Natural Ways to Treat PCOS

PCOS is known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a female-specific condition involving multiple systems in the body. PCOS is common among women of reproductive age, affecting 10-15% of women population. PCOS is more prominent in urban population rather than rural. What are the real causes of PCOS is still unknown. There are conventional and natural ways to treat PCOS.

Causes of PCOS

• Insulin Resistance 
• Endocrine abnormalities 
• Excess androgen production 
• Cortisol imbalances 
• Genetics 
• Eating disorders

 

Common Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular Menstrual cycle 
• Hair loss
• Hirsutism (excess facial hair or body hair in women)
• Acne 
• Obesity 
• Acanthosis Nigricans (black rough skin at neck, axilla, ankles, elbows and fold of skin)
• Sleep apnea
• Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Scanty or excessive blood flow during

 

Conventional Treatments for PCOS

1. Metformin – It has been used for treating insulin resistance. The studies result in a marked decrease in fasting blood sugar levels. It has also shown to increase SHBG levels and lowering free testosterone in women.
2. Estrogen-progestin – This combination is used to treat high androgen levels (acne, hair loss and hirsutism). It does so by suppressing the LH and increasing SHBG levels which in turn lowers free circulating androgens. 
3. Clomiphene – It acts as anti-estrogen. It increases LH & FSH production to induce ovulation to support fertility

 

Natural Ways to Treat PCOS

1. Weight loss – Physical activity and strength training improves insulin sensitivity 
2. Reduce sugar, simple carbs and processed foods 
3. Low saturated fats and higher omega 3 consumptions 
4. High intake of soluble and insoluble fibre through beans, legumes, veggies and salad 
5. Remove gluten, sugar and milk products 
6. Moderate protein intake from vegetarian sources 
7. Keeping meats to no more than 1-2 times per week (preferably fish) 
8. Intermittent fasting twice a week 
9. Increasing intake of fermented foods to promote healthy flora in the digestive tract 

 

Supplements for PCOS

• Chromium – improves insulin sensitivity (400 mcg per day) 
• Vitamin C –  acts as anti oxidant, improves ovulation and fertility rate in infertile women (400 mg/day)
• NAC – improves ovulation and pregnancy rates (1.2 g/day)
• Zinc – improves insulin resistance and glucose intolerance (25-50 mg/day)
• Alpha lipoic acid – potent antioxidant & improves insulin sensitivity (600 mg/day)
• Bitter herbs like bitter melon and gymnema prevents glucose absorption and improves both fasting and pp sugar 
• D- Chiro-inositol – improves insulin action & ovulation rate, decreases blood pressure and androgen levels