30 Natural Ways to Help Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Specialist in Obstetrics - Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Symptoms may include ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, less hair, and weight gain. The causes of PCOS are complex, the researchers say, but insulin resistance and hormone regulation are key factors.
You can control these factors and relieve your symptoms with lifestyle changes and dietary supplements. It should be noted, however, that these treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome respond on a case-by-case basis. Here are some natural remedies to help treat polycystic ovaries.

1. Change your diet

Eating the right foods and avoiding certain ingredients can help you manage PCOS symptoms. A nutritious diet can help regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle. Eating a lot of processed foods and lots of preservatives can contribute to increased inflammation and insulin resistance.
1.1. Use natural foods Whole foods without artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives are preferred. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are whole foods that you can add to your daily diet. Foods without hormones and preservatives help the endocrine system to better regulate blood sugar.
1.2. Balance Carbs and Proteins Carbohydrates and protein both affect the body's energy and hormone levels. Eating protein stimulates the body to produce insulin. Unprocessed, high-carb foods can improve insulin sensitivity. Instead of following a low-carb diet for people with diabetes, patients with PCOS should focus on getting enough healthy protein.
Plant-based sources of protein, such as nuts, legumes and whole grains, are the best.

1.3. Aimed at anti-inflammatory PCOS is described by some studies as a mild, chronic inflammatory condition. Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help ease PCOS symptoms. Olive oil, tomatoes, green vegetables, mackerel and tuna, and tree nuts all have anti-inflammatory properties.
1.4. Increased iron levels Some women with PCOS experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle. This can lead to iron deficiency or anemia. If your doctor has diagnosed you with anemia or iron deficiency, your doctor will prescribe methods to help increase iron levels in your body. Your doctor may recommend adding iron-rich foods like spinach, eggs, and broccoli to your diet. However, taking too much iron can increase your risk of complications.
1.5. Increase magnesium intake Almonds, cashews, spinach and bananas are magnesium-rich foods that are beneficial in PCOS patients.
1.6. Some fiber helps with good digestion A diet high in fiber can help improve digestion. Lentils, lima beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, and avocados are all rich in fiber.
1.7. Don't drink coffee Caffeine consumption can be linked with changes in estrogen levels and the expression of hormones. You can use caffeine-free alternatives, such as herbal teas. Green tea may help improve insulin resistance and weight management in women with PCOS.
1.8. Use soy products Soybeans contain proteins that are similar to estrogen in the body. This can help with hormone balance if you have PCOS. But there is also evidence that adding soy to the diet can disrupt the endocrine system.
People with a family history of estrogen-related cancers, such as some breast cancers, should avoid soy products. If your doctor recommends adding soy to your diet, soy milk, tofu, miso, and tempeh are good choices for PCOS patients.

2. Functional foods to treat polycystic ovaries

Supplements can help regulate hormones, insulin resistance, and inflammation associated with PCOS.
Supplements are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You should consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. Only certain dietary supplements are used in PCOS treatments and medications.
2.1 Inositol Inositol is a B vitamin that may help improve insulin resistance. It has also been found to help enhance fertility in some cases of PCOS.
2.2. Chromium Chromium supplementation can improve body mass index (BMI), which may improve PCOS status. Chromium may also reduce insulin resistance by helping the body to metabolize sugar.
2.3. Cinnamon Cinnamon is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon extract has a positive effect on insulin resistance. Cinnamon may also regulate menstruation in women with PCOS.
2.4. Turmeric The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Turmeric may be able to help reduce insulin resistance and is an anti-inflammatory.
2.5. Zinc Zinc is a trace element that can boost fertility and the immune system. Excessive hair loss can be improved with zinc supplementation. You can also eat red meat, beans, tree nuts and seafood to get more zinc in your diet.
2.6. Evening primrose oil Evening primrose oil has been used to help relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea and irregular periods. They may also help improve cholesterol levels and oxidative stress, both of which have been linked to PCOS.

