Best PCOS Natural Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) disturbs the hormone balance in reproductive women, which impacts the body’s metabolic and reproductive processes.
Increased levels of male hormones (androgens) cause symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
In addition, PCOS can lead to infertility, as it can prevent ovulation from occurring regularly.
In PCOS, the treatment approach is to manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Natural treatments help manage symptoms of PCOS by addressing the underlying hormone imbalances and insulin resistance that contribute to the condition.
Please read on for a comprehensive understanding of PCOS and the natural treatments that can effectively manage it.
Are natural treatments effective?
While natural treatments should not be considered substitutes for medical care, they can significantly aid in managing PCOS symptoms and improve overall health.
A 2018 study revealed that exercise, the most recommended natural treatment, may improve menstrual regularity and thus can help manage PCOS.
Many natural treatments aim at bringing down obesity to regulate the imbalances in the body.
As per 2011 research by medical experts in Sweden, an adequately managed diet and exercise effectively improve reproductive function in overweight/obese women with PCOS.
The underlying mechanism involves enhanced insulin sensitivity in ovulatory women.
Healthy dietary and exercise habits have long-term beneficial effects on patients.
Other natural methods include food and lifestyle practices that regulate body hormones and chemicals to manage PCOS symptoms.
There are several natural treatments for PCOS, besides using birth control, which effectively tackle PCOS symptoms.
Please read on to learn about the various natural treatments in detail.
Diet changes
Diet has a significant impact on the body.
Foods differ in their nutrient composition, and our body reacts differently to the choice of food.
PCOS patients should plan a diet with nutrients that can positively impact body hormones and chemicals.
As per a 2017 study, healthy eating is inversely associated with the risk of PCOS, meaning healthy eating lowers the risk of PCOS among women.
Some eating habits which can help manage the PCOS symptoms and improve fertility are:
Go for whole grains
A 2017 Iranian research found that higher consumption of whole grains was associated with a 64% lower risk of PCOS.
Whole grains benefit by regulating insulin sensitivity and blood glucose in the body.
You can include the following whole grains in your diet:
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Oats
- Whole wheat
- Millets
- Amaranth
Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet
As per a study, an anti-inflammatory diet results in moderate weight loss and significant improvements in hormones, body composition, and menstrual cycle.
The following can be a good inclusion in an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Fruits like cherries, oranges, blueberries, grapes, and strawberries
- Leafy greens such as collards, kale, and spinach
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Nuts such as walnuts and almonds.
- Fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon
Add Magnesium to your diet
A 2019 American research indicates improvement in insulin resistance through magnesium consumption in women with PCOS.
One should avoid processed foods while planning a magnesium-rich diet because the processing depletes the natural magnesium quantity.
You can include these magnesium-rich food items in your diet:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Adequate water
Minimize junk food consumption
A 2023 study states that junk food consumption is substantially related to menstrual difficulties.
It slows down the body’s metabolism, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
This indirectly affects androgen levels through insulin resistance, eventually worsening PCOS disorder.
Exercise regularly
The exercise shows positive improvements in overall health-related quality of life, including significant benefits in hormonal profile, depression, and anxiety.
A 2020 analysis demonstrated that exercise training in women with PCOS improves cardio-metabolic outcomes.
The analysis supports the role of exercise therapy as the first-line approach for improving health in women with PCOS.
A minimum of 20 hours of intense exercise over 10â12 weeks, equating to 120 min per week across this timeframe, may yield more significant health benefits.
Another 2022 research indicates the effectiveness of aerobic activity in reducing inflammation and enhancing insulin sensitivity in PCOS.
This activity can include walking, cycling, or any other aerobic exercise at a self-selected pace.
Natural fertility treatments for PCOS
There are several natural treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome that can help improve fertility and increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Nutrients & plants
Certain nourishing substances are known for their health-boosting and disease-fighting properties.
They can be great natural remedies for PCOS.
Vitamin D
D deficiency is associated with female infertility through impaired ovulatory function due to dysregulated follicle development and hormone levels.
An assessment done in 2016 supported that the likelihood of live birth was reduced by 44% for women if vitamin D levels were below the recommended mark.
Vitamin D plays a role in both male and female fertility; therefore, it is vital to keep vitamin D levels in the optimum range in case of fertility-related conditions, i.e., PCOS.
You can consider including these Vitamin D rich foods in your diet:
- Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
- Herring and sardines
- Mushrooms
- Eggs
- Milk and yogurt
- Vitamin D-fortified non-dairy products (almond milk, rice milk)
- Kale
- Cod Liver Oil
- Orange Juice
Aloe vera and chamomile
Plants such as Aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by raising the number of ovarian follicles.
Herbs
The effect of herbs in the treatment of PCOS can be attributed to strengthening the immune system and regulating the menstrual cycle, thus helping with fertility in PCOS.
You can consider these herbs:
- Chaste tree
- Cinnamon
- Ginseng
- Stachys lavandulifolia (also known as Spanish Mountain Mint or Lavender Betony)
- Fennel
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Quercetin consumption causes improvement in oocyte and embryo grade and the pregnancy rate in PCOS patients.
