Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects women of reproductive age, causing multiple cysts in both ovaries that result in hormone imbalance and a state of chronic anovulation (ovary releases ova after longer periods of time usually around 2-3 months instead of the normal 25-28 days). I have come across many women who wonder how to get rid of polycystic ovaries naturally? Unfortunately, there are is no known cure for PCOS yet. But there are ways to naturally treat PCOS symptoms which can relieve much of the suffering associated with it.

A definitive cause is unknown, however genetic and environmental factors are attributed to causing a rise in leutenizing hormone (LH) secretion and insulin resistance that are responsible for the many of the symptoms seen in PCOS. If not treated early, PCOS can even result in infertility. Remedies to naturally treat PCOS symptoms could well be the solution.

Read about PCOS, it’s causes, treatment and associations like PCOS hypoglycemic attacks here.

Most of the symptoms of PCOS are primarily categorized under three upsets that the body goes through. The fourth one is the psychological effect that a woman might experience due to the many disturbing symptoms she is already facing.

1. Hyper Androgenism (HA)
2. Insulin Resistance (IR)
3. Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
4. Psychological Effects

How To Cure PCOS Naturally?

As mentioned before, unfortunately there is no cure for PCOS as yet, however it is possible to naturally treat PCOS symptoms using different home remedies. These can benefit women in more than one way specially those who are wanting to conceive later in life. Below I will go through each symptom and the different home remedies to naturally treat PCOS symptoms separately.

Home Remedies to Naturally Treat PCOS Symptoms

1. Remedies That Decrease Insulin Resistance

PCOS causes hyperinsulinemia (elevated insulin levels in blood) which is the cause of many symptoms including PCOS hypoglycemic attacks. Other effects include weight gain, sleep apnea and hyperandrogenism (elevated testosterone production). If insulin resistance is not controlled, it can lead to burning out of pancreas thus causing full blown type 2 diabetes mellitus.

You can naturally treat PCOS symptom of insulin resistance with:

• Cinnamon 

This condiment is a proven cure for type 2 diabetes. It also has the ability to stabilize blood sugar level and reduce insulin resistance by slowing the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. This slows the breakdown of carbohydrates which is important for people with diabetes and PCOS. Studies indicate that cinnamon also increases the chances of conceiving.

Mix cinnamon with milkshakes or yogurt, bake them into cakes and muffins or just sprinkle them over your cup of tea or coffee.

• Consume Equal Amounts Of Proteins and Carbs

When you eat equal amounts of protein and carbohydrates, it helps to keep your insulin at a balanced level, thus increasing your fertility. Keeping your weight in check is also a great way to reduce insulin resistance.

2. Prevent Hypoglycemic Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Hypoglycemia is a condition when blood sugar level falls below 3.9 mmol/L or 70mg/dl. It is always better to prevent going into a hypoglycemic state rather than trying to recover from PCOS hypoglycemic attacks.

The types of carbohydrates you choose to eat play an important role in determining your blood glucose level. Foods with high glycemic index and concentrated sugars tend to get rapidly absorbed in blood and cause a sudden rise in blood sugar followed by a sharp decline. This can be deceiving as well as dangerous.

•  Choose Foods rich in dietary fibers

Dietary fibers allow sugars to be absorbed more slowly, which regulate glucose in the blood. Person with low blood sugar should consume around 25-40 g of dietary fiber per day. Psyllium, Oat bran, apple pectin, whole meal cereals and ground flax seed are rich in fiber.

•  Choose Foods rich in proteins

Proteins provide the body with a more consistent source of energy compared to sugar or fats. This is because they are absorbed less rapidly. Always keep nuts, seeds, roasted soy beans and cheese handy to fill your protein needs on the go. Canned fish like sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon are great sources of protein and can be added to the diet of hypoglycemic patients.

•  Avoid White Diet

Choosing whole grains or sprouted grain products over processed carbs which cause a spike in insulin levels and provide little to no fiber or nutrients are a few better choices that you can make. Especially avoid white variety of processed carbohydrates.

Learn more about the No White Diet here.

• Sugar Content

The amount of sugar intake in any case should not exceed 5 gm per serving. If there is a strong urge to eat sugar, take sugar-free desserts made from whole meal flour, cow’s milk, soy nature and plain yogurt, sweet fruits lower in glycemic value, fresh vegetables, vegetable juice without sugar and other sugar free sweet dishes. High fructose corn syrup is a BIG NO for people battling with insulin resistance and weight gain.

