increasing HDL. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce PCOS oxidative stress and inflammation.
Ginseng: KRGE reduced polycystic ovaries’ high antral follicle count while increasing the corpora lutea count. All signs point to KRGE having a positive impact on PCOS therapy—morphological alterations of the ovary. Ginseng can raise blood estradiol levels while decreasing serum luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. These studies emphasise its potential use in PCOS treatment.
Chamomile: This effect could be attributed to the plant’s coumarin, flavonoids, phytosterols, and chamomile. The cholesterol-like phytosterols have a track record of suppressing testosterone synthesis and other androgenic hormones. Chamomile tea, a soothing herbal option, may be beneficial for those battling polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Chamomile tea’s calming properties make it a potential tool for lowering stress levels, which is known to affect hormone balance.
Aloe Vera: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) management formulations may include aloe vera and other materials that help restore ovarian hormone levels. An animal study provided this information. Further research is required to pinpoint the precise application of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera helps remove chemical buildup since it is hydrating and may provide the body with excellent lubrication. Because the intestines store all the pollutants we consume, PCOS patients must cleanse their digestive system with aloe vera juice.
Stachys lavandulifolia: Further, fennel and Stachys lavandulifolia effectively alter endometrial tissue parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by decreasing estrogen and hyperplasia. Several studies have shown that herbal treatments help alleviate PCOS symptoms in women; however, the treatment cycle is longer, and there are fewer adverse effects.
Fennel: Fennel seeds may help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) due to their anti-hirsutism and androgen (male hormone)–lowering properties. How do you eat them? After soaking them overnight, bring the fennel seeds and water to a boil in the morning. If necessary, add another glass of water.
Licorice: Licorice, or mulethi in Hindi, is a medicinal herb that is an integral part of several Ayurvedic treatments. One possible reason for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is its role as a potent anti-adrenergic substance, which helps keep male hormone levels stable. On top of that, it reduces inflammation, insulin resistance, and stress. Inhibiting the adrenal gland and ovary enzymes 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase, liquorice root has anti-androgenic properties that have prompted its consideration as adjunctive therapy for the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in the last few years.
Flax Seeds: Flaxseed lignans may help women with PCOS and menstrual cycle disorders. The high levels of soluble and insoluble fibre in flaxseed suggest that it may help with glucose management, weight loss, and intestinal regularity. Soluble fibre also helps lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Probiotic: Probiotic supplements might assist with PCOS-related difficulties, such as insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and LPS generation since many studies have shown that this supplement may benefit these conditions.
Conclusion
Natural treatments may help you control PCOS symptoms and start on the road to holistic wellness. Supplementing conventional treatment with dietary changes, herbal medicines, and behavioural modifications can achieve hormonal balance and symptom relief. Talking to a doctor may help you tailor these natural remedies to your unique needs and ensure they have the desired effect. Incorporate natural therapies into your toolbox for managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and take charge of your health. Create a healthy, thriving life.