How to Treat PCOS: Natural and At-Home Remedies

If you are having irregular cycles, stubborn weight, or adult acne that often comes with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you are certainly not alone. Affecting around 10-13% women worldwide, PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders today. Also, this is the stats when 70% of females aren’t aware they have PCOS.

While the name focuses on the ovaries, PCOS is actually a systemic metabolic condition, often rooted in how our bodies process insulin and manage inflammation.

The good news? Because PCOS is so closely tied to your metabolism, it is incredibly responsive to lifestyle shifts. While there is no "magic pill" to make it vanish overnight, science shows that targeted nutrition and mindful habits can effectively lower androgen levels and restore regular ovulation. 

How to Treat PCOS with Diet Changes?

Approximately 80% of women with PCOS have Insulin Resistance. This means your body struggles to process sugar, leading to elevated testosterone. To treat PCOS at home, the focus shifts from restricting to refuelling correctly. 

The Low Glycemic (Low GI) Diet

Stop counting calories and start checking the "GI" of your food.

• Avoid (High GI): White bread, sugar, maida, white rice, and soda. These spike your insulin instantly.

• Eat (Low GI): Whole grains (brown rice, oats), legumes (dal, chickpeas), and non-starchy vegetables. These release energy slowly.

The "PCOS Plate" Method

You don't need a complex diet chart. Just follow this rule for every meal:

• 1/2 Plate: Green leafy vegetables (Fibre).

• 1/4 Plate: Lean Protein (Eggs, Chicken, Paneer, Tofu).

• 1/4 Plate: Complex Carbs (Roti, Quinoa, Sweet Potato).

• 1 Tbsp: Healthy Fat (Ghee, Olive Oil, Avocado).

If you are following the diet plan, taking all the nutrition and yet seeing no significant change, consult a gynaecologist for advice. They’ll guide you on how to treat PCOS at home and customise a diet plan that suits your health and lifestyle.

How to Treat PCOS Naturally with Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is a popular and gentle way to treat irregular periods. By consuming specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle, you support the natural ebb and flow of Estrogen and Progesterone.

• Phase 1 (Days 1-14): 1 tbsp Flax Seeds + Pumpkin Seeds. (Boosts Estrogen to help build the uterine lining).

• Phase 2 (Days 15-28): 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds + Sunflower Seeds. (Boosts Progesterone to maintain the lining).

Movement: Train Smart, Not Hard

Many women believe intense cardio is the only way to lose PCOS weight, but over-exercising can actually raise Cortisol (the stress hormone), which worsens belly fat.

• Strength Training: Building muscle is the ultimate "insulin fix." Muscle burns glucose even while you sleep.

• Slow Weighted Workouts: Yoga and Pilates are excellent for toning while keeping stress levels low.

• The Post-Meal Walk: A simple 20-minute walk after eating significantly flattens blood sugar spikes.

How to Treat PCOS at Home?

Your kitchen cabinet is a natural pharmacy. You can use these herbs and teas to treat PCOS. 

• Spearmint Tea: Known as the "holy grail" for hirsutism (excess facial hair). Two cups daily can significantly lower testosterone.

• Cinnamon Water: Soaking a cinnamon stick in water improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate periods.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): One tablespoon in a glass of water before meals prevents glucose spikes.

Note: Excess of anything is dangerous; please ensure you don’t overconsume any of these. It's better to talk to a gynaecologist first to understand when and how much tea intake is beneficial and suits you.

What are the Supplements to Consider to Treat PCOS?

While food is best, some natural supplements fill the gaps:

• Inositol (Myo-Inositol): Often called "nature’s Metformin," this B-vitamin helps improve egg quality and ovulation.

• Magnesium: Helps with sleep, anxiety, and painful cramps.

• Vitamin D: Most women with PCOS are deficient. Getting sunlight or taking a supplement is crucial for fertility.

Note: Don't self-medicate. Chat with a gynaecologist at Pinky Promise to find the right dosage for your body.

Conclusion

Learning how to treat PCOS naturally isn't about punishing your body with strict diets; it's about nourishing it. By fixing your insulin levels through food, movement, and stress management, you can take control of your hormones again.

Don't do it alone.

The journey to reversing symptoms of PCOS is easier with a guide. Chat with a Pinky Promise gynaecologist today. We combine medical expertise with holistic care to help you live symptom-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can I cure PCOS permanently through natural means? 

Since PCOS is genetic, there is no permanent "cure," but you can achieve remission. Consistent lifestyle changes can keep you symptom-free with regular, predictable cycles.

Q. Is dairy bad for PCOS? 

Not necessarily. While some find dairy increases inflammation or acne, others tolerate it well. Try a two-week elimination to see if your symptoms improve without it.

Q. What is the best medication to treat PCOS? 

There is no one-size-fits-all. Doctors often prescribe Metformin for insulin or Birth Control for cycles, but the best treatment is always lifestyle changes. Do not self-medicate; always consult a gynaecologist before taking medications.

Q. Can I get rid of PCOS with remedies? 

You can’t get rid of the underlying biology, but natural remedies like Inositol and Spearmint tea can effectively reverse symptoms of PCOS.