Thinning hair, facial hair and a deeper voice might be okay if you’re a middle-aged man, but if those same characteristics are present in a woman, it could be an indicator of PCOS. PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance which drastically affects women, even to the point of infertility. Let’s look at the causes and polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is diagnosed when there is an abnormal balance between the estrogen and progesterone hormones. The imbalance leads to the development of ovarian cysts. Insulin resistance is a major factor in PCOS because increased insulin leads to increased testosterone. PCOS can cause a number of issues related to a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance. Some of the polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms are:
- Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes.
- A noticeable decrease in the size of breasts.
- A deepening of the voice.
- Thinning hair.
- The appearance of acne.
- Inexplicable and sudden weight gain.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Infertility.
We’ve created a list of 15 home remedies to alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, but these remedies are not all inclusive. You should consult a health care professional in more severe cases.
15 Home Remedies to Alleviate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms
Licorice Root
Gaining control over polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms can include the use of licorice root.
What to do:
- Mix 1 tsp of dried licorice root into a cup of boiling water.
- Allow the water to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and drink it twice daily.
How it works:
The glycyrrhizin present in licorice root inhibits one of the enzymes required for the production of testosterone.
Flax Seed
Flax seed is another promising treatment to combat polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Add 1 – 2 Tbsp of freshly ground flax seeds to a glass of water.
- Drink the mixture daily for several months.
- You can include flax seeds in soups, salads and smoothies as well.
How it works:
Flax seed contains lignans, which promote the development of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). In the bloodstream, SHBG binds testosterone preventing it from doing its damage.
Cinnamon
Control polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms with cinnamon.
What to do:
- Cinnamon can be taken as a supplement at 1,000 mg daily.
- You can also mix 1 tsp of cinnamon in a cup of hot water or add it to your favorite warm drink.
- Cinnamon is excellent when sprinkled cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, or a peanut butter sandwich as well.
How it works:
Cinnamon helps to stabilize menstrual cycles and also reduces insulin resistance, which is often present in women with to PCOS.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can also alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms with apple cider vinegar.
What to do:
- In a warm glass of water, add 1 Tbsp of raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar.
- Drink the mixture first thing in the morning and 30 minutes before each meal.
How it works:
Less insulin production means decreased levels of testosterone. Apple cider vinegar helps to keep insulin production in balance.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids can also help regulate polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Add foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to your regular diet.
- Or you can take up to 300 mg daily of krill oil supplement.
How it works:
Omega 3 fatty acids reduce androgens in your blood, which helps control insulin production.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek can be a major contributor to the reduction of polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms as well.
What to do:
- Into 1 cup of water, soak 3 tsp of fenugreek seeds for 6 to 8 hours.
- Consume 1 tsp of the soaked seeds with honey first thing in the morning.
- Eat the other 2 tsp of seeds 10 minutes prior to lunch and dinner.
- Repeat daily for several weeks.
How it works:
With fenugreek insulin resistance is improved through the promotion of increased metabolizing of glucose.
Spearmint
Spearmint is also a means of gaining ground on polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Spearmint can be taken in a tea, which includes 1 tsp of dried spearmint simmered for 10 minutes in a cup of water.
- Spearmint oil can be introduced into the body via aromatic infusion.
- The oil of spearmint can also be part of a blend of oils massaged into the area covering the ovaries.
How it works:
Spearmint’s anti-androgen properties make it useful for increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which reduce total testosterone levels in turn.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, aka tulsi, can also reduce polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- First thing in the morning, each day, eat 8 to 12 holy basil leaves.
- You can also drink a tea made from the leaves of holy basil several times a day.
How it works:
Holy basil is excellent at relieving anxiety and stress, is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-androgen, which helps to manage insulin levels as well.
Low Glycemic Diet
Eating a low glycemic diet also help you gain control over polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Avoid caffeine, fatty and fried foods, sugary foods, canned and highly processed foods.
- Switch to a low glycemic diet similar to that of a person with diabetes.
How it works:
Since insulin is a major factor in the production of testosterone, which is a major cause of PCOS, a diabetic or low glycemic diet can help improve symptoms dramatically.
Consume Plenty of Protein
You can help relieve polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms by consuming plenty of protein.
What to do:
- Consume plenty of meat, eggs and legumes daily.
- Add nuts and seeds, especially chia seeds, into your diet as snacks.
How it works:
Since you’re on a low glycemic diet, your energy will need to come from proteins rather than carbohydrates. Additionally, proteins tend to provide symptom relief.
Essential Oil Mix
A mix of essential oils can also reduce the effects and severity of polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Mix 3 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of cypress, cinnamon, coriander or dill oil in 1 Tbsp of coconut oil as a carrier.
- Massage the mixture into the abdominal area near the ovaries a couple of times a day.
- You can use a few drops of lavender as bath oil to help with relaxation.
- Geranium can be substituted for lavender in the above mixture or in a warm bath.
How it works:
These essential oils perform a variety of function which help reduce PCOS symptoms. Lavender helps combat mood swings and depression. Geranium oil helps to balance insulin and hormone levels. Cinnamon, coriander, dill and cypress are all excellent for reducing blood glucose.
Boost Your B Vitamins
Boosting your B vitamins is another sure way to get polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms relief.
What to do:
- A vitamin B supplement is one alternative for boosting your B vitamins.
- A number of whole foods are also rich in vitamin B and should be included into your diet on a daily basis.
How it works:
B vitamins help to reduce the androgen levels responsible for helping cause the imbalance of hormones.
Eliminate Alcohol and Smoking
Eliminating alcohol and smoking are two more ways to help eliminate your polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Find a way to quit smoking and stick to it. Your health depends on it.
- Eliminate alcohol until you have your issues under control.
How it works:
Regular smoking increases androgen levels in your blood. Alcohol, which is sugar, leads to dehydration, high blood glucose levels and prevents your liver from filtering harmful toxins that help to increase androgen levels.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds can also reduce or eliminate polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
What to do:
- Place 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a mug.
- Pour boiling water into the mug.
- Cover the mug and allow the fennel tea to steep for 5 minutes.
- Sip the tea a couple times a day. You can strain out the moistened seeds or just eat them when you finish drinking the tea.
How it works:
Fennel seeds are a centuries old cure for PCOS from Ayurvedic medicine. They are rich in estrogen mimicking phytoestrogens, which help to balance hormone levels.
Magnesium
Gain control over polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms with magnesium.
What to do:
- Eat foods that are rich in magnesium daily.
- You can also absorb magnesium by soaking in a warm bath with 1 cup of Epsom salt.
- Magnesium supplement at 200 to 300 mg three times a day are also an option.
How it works:
Low levels of magnesium are often associated with insulin resistance as the mineral tends to regulate blood glucose levels and help maintain a balance of insulin.
A Final Word
If finding relief for polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms is a major priority for you, then you’ll find that the lifestyle and dietary changes that you’ll need to make will be well worth the effort and sacrifices. Besides the aggravating symptoms, prolonged PCOS can have more serious side effects, so get control of it today.
Images from depositphotos.com and pixabay.com.