Natural Ways to Help Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition among women of reproductive age. 
Its symptoms include:
1.Ovarian cysts
2.Irregular periods
3.Acne
4.Thinning hair
5.Weight gain

Diet changes
Eating the right foods and avoiding certain ingredients may help you manage your symptoms. A nourishing diet can help regulate your hormones and your menstrual cycle. Eating processed, heavily preserved foods can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance.

It’s all about whole foods
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are whole foods that you can add to your diet.
Without hormones and preservatives, your endocrine system can better regulate your blood sugar.

Balance carb and protein intake
Plant-based protein sources, such as nuts, legumes, and whole grains, are best

Aim for anti-inflammatory
Olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, and tree nuts all fight inflammation.

Up your iron intake
Some women with PCOS experience heavy bleeding during their period. This can result in iron deficiency or anemia. If your doctor has diagnosed you with either condition, talk with them about how you can up your iron intake. 

Up your magnesium intake
Almonds, cashews, spinach, and bananas are PCOS-friendly foods.

Add in some fiber to help with digestion
A diet high in fiber can help improve your digestion. Lentils, lima beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, and avocados are all rich in fiber.

Cut out coffee
Caffeine consumption may be linked to changes in estrogen levels and hormone behavior. Try boosting your energy with a decaf alternative, such as an herbal tea. Kombucha’s probiotic properties may also be beneficial.

Consider soy products
Before adding more soy to your diet, ask your doctor about the latest research. Soy acts like estrogen in your body. This might help balance hormones if you have PCOS. But there’s also evidence that adding soy to your diet could disrupt your endocrine system.

Supplements
Supplements claim to help with hormone regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation associated with PCOS

Speak to your doctor before taking any supplement. Some of them can actually interfere with other prescribed PCOS treatments and medications.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from the bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon extract has been shown to have a positive effect on insulin resistance. Cinnamon also may regulate menstruation for women with PCOS.

Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Turmeric may be promising for decreasing insulin resistance and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that can boost fertility and your immune system. Excessive or unwanted hair growth and alopecia may be improved with zinc supplements.
You can also eat red meat, beans, tree nuts, and seafood to get more zinc in your diet.

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil has been used to help with period pain and irregular menstruation. It may also improve cholesterol levels and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to PCOS.

Combined vitamin D and calcium
Vitamin D is a hormone that’s vital to your endocrine system. Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS. Vitamin D and calcium may improve irregular periods and help you ovulate.

Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil contains vitamins D and A, as well as high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can help improve menstrual regularity and help get rid of fat around your waist.

Berberine
Berberine is an herb used in Chinese medicine to help with insulin resistance. If you have PCOS, berberine maya ramp up your metabolism and balance your body’s endocrine responses.

Adaptogen herbs
When your body can’t regulate insulin, it can build up in your body and cause higher levels of male sex hormones called androgens. Adaptogen herbs claim to aid your body in balancing these hormones. Some adaptogen herbs also claim to ease other symptoms of PCOS, like irregular periods. 

Use caution and talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as their claims haven’t been evaluated by the FDA.

Maca root
The root of the maca plant is a traditional herb used to boost fertility and libido. Maca root may help  balance hormones and lower cortisol levels. It may also help treat depression, which can be a symptom of PCOS.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is also called “Indian ginseng.” It can help balance cortisol levels, which could improve stress and symptoms of PCOS.

Holy basil
Holy basil, also called tulsi, addresses chemical and metabolic stress. It’s referred to as “queen of herbs.” Holy basil can help reduce your blood sugar, prevent weight gain, and lower your cortisol levels.

Licorice root
The root of the licorice plant contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has several unique properties. Licorice root has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory agent. It works to help metabolize sugar and balance hormones.

Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris has been shown to help stimulate ovulation and support healthy menstruation. It may also decrease the number of ovarian cysts.

Probiotics
Probiotics don’t just help with your digestion and gut health. They can play an important role in treating PCOS. They can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones like androgen and estrogen.

Consider taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic foods, like kimchi and kombucha.


Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can help decrease insulin resistance, regulate your period, and reduce your risk of conditions associated with PCOS.

If you’re overweight, some studies suggest gradual weight loss through a low-calorie diet as a promising first-line treatment for PCOS.


Balance your exercise
Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight. But too much exercise can disrupt your hormones, so talk with your doctor about a healthy balance. 

Gentle, low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates can be practiced for longer durations. Swimming and light aerobics are also recommended. High-intensity interval training and long-distance running may also help improve symptoms of PCOS.

Talk with your doctor about the type of workout that would benefit you most.


Practice good sleep hygiene
Sleep affects your stress levels and helps regulate cortisol to balance your hormones. But sleep disturbances are twice as common for women with PCOS. 

To up your sleep hygiene:

*Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep per night.
*Establish a regular bedtime routine.
*Avoid stimulants and rich, fatty foods before bedtime.

Reduce stress
Reducing stress can regulate cortisol. Many of the strategies mentioned above, such as yoga, getting enough sleep, and cutting caffeine, can contribute to lower stress levels.

Limit or avoid endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or ingredients that interfere with or block your body’s natural hormonal reactions.

They’re often found in canned foods, soaps, and makeup. Common endocrine disruptors include:
-Dioxins
-Phthalates
-Pesticides
-BPA
-Glycol ethers

Consider acupuncture
There’s enough research to make a case for acupuncture as an alternative treatment for PCOS. 
Acupuncture may help  PCOS by:

-Increasing blood flow to your ovaries
-Reducing cortisol levels
-Helping with weight loss
-Improving your sensitivity to insulin


Be cautious
Be wary of supplements and other therapies that make large claims. Although there’s a fair amount of research on natural treatments for PCOS, more concrete information is still needed to support many alternative remedies.

You should always check with your doctor before starting any alternative therapy. Some treatments that claim to be miracle products for PCOS can actually impact your fertility or lead to other complications.

Be especially wary of:

Systemic enzyme therapies

supplements and herbs that promise to “cure all” and provide “instant results”


Talk with your doctor
If you’re considering any of the above natural treatment options for PCOS, work with your doctor to make a treatment plan.
While herbal supplements and alternative therapies can help PCOS treatment, they aren’t a substitute for a customized, ongoing dialogue with your doctor about your symptoms.

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