It can be found in foods such as:
- Apples
- Onions
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Leafy green vegetables
Vamana Karma (therapeutic vomiting)
Vamana Karma (therapeutic vomiting) followed by Shatapushpadi Ghanavati(Ikshwaaku seed) is very effective in managing obese PCOS patients and increasing the chances of conception.
It works by regularizing menstruation, considerably reducing body weight and BMI.
Thus, this treatment protocol can help manage PCOS patients.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice that involves thin needles being inserted into specific points on the body to restore energy balance and promote healing.
A trial conducted in June 2022 says Acupuncture (in combination with herbal medicine) significantly improved pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and quality of life in infertile women with PCOS.
Yoga and meditation
PCOS is often associated with high levels of stress and anxiety.
Yoga and meditation can help reduce these by promoting relaxation and reducing the levels of stress hormones in the body.
Research has shown that Yoga is more effective than other physical exercises in lowering cholesterol.
Yoga aids in regulating menstrual cycles with insignificant changes in body weight.
It also helps reduce stress, and regular practice increases blood circulation, puts pressure on the reproductive organs, and improves hormone stimulation.
A significant PCOS risk reduction was noticed among adolescent school girls in experimental research, where they practiced Meditation, Yoga, and walking exercise.
Yoga and meditation promote overall health by improving physical fitness, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the immune system.
You can practice below yoga postures and activities for naturally treating PCOS:
- Pranayama(Breathing exercise)
- Bhadrasana (Butterfly pose)
- Chakki Chalanasana (Moving the grinding wheel)
- Bhujangasana(Cobra pose)
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana(Bridge Pose)
- Surya Namaskar(Sun Salutation)
- Naukasana(Boat Pose)
- Shavasana (corpse pose)
Home remedies for PCOS
There are several home remedies that can help manage the symptoms of the condition.
However, it’s important to note that home remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Let’s look at some home remedies that help naturally treat PCOS.
Licorice(Mulethi)
Mulethi is a flowering plant from which a sweet, aromatic flavoring is extracted from the root.
It has long been used as an ingredient in Korean traditional medicinal herbal formulas for various metabolic and reproductive diseases.
The efficacy of Mulethi (licorice) was backed by research that yielded encouraging results in improving fertility rates.
Indian Ginseng(Ashwagandha)
Ashwagandha reduces stress and improves mental well-being, which helps fight PCOS symptoms.
Chamomile & Spearmint Tea
Women with PCOS may benefit from consuming chamomile and spearmint tea due to their various medicinal properties.
Spearmint has anti-androgenic properties, which can help reduce male hormone levels in the body that can help regulate menstrual cycles.
Chamomile can significantly impact menstrual regulation and hormone levels in women of reproductive age with PCOS.
Aloe Vera Gel
A study indicates that AVG has potential efficacy in preventing and maintaining PCOS.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseed can significantly impact hormone levels and may diminish symptoms associated with hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
A 2007 research showed a significant decrease in androgen levels, with a decrease in total serum testosterone.
The patient also reported a reduction in hirsutism after four months.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cooking.
Popularly recognized for its unique flavor and bright yellow appearance, Turmeric has several potential health benefits.
In this study, curcumin(found in Turmeric) decreased liver inflammation by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic necrosis.
Therefore, curcumin can be considered a protective factor against the inflammatory state of PCOS.
Summary
In conclusion, managing PCOS can be challenging, but natural treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Regular exercise, Yoga and meditation, and acupuncture are a few natural activities that have shown significant improvements in PCOS symptoms.
Certain dietary additions such as whole grains, anti-inflammatory foods, magnesium-rich foods, and minimizing junk food are effective natural treatments for PCOS.
Also, Vitamin D & Quercetin rich foods and herbs like cinnamon, Indian ginseng, licorice, and aloe vera gel are natural remedies you can consider to treat infertility in PCOS.
Natural remedies enable women with PCOS to take charge of their well-being and enhance their quality of life.
It is important to note that you should use natural treatments in conjunction with medical treatment and under the guidance of a PCOS specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I lower my PCOS naturally?
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, using herbal remedies, and getting enough sleep can help lower PCOS symptoms naturally. Please consult a specialist before starting any new treatments.
Can I treat my PCOS at home?
Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and natural remedies can manage PCOS to a considerable effect, but it’s important to remember that medical treatments are crucial in treating the condition. Home treatment alone is not enough to treat PCOS effectively.
How to cure PCOS permanently in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, the treatment of PCOS involves a holistic approach that focuses on balancing the body and mind. This may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation. Remember that while Ayurveda can significantly help manage PCOS symptoms, there is no known cure for the condition.
How can I reduce PCOS in one month?
It is essential to understand that PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder and typically requires long-term management. The duration of PCOS treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition, the individual’s symptoms, and the treatment approach. However, healthy lifestyle changes combined with proper medication help rapidly improve PCOS symptoms.
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