How to Treat PCOS: Natural and At-Home Remedies

While there is no single medicine or natural alternative that can cure PCOS, there are many ways to manage the symptoms of PCOS. Neglecting to manage or take conscious care of PCOS can affect your health in many ways in the long run. If left untreated, PCOS can increase the risk of triggering health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular diseases, etc. 

Your doctor will prescribe you a treatment for PCOS based on the symptoms you are experiencing.¹ Following are some options that can help you manage PCOS and its symptoms: 

1. Weight management

It is observed that 60% of women with PCOS are either obese or overweight.² Reducing some amount of body weight if you are overweight can help improve PCOS and reduce its effects. Therefore, losing approx 5% to 10% of body weight in 6 months can significantly help avoid the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, and chances of infertility. Losing weight can also help to reduce the production of androgen and insulin. This in turn would improve the regulation of ovulation. 

2. Lifestyle changes

If you have insulin resistance or a high BMI along with PCOS, chances are that your doctor has suggested diet changes. There are certain foods that are low in glycemic index which are recommended for PCOS. Eating healthy meals will also help to avoid any risk of developing diabetes due to insulin resistance. Consider including fruits like various berries. Vegetables like tomatoes, kale, spinach, pumpkin sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, and arugula. Lean protein sources like chicken, fatty fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and sardine), and tofu. Add more foods that are high in fibre. Furthermore, avoiding refined/high carbohydrates and low-fat food items can help to keep insulin resistance in check. Red meats and processed foods like white bread, sugar dishes, desserts, etc are among the list of highly processed foods that can cause inflammation.³  

3. Maintain hormonal balance 

If you are not wishing to get pregnant any time sooner then your doctor may prescribe you birth control pills. The hormones in birth control pills help to reduce the production of androgen. Androgen is a male hormone that is released in excess in women with PCOS. Reduction in androgen production can help reduce symptoms of PCOS like hirsutism which causes excess hair growth on the face, chin, and male pattern baldness.⁴ Abnormal/heavy bleeding, acne, and excess hair growth can all be taken care of by combined oral birth control pills. The combined oral contraceptive pills can also benefit to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.⁵

4. Exercises

Exercising for a reason or without a reason will always reward you with lots of health benefits. Hence, working out and most importantly, resistance training to manage PCOS can be very beneficial for both- overweight women as well as the ones who ain’t overweight. Having only a diet routine won’t give you as many desired results as you think if you don’t complement it with your workout routine. Stress is another reason that affects the period cycle. Exercising will not only help you to reduce excess weight gain but can also significantly uplift your mood and reduce stress. Some exercises are yoga, pilates, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, gyming, etc are some workout options that may help to manage PCOS. ⁶

Managing PCOS doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right medical support and small lifestyle changes, it’s completely possible to take control of your symptoms. If you’re looking for expert guidance tailored to your body, connect with a gynaecologist on the Pinky Promise app. We’re here to help you feel better, naturally.

References

1 - Polycystic ovary syndrome - Treatment (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/). Retrieved on 29.04.2022

2 - What You Should Know About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Pregnancy; Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pcos). Retrieved on 29.04.2022

3 - Can My Diet Relieve Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? ; Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/pcos-diet). Retrieved on 29.04.2022

4, 5 - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); From MayoClinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443)

Retrieved on 29.04.2022

6 - The Best Types of Exercise for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/exercise-for-pcos). Retrieved on 29.04.2022