3. Control Weight gain

Weight control is essential to naturally treat PCOS. For that you need to keep your BMI in check. Body Mass Index or BMI is a ratio of height and weight that tells you the appropriate weight for a certain age group. Naturally, every person’s built is different. Some may be tall while others may have a smaller, petite built. Hence the BMI differs person to person and changes with age.

A BMI under 18 indicates being underweight

BMI 19-25 indicates normal weight

BMI 25-30 indicates being overweight

BMI more than 30 indicates being obese

If your BMI is more than 25, you must start worrying about weight control and if it has crossed 30, you must really become serious about cutting back those calories and increasing your gym time. Remedies to naturally treat PCO symptom of overweightness include:

• Calorie control

Reducing 500 calories a day from your diet will help you lose 1 lb body weight a week. Most health professionals recommend creating a caloric deficit of 500 to 1000 a day for a healthy, successful weight loss. An extreme deficit of more than a 1000 calories a day can compromise bodily functions. Studies have shown that a calorie-restricted diet can help treat PCOS which is often associated with hirsutism.

•  Exercise 

Walking 30 minutes every day is enough to give you a jump start into any exercise program. Be it at the local gym, or just following some routines at home, exercise is a must for every age group. It keeps those joints working, those muscles toned up, that tummy tucked in and that energy level high not forgetting the elevated mood that you need to feel fresh all the time.

4. Sleep Apnea and Poor Sleep Remedies

The weight gain and insulin resistance in PCOS can lead to sleep disorders, sleep apnea in particular. Using the following can get you some relief and a good night’s sleep.

• Peppermint Mouthwash

Add one drop of peppermint oil to a glass of cold water to create a peppermint mouth wash. Gargle with it to shrink the lining of your nose and throat. Make sure that you do not swallow.

• Warm turmeric milk 

Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan that promotes sleep. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory system to help you breathe freely while you sleep.

1. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of milk.
2. Boil and let it simmer for a few minutes on low flame.
3. Remove from heat and add a little honey.
4. Drink it daily 30 minutes before going to sleep

5. Treat Hyper Androgenism Caused By PCOS

Excess insulin in the blood can lead to a sharp increase in the circulation of testosterone and an insulin-like growth factor, which have been associated with hyperandrogenism. Symptoms include hirsutism, thinning of hair or male pattern baldness, acne and oily skin, irregular menstruation and infertility.

Ways to tackle hyperandrogenism include:

• Follow a Low Glycemic Diet

Carbs that have a high glycemic Index are quickly broken down by the body and cause a rapid, rise in blood glucose levels, which in turn generally trigger the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin. In contrast, low glycemic index carbs, which take much longer to digest, generally cause only a small, slow rise in the blood glucose and insulin levels.

Most non-starchy vegetables, legumes and fruit have a low GI rating while most refined carbohydrate-rich foods and potatoes are rated high on the Glycemic Index.

6. Home Remedies For Hirsutism

Nobody wants excess male pattern hair growth on the face and body. Other than waxing, depilation, laser and other hair removing techniques, the following can help slow down the process.

•  Increase Vitamin B Intake

Vitamin B2 helps convert dietary fat, protein and carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B3 helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and vitamin B5 may help with weight loss due to its ability to control fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in maintaining hormonal balance. It is also needed for proper absorption of zinc in the intestines. In addition, vitamins B2, B3, and B6 are essential for normal thyroid function and metabolism, and can thus help reduce excess body weight.

1. Apricots are a good source of vitamin B complex especially vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6.
2. Sunflower seeds; Despite being rich in calories and fat, sunflower seeds offer a multitude of health benefits especially to women with hirsutism. Sunflower feature vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), a stellar nutrient combo for fighting unwanted body hair. What’s more, sunflower seeds are loaded with magnesium.

7. Balding or Thinning Hair Treatment at Home

Although testosterone levels are high in the body and one may find excess hair on other parts of the body but you may also experience thinning of, or male pattern balding on the head. This again is due to high testosterone.

There are many home remedies that help strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth at follicle level. You can read about the Natural Home Remedies To Regrow Hair On A Balding Head here.

8. Acne and Oily Skin Home Remedies

Good skin care is always the first recommendation to any woman having acne prone oily skin. Do not touch your face too much. I know the discomfort of acne makes you subconsciously touch breakouts every 2-3 minutes. Make a conscious effort not to itch, scratch, pick, peel, pop, or rub your skin. It will only make things go from bad to