PCOS is a complex metabolic disorder and requires an integrative approach. PCOS natural treatment & home remedies include dietary changes, yoga & detox programs to lower stress. PCOS treatment in Ayurveda includes a combination of herbs, customized therapies, and lifestyle changes, such as yoga, meditation, and diet.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder. Women can manage PCOS symptoms at home with healthy diets, yoga, exercises, dietary supplements, and other home remedies for PCOS. You can fight the adverse effects of the hormonal changes in your body by increasing your insulin resistance and stamina. Because PCOS symptoms can overlap with other diseases, a woman who’s experiencing them should seek medical advice from a gynecologist. PCOS may also be linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. PCOS is a gynecological disorder whose prevalence seems to have increased considerably in the last few years. Many young girls and middle-aged women are suffering from this syndrome which is marked by the appearance of multiple cysts on ovaries and disturbances in monthly menstrual cycles.
See: Yoga Asanas For Healing PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a female’s ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones compared to normal. It’s considered to be a hormonal disorder and is not uncommon among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have rare or prolonged menstrual cycles or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous little collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to frequently release eggs. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment together with weight loss may decrease the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
There is not any cure – but exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications can help control the symptoms.
See: Naturopathic Medicine Treatment For PCOS
PCOS Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of
the first menstrual period throughout puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops
afterward, in response to substantial weight gain.
Symptoms and signs of PCOS vary. Chances you may have PCOS
increase if you experience at least two of the following signs:
· Irregular periods. The infrequent, irregular, or prolonged
menstrual cycle is the most typical sign of PCOS. By way of example, you might
have fewer than nine periods a year, over 35 times between intervals and
abnormally heavy periods.
See: Insulin resistance symptoms & diet for PCOS
· Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormone might
result in physical signals, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism),
and sometimes severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
· Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that
encircle the eggs.
PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe if you’re
obese. In this condition, the eggs and follicles are not released from the
ovaries and rather form multiple cysts. Obesity is linked to the condition, as
50 percent of women with PCOS are also obese. Hormonal imbalances perform a major
role in this condition, such as elevated levels of this hormone androgen and
Low levels of progesterone, the female hormone required for egg release. High
Levels of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, are usually found in
Although PCOS was formerly thought to be an adult-onset condition, more recent
research indicates that it starts in youth, possibly even during fetal
development.
See: Ayurvedic herbs to heal PCOS
What causes PCOS?
The root cause of nonfunctional ovarian cysts is not yet
completely understood. Many factors are believed to play a role in the growth
of cysts, such as a female’s general state of health, weight, diet, history,
and way of life. The mind/body connection might also be a variable with
migraines, as high anxiety and stress levels might be notable facets. Some
complementary therapy professionals and psychotherapists believe that
unexpressed imagination and repressed emotions like guilt and anger might be
linked to problems in the uterus. For PCOS, obesity, hormonal imbalance, and
higher blood glucose levels are closely linked to the condition. It has been
observed that women with PCOS are five to ten times more likely to develop type
2 diabetes compared to others.
See: Keto diet benefits for weight loss, diabetes & PCOS
PCOS is also known to run in families, which suggests that
genetic factors contribute to its development. As of 2002, the particular gene
or genes responsible for PCOS haven’t yet been identified; nonetheless, many
groups of researchers in various nations have been investigating genetic
variations associated with a greater risk of type 2 diabetes in order to
ascertain whether the exact same genetic variants may participate in PCOS.
See: PCOS Supplements To Heal Symptoms
Some cysts may be asymptomatic (without symptoms), while
others can cause swelling, aching, sharp pain, and bleeding. Pain from cysts
can last from a few minutes to a few days. Other indicators of cysts include
late or missed periods, feelings of pressure or weight in the lower stomach,
and constipation, and problems urinating due to internal stress from cysts.
Ruptured cysts can cause severe pain, and produce symptoms resembling those of
appendicitis, disease, or ectopic pregnancy.
• sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen
• persistent pain on the Ideal side of the abdomen
accompanied by sickness, fever, or vomiting
• abdominal pain along with vaginal discharge, fever, or
swelling
• Intermittent drops of pain in the lower abdomen during
sexual activity, bowel movements, or exercise. [3]
It is now well established that PCOS represents a complex
trait similar to type-2 obesity and diabetes, and that both inherited and
environmental factors contribute to the PCOS pathogenesis. According to some
2009 study, although the role of hereditary factors in PCOS is firmly
supported, the genes which are involved in the etiology of the syndrome have
never been fully researched until now, in addition to the environmental
involvement in their expression. [4]
See: Balance your hormones with Ayurveda
Since PCOS is mostly a genetic illness, the risk of PCOS In
household members is large. For example, an estimated 30 percent of moms, and
50 percent of sisters and daughters of individuals with PCOS may be impacted.
According to 2016 research, the genetics of PCOS remains not fully
understood, and early identification and treatment can prevent long-term
consequences. In that study, the research team analyzed the proteins involved
in PCOS as well as the structural areas of the proteins using modern
computational tools. [5]
To date, there is absolutely no cure for PCOS. Health care
professionals can usually address the most bothersome symptoms. Because of the
complexity of the hormonal interactions, a trip to a holistic therapy expert
may be needed, especially if you are infertile and trying to conceive. [6]
See: Reduce PMS and balance your hormones
PCOS Natural treatments
PCOS treatment focuses on managing your unique concerns,
such as infertility, hirsutism, acne, or obesity. Particular treatment might
involve lifestyle changes or medication. Your doctor may recommend weight loss
via a low-carb diet combined with moderate exercise activities. A modest
decrease in your weight — for example, losing 5 percent of your body weight —
might enhance your condition.
See: How To Balance Hormones Naturally
Many people have also benefited from Ayurveda, Acupuncture, and herbal therapies for
PCOS.
To help decrease the consequences of PCOS these natural therapies with diet, exercise, and lifestyle change therapies can help:
1. Weight reduction
Losing weight through exercise and healthy eating might help someone reduce PCOS symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of controlling PCOS symptoms. Individuals with PCOS commonly carry additional weight, which can raise their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other issues connected with metabolic syndrome. Losing 5-10 percent of body weight might help alleviate PCOS symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet of healthy foods and getting more physical activity, can assist with weight loss and lower the risk of health complications.
See: Balance Your Hormones With Foods & Herbs
2. Diet changes
Changing the diet is a vital part of managing PCOS. Individuals with PCOS often have higher levels of insulin, a hormone the body uses to reduce high blood glucose. If the body has persistently elevated levels of insulin, it may stop responding to the hormone also. Because of this, blood glucose levels may stay elevated. Insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, is quite common in people with PCOS, and it can make maintaining a healthy weight hard. Insulin and blood glucose levels increase the highest after someone eats foods full of carbohydrates and/or sugar. Eliminating simple carbs and sugar in the diet can help stabilize blood glucose levels and keep insulin levels low. This may mean avoiding products such as white bread, white pasta, and white rice. Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates contain fiber and other nutrients and don’t raise glucose levels as high. Some common sources of complex carbohydrates include whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and brown pasta.
Balance protein and vitamin intake
Carbohydrates and protein both affect your hormone and energy levels. Eating protein arouses your body to produce insulin. Unprocessed, high-carb foods can improve insulin sensitivity. Rather than looking for a low-carb diet, concentrate on getting enough healthful protein. Plant-based protein resources, such as nuts, legumes, and whole grains, are best.
Anti-inflammatory diet
PCOS is clarified by one study as low-level chronic inflammation. Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your daily diet can help alleviate your symptoms. The Mediterranean diet can be a good option. Olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish, and tree nuts help fight inflammation.
Increase your iron & magnesium intake
Some women with PCOS may have heavy bleeding during their period. This can lead to iron deficiency or anemia. If your doctor has diagnosed with either illness, talk together about ways to up your iron intake. They might recommend adding Spicy foods like spinach, eggs, and broccoli into your diet. Almonds, cashews, spinach, and peanuts are PCOS-friendly foods full of magnesium. You should not increase your iron intake without first consulting your physician. Too much iron may increase your risk of complications.
A high fiber diet can help improve digestion. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Lentils, lima beans, and avocados are full of fiber.
3. Be active. Exercise helps lower blood glucose levels. In case you have PCOS, increasing your everyday activity and engaging in a regular
exercise program may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you
maintain your weight in check and prevent developing diabetes. [2] Exercise is also beneficial for your heart health, and it may enhance the mood, keep a positive mindset, and help regulate sleep patterns. Getting a good workout doesn’t imply working out at the gym. Engaging in some physical activity, game, or sport that is fun will encourage someone to participate in it consistently and receive the best benefits.
4. Nutritional supplements
Omega-3 fish oil is a supplement that may help some manage PCOS. Some people today use nutritional supplements to help control their PCOS symptoms. It’s important to remember that nutritional supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may interfere with medications or health conditions. Speak with a physician before taking any supplements. Researchers have some evidence that omega-3 fish oil can benefit individuals with PCOS in certain ways. Nutritional supplements claim to help with hormone regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation associated with PCOS.
5. Herbal supplements
Some herbal supplements are also helpful with people with PCOS. There is research that Cinnamomum cassia might be beneficial in treating metabolic complications of PCOS. Researchers have found that Vitex agnus-castus and Cimicifuga racemosa can be successful in handling irregular ovulation and resultant infertility. The FDA doesn’t regulate herbal products, and these can interact with drugs or health conditions.
6. Adaptogen herbs
When your body can not regulate insulin, it may Build up in your body and cause higher levels of male sex hormones known as androgens. Adaptogen herbs claim to assist your body in balancing these hormones. Some adaptogen herbs also claim to alleviate other symptoms of PCOS, like irregular intervals. Use caution and talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as their claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.
– Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is also known as “Indian ginseng.” It helps balance cortisol levels, which might improve the stress and symptoms of PCOS.
– Maca root: The origin of the maca plant is A traditional herb used to boost libido and fertility. Maca root might help balance hormones and lower cortisol levels. It might also help treat depression, which may be a sign of PCOS.
– Holy basil: Holy basil, too known as tulsi, addresses chemical and metabolic stress. It’s known as “queen of herbs.” Holy basil can help decrease your blood sugar, prevent weight gain, and decrease your cortisol levels.
– Licorice root: The root of the licorice plant comprises A chemical known as glycyrrhizin, which has several unique properties. Licorice root was suggested as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps metabolize sugar and balance hormones.
– Tribulus Terrestris has been revealed to help stimulate ovulation and support healthy menstruation. It might also reduce the number of ovarian cysts.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics do not just help with your digestion and gut health. They can play a significant part in treating PCOS. They can also decrease inflammation and modulate sex hormones. Probiotic foods like kimchi and supplements can help. Recently, people have started to pay a whole lot of focus on the trillions of bacteria that reside in the intestines.
Scientists have now linked alterations in the gut environment, or microbiome, with many ailments, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered that these alterations might even have an effect on sex hormones, suggesting that the microbiome may play a part in developing PCOS. Research in rats has revealed that probiotic supplements helped reverse symptoms of PCOS. Doctors consider it safe for humans to take probiotics.
8. Get good sleep
Sleep can affect your stress levels and helps to regulate cortisol to balance your hormones. Sleep disturbances are common for those with PCOS. Try to sleep at a regular bedtime routine and get eight hours of sleep each night. Reduce stress before bedtime by some yoga or listening to relaxing music. Reducing stress can regulate cortisol. Taking walks out and creating space in your life for comfort and self-care may also reduce how stressed you feel.
Home remedies for PCOS
Yoga for PCOS
The science of yoga works at levels considerably more profound than just the physical body level. Yoga can help release the deeply stored stress in the system, which can help improve PCOS symptoms. Yoga Asanas (yoga postures) designed for PCOS help open up the pelvic area and promote comfort and pranayamas (breathing exercises) are powerful methods that help calm the mind. Soothing meditations work at a very deep level to help detoxify and de-stress the entire human system. The powerful mantra of Sudarshan Kriya can help treat negative emotions and mood swings.
Acupuncture for PCOS
At a 2009 study of 20 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, researchers found that 16 weeks of electro-acupuncture treatments led to significantly more regular menstrual cycles and lower levels of male hormones. Electro-acupuncture (where needles are connected to a system that creates continuous electric impulses and then placed at particular points on the patient’s body) may calm nerve activity, which may improve insulin resistance, according to the study’s authors.
Chinese herbs: Preliminary study indicates that herbal formulations used in traditional Chinese medicine (like shakuyaku-kanzo-to, changbudodam-tang, and yongdamsagan-tang) can be useful in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. A study published in 2009 indicates that acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine may be more beneficial than herbs in treating the problem.
There is enough research to make a case for acupuncture as an alternative treatment for PCOS. Acupuncture Can Help PCOS by:
– increasing blood flow to your ovaries
– reducing cortisol levels
– helping with weight loss
– enhancing your sensitivity to insulin
Functional medicine for PCOS
Functional medicine provides science-based tools to diagnose and treat PCOS patients effectively. For example, a thorough Functional Medicine physical exam can help in an accurate diagnosis, as hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans are common physical findings.
A recent Cochrane review concluded that lifestyle modifications might enhance the weight, free androgen index, and BMI in women with PCOS.” Lifestyle interventions are crucial to assist patients with PCOS to alleviate symptoms and reduce health risks. As an example, a plant-based diet, lifestyle changes, and aerobic exercise decreased PCOS symptoms in a study.
Ayurveda for PCOS
In accordance with the Ayurvedic view, PCOS can be connected with Aarthava Kshaya. Studies are completed to the clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of the Ayurveda treatment program on subfertility with PCOS. The answer to the treatment was listed, and therapeutic effects were assessed by symptomatic relief and during Trans Vaginal Scan and LH, FSH hormone levels. The results demonstrated that subfertility because of PCOS can be treated successfully by utilizing the Ayurveda therapy regimen.
The ayurvedic treatment takes a holistic approach towards PCOS management. A custom approach helps in re-balancing the hormones naturally. Ayurvedic treatment concentrates on balancing tissue nourishment, rectifying the imbalance of dosha-bio-energies that regulate the human body, and boosting metabolism. Ayurvedic remedies also assist in slow and healthy weight loss, reduce hair, facial hair growth, and reduces snoring. Ayurvedic therapy not only helps in controlling PCOS; it also helps in restoring health and well-being.
Homeopathic remedies for PCOS
Homeopathic remedies for polycystic ovarian cysts are made from natural substances with no unwanted effects and present opportunities for managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Sepia occupies the top position among the medications for treatment for PCOS. The symptom for Sepia is late and scanty menses. Sepia is also considered to treat infertility cases because of PCOS. Abnormal hair growth on the face, particularly on upper lips, may also be well controlled with Sepia.
Summary
PCOS is a complex syndrome. While there’s no cure, a range of traditional and alternative treatments can handle the symptoms and some other complications. Infertility may result from irregular ovulation and menstruation that stems from PCOS. When ovulation happens occasionally, it can be tricky to identify the fertile window when an individual can conceive. Having a normal period can help. There’s a possibility that each pure method mentioned above will help regulate menstruation. It’s important to talk with your health experts about strategies for conception and to be able to make certain that all of their concerns are addressed.
