Natural Ways to Treat PCOS / PCOD
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) is a very common medical condition in women in their reproductive age. Though researchers don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, they suspect that the body’s regulation of hormones, such as insulin and testosterone, may be responsible. The symptoms vary from person to person but the most common ones are irregular periods, acne, ovarian cysts, weight gain and infertility.
While the most common way to treat PCOS is through medication after consulting a doctor, some people opt for natural treatment for PCOS. Though medication is the best way to control and treat the condition, there are some natural ways to control it as well, but that does not mean you can leave behind medicines or other doctor recommended treatments.
Here are some of the most common, effective natural treatments for PCOS.
Related Product – PCOD Supplements
Natural Treatment For PCOS
You should always talk to your doctor before you try any other alternative treatment.
Related Article – Know-How To Cure PCOD
1. Diet changes: Eating the right foods and avoiding certain ingredients is shown to help manage PCOS symptoms. A balanced diet can help our body regulate hormones and our menstrual cycle. You should increase intake of whole foods, anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, iron and magnesium rich foods, and balance your carbs and protein intake. Cutting out coffee from your diet will help balance estrogen levels and hormones, which usually can change due to the caffeine in coffee. A better alternative for coffee would be green tea or herbal tea.
2. Maintaining Your Weight: Maintaining your weight along with a good diet is a crucial part of controlling PCOS symptoms. People with PCOS commonly carry extra weight, which can increase their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other issues. Losing 5% of body weight has shown to help relieve PCOS symptoms. Other lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet and getting more physical activity can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of health complications.
Related Article – Everything You Need To Know About PCOS
3. Probiotics: Research shows that probiotic supplements can help reverse symptoms of PCOS, certain can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones like androgen and estrogen.
4. Supplements: Supplements can help with hormone regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Though they aren’t exactly a cure all remedy, they can help. Vitamin B supplements can help improve insulin resistance. They have also been found to help with fertility in some cases of PCOS. Turmeric and cinnamon can also help with decreasing insulin resistance and serve as anti-inflammatory agents. Another supplement is Zinc, it can boost fertility and your immune system. Evening primrose oil, cod liver oil, calcium and Vitamin D can help with period pain and irregular menstruation.
5. Herbs: Many common herbs are also used as a natural treatment for PCOS. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Tulsi can help balance cortisol levels, release stress and control blood sugar while maintaining your weight. Chasteberry has also shown to help with various reproductive conditions and can help aid some symptoms of PCOD.
Related Article – Diet for PCOD; what to eat and what to avoid
6. CBD Oil: CBD is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, the research on the plant and its health benefits is still very little, so there aren’t many studies about the effects of CBD on PCOS, though some early research has shown that it may help with anxiety and insomnia, both of which are common in people with the condition.
7. Maintaining A Balanced Sleep Schedule: PCOS causes a lot of issues in your sleep cycle, and disturbed sleep can also affect your stress levels. Sleep also regulates cortisol to balance your hormones, but sleep disturbances can disrupt that. Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep everyday and sleep at a regular time by cutting down screen time and untimely eating.
8. Reduce stress: Reducing stress can also regulate cortisol levels. Following certain methods like yoga, getting sleep, and cutting caffeine, can contribute to lower stress levels. Taking breaks during work and maintaining a work-life balance can also reduce stress.
Related Article – PCOS/PCOD Problem: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Do These Methods Actually Work?
Natural treatment for PCOS is not a guaranteed cure nor should it be replaced for medicine and other doctor recommended treatments. These natural remedies are an extra step you can take to help aid your PCOD symptoms along with medicines. If you do feel like opting for natural treatment for PCOS, it’s best to consult your doctor and understand what’s best for you instead of blindly following these remedies.
The key takeaway is that there may be natural treatment for PCOS but it’s always best to consult your doctor, get their recommendation and move forward with the kind of treatments that you both agree on.