2.7. Vitamin D and calcium combined Vitamin D is a very important component for the endocrine system. Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS. Vitamin D and calcium can improve menstrual regularity and increase ovulation.
2.8. 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 belly fat.
2.9. Berberine Berberine is an herb used in Chinese medicine to help reduce insulin resistance. If you have PCOS, berberin can boost your metabolism and balance your body's hormonal responses.

3. Adaptogen herbs

When the body can't regulate insulin, the hormones can build up in the body and cause high levels of male hormones, called androgens. Certain adaptogen herbs also help alleviate other symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular menstrual cycles, through reducing androgens.
Be cautious and talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplements, as these products have not been evaluated by the FDA.
3.1. Maca Root Maca root is an herb traditionally used to increase fertility and libido. Maca root may help balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels. It can also help treat depression, one of the symptoms of PCOS.
3.2. Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng. It can help balance cortisol levels, which can improve stress and symptoms of PCOS.
3.3. Basil Basil, also known as tulsi, helps reduce chemical and metabolic stress. It is known as the queen of herbs. Basil can help lower blood sugar, prevent weight gain, and lower cortisol levels.
3.4. Licorice Root Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. Licorice root is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps with sugar metabolism and hormone balance.

3.5. Tribulus terrestris Tribulus terrestris helps to stimulate ovulation and support menstruation. It can also reduce the number of ovarian cysts.
3.6. Chasteberry Chasteberry has been used for centuries as a fertility aid. They may improve some symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), although its effects on fertility require more research.

4. Digestive enzymes (Probiotics)

Probiotics are not only beneficial for the digestive tract and gut health, but they can also play an important role in the treatment of PCOS. They can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones like androgens and estrogens. Consider taking a probiotic supplement and eating probiotic foods, like kimchi and kombucha.

5. Weight maintenance to treat polycystic ovaries

Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce insulin resistance, irregular periods, and reduce the risk of PCOS-related illnesses. If you're overweight, some research suggests gradual weight loss through a low-calorie diet as a promising first-line treatment for PCOS.

6. Exercise

Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight. But too much exercise can mess with hormone levels, so talk to your doctor about a balanced exercise regimen.
Gentle, low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates can be chosen. Swimming and aerobics are also recommended. High-intensity exercise and long-distance running can also help improve symptoms of PCOS.

7. Practice good “sleep hygiene”

Sleep helps reduce stress levels and helps regulate cortisol for hormone balance. But sleep disturbances are twice as common in women with PCOS. To promote sleep hygiene:
Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep each night Establish a regular bedtime routine Avoid stimulants and high-fat foods before bed

8. Stress relief

Reducing stress can regulate cortisol levels. Many of the strategies mentioned above, such as yoga, getting enough sleep, and cutting back on caffeine, can contribute to lower stress levels.
Going for a walk outside and creating a healthy living space for relaxation and self-care can also reduce feelings of stress.

9. Limit or avoid endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or ingredients that interfere with or block the natural response of hormones. Some endocrine disruptors resemble female and male sex hormones, disrupting the reproductive system. This can increase your risk of PCOS symptoms.
They are commonly found in canned foods, soaps and makeup. Common endocrine disruptors include:
Dioxin Phthalates Insecticide BPA Ete glycol

10. Acupuncture treatment of polycystic ovaries

Studies show acupuncture as an alternative treatment for PCOS. Acupuncture can improve PCOS by:
Increases blood flow to the ovaries Reduces cortisol levels Helps with weight loss Improves insulin sensitivity

11. Some Notes

Be wary of supplements and other therapies. Despite a large amount of research on natural treatments for PCOS, more specific information is needed to support many of the alternatives. You should always check with your doctor before starting any alternative therapy. Some treatments that are hyped as a "miracle" for PCOS can actually affect fertility or lead to other complications.
Use caution:
Progestin, can make it harder to get pregnant Systemic enzyme therapy Functional foods and herbs that promise a cure for all diseases and immediate effects. In order to help customers detect and treat other gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, which helps customers detect inflammatory diseases early and help treat diseases. Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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Reference source: healthline.com