Natural Treatment For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): 10 Ways To Help Hormones

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition seen in women of reproductive age.

Though there are many polycystic ovarian syndrome clinical trials currently taking place to find out more about the condition, and how to treat it, the exact cause of PCOS can be complicated to pinpoint.

As a result, symptoms can sometimes seem completely unmanageable. However, there are a few ways of reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms.

Here are 10 of the most effective natural ways to help your hormones.

1. Exercise Regularly

The key to improving symptoms of PCOS with exercise is finding a healthy balance. Too much exercise can cause serious disruption to your hormones.

Start by incorporating low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming into your daily routine. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or running might also help.

Choose an exercise you’re comfortable with and then keep at it consistently. You should gradually begin to see a decline in PCOS symptoms.

2. Reduce Stress Levels

If you are under chronic stress you may experience elevated levels of cortisol. This can cause physical effects such as high blood pressure, and may negative feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reducing the amount of stress you are under can help to regulate cortisol levels. This will help you to help your hormones.

Exercising, cutting out caffeine, and getting enough sleep are several simple things that will contribute to lower stress levels. You could also try taking frequent walks outside and creating space in your life for relaxation and self-care to reduce stress levels.

3. Take Supplements

There are many supplements that claim to regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and also help with insulin resistance. Some of the most effective supplements include:

• Inositol
• Chromium
• Cod Liver Oil
• Zinc

It is important to note that nutritional supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may interfere with medications or medical conditions. Speak with a doctor before taking any nutritional supplement.

4. Make Dietary Changes

Eating the right foods and avoiding certain things including caffeine may help you manage your symptoms. A nourishing diet full of whole foods can help regulate your hormones and your menstrual cycle, and might even help to prevent inflammation.

5. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Staying at a healthy weight can help to regulate your period, decrease insulin resistance, and might even eventually help to reduce the number of your symptoms that are associated with PCOS.

If you are overweight, achieving slow, moderate weight loss through a low-calorie diet will be a much more effective natural PCOS treatment.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics aren’t just helpful in aiding digestion and increasing gut health. As a result, they can play a crucial role in treating PCOS. Probiotics can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones including estrogen and androgen. Consider taking supplements and eating probiotic-rich foods such as kimchi.

7. Good Sleep Habits

Sleep can have a large impact on your overall stress levels and is also a key way of balancing hormones. However, sleep disturbances are far more likely to occur in women who are struggling with PCOS.

You can improve your sleep habits by doing the following:

• Get between 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
• Have a regular nighttime routine.
• Avoid rich, fatty foods and stimulants late at night.

8. Avoid Or Limit Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or ingredients found in soaps, makeup, and canned foods that interfere with or block your body’s natural hormonal reactions.

Some endocrine disruptors mimic both male and female sex hormones, which could cause your reproductive system to become confused. This can result in an increased risk of developing PCOS symptoms.

Common endocrine disruptors include:

• BPA
• Dioxins
• Glycol Ethers
• Pesticides
• Phthalates

9. Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are yet another effective way of managing PCOS symptoms. There are two types of oral contraceptives that are effective at treating PCOS symptoms: combination pills and progestin only pills. They also offer many other benefits such as helping to reduce cramping and extra hair growth.

10. Consult Your Doctor

If you are planning to introduce any of the above natural treatments for PCOS into your life, you should work with your doctor to make a treatment plan.

While these methods can help in the treatment of PCOS symptoms, they aren’t a substitute for a consultation with your doctor.

Summary

PCOS is a highly complicated syndrome. While there isn’t a cure for the condition, the conventional and all-natural treatment methods listed above will help you to manage hormones and limit complications.

Image Credits:

Image 1: Photo by Q000024 form PxHere

Image 3: Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay