PCOS is an acronym for polycystic ovarian syndrome, a type of hormonal and metabolic disorder that happens to many women. The ones who are most vulnerable are those who are of reproductive age. Also, if you’re overweight, you increase your chances of being diagnosed.
Some symptoms associated with PCOS include acne, thinning hair (on your head), ovarian cysts, darkened patches of skin, and excessive facial hair. However, what tends to be the most significant cause of concern is that polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to infertility. In fact, it reportedly affects somewhere around five million women within the United States alone.
Since PCOS can lead to other health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and strokes, it’s essential to make an appointment to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. After being diagnosed, some medications can bring some relief. Luckily, there are also natural remedies that can get you on the road to healing too.
Why Natural Remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Can Be a Great Alternative
If you have PCOS, there are some other things that you should know.
For starters, it means that you may have higher levels of the male hormones called androgens. This can make it difficult for you to release eggs and have regular menstrual cycles. Often, your ovaries are enlarged as well with cysts as well.
Another challenge that comes with some women who’ve been diagnosed with PCOS is they’re more susceptible to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That’s because, although their body is able to produce insulin, they may not be able to use it as effectively as they should. Some studies say that 40 percent of women with PCOS are susceptible to the prediabetes stage.
All of this information may be a bit overwhelming. It also might cause some women to think that naturopathic medicine, like natural remedies for yeast infections, or for polycystic ovarian syndrome, aren’t viable alternatives. However, there are many benefits that come with taking this approach.
For instance, naturopathic medicine (another term for using natural remedies) focuses on your physical health and your mind and spirit too. If you have PCOS, someone who specializes in this field will be taking a holistic approach to your overall health and well-being.
As far as natural remedies that have proven to be successful when it comes to treating polycystic ovarian syndrome, there are several that can get you on the road to healing.
Consume Less Simple Carbs
As stated earlier, obesity could increase your chances of being diagnosed with PCOS. Overconsuming simple carbs can increase your blood sugar levels and put you at risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, and complicate your hormone health. That’s why it’s a good idea to consume a diet of some fresh fruits and lots of vegetables. It’s essential to eat less sugar.
You also should consume fewer simple carbohydrates (like white bread, white pasta, and cereal). Instead, enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains, brown rice, and oats. Whole grains are better for your health and reduce the chances of your blood sugar increasing.
Eat Some Phytoestrogens
PCOS experts Fiona McCulloch, ND, and Christiane Northrup, MD recommend consuming foods that fall into the phytoestrogen category. If you’re not familiar with those, they’re foods that contain plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen.
Phytoestrogens can help relieve PCOS because consuming estrogen-rich foods can help balance out your hormone levels. Foods that are high in phytoestrogens include soy, berries, beans, apples, carrots, and oats.
While we’re on the topic of foods, you may want to scale back your consumption of caffeine. While it isn’t the case for everyone, it can sometimes throw your hormone levels off. That can make PCOS-related symptoms worse too.
Up Your Magnesium Intake
Some studies have revealed that many women with PCOS have low magnesium in their system. This should not be overlooked.
Why? It’s because magnesium is a nutrient that can help to reduce anxiety, decrease bodily inflammation, make PMS-related symptoms more bearable, lower physical discomfort, and stabilize your blood pressure. A must-have nutrient if you’re dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Too much stress in your system is never good. It’s tied to health-related issues like obesity, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, headaches, and depression. Something else that stress can do is make your PCOS worse. That’s why it’s so important to exercise, journal, get plenty of rest, meditate, and schedule massages.
Massages will help to increase blood flow to your reproductive system. That can help to stimulate your ovaries. It can also help to regulate your period.
Be Open to Taking Some Herbs
The health benefits of herbs are vast. This includes when it comes to treating PCOS.
That said, something else that you might want to consider doing is taking the herb ashwagandha. It has a pretty solid reputation for keeping cortisol (your stress hormone) levels where they need to be.
Green tea is another herb that can prove beneficial because it can lower testosterone levels. Ginger also makes the PCOS treatment list. That’s because it contains properties that help to decrease inflammation and reduce period discomfort.
Take Care of Your Gut
Did you know that 80 percent of your immune system is in your gut? Taking probiotics puts “good bacteria” into your intestines, but it can also help balance out your hormones. The more balanced they are, the easier it is to find some natural PCOS relief.
As a bonus, regular probiotic use can reduce inflammation. Just make sure to go with a brand that contains four different strains of lactobacillus probiotics; it’s been found to be the most effective.
There Is a Wealth of Natural Remedies for PCOS
As you can see, there are many natural remedies for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Finding them may take a bit of digging but hopefully, this article has gotten you off to a great start.
For more information on how to take a naturopathic approach to PCOS, be sure to contact Dr. Karen Threlkel at (202) 750-5249 or on the site. She will be happy to assist you with getting the long-term relief that you need. She’s also available for virtual sessions so that you can get help from anywhere in the world.
Resources Used:
– Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). (2020) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html#
– PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes (2020) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html#
– What Is Naturopathic Medicine? (2021) https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-naturopathic-medicine
– What Women With PCOS Should Know About Magnesium (2019) https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-magnesium-4145000
– Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract (2017) Body Weight – Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract – PMC (nih.gov)
– Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Microbiota (2016) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4836746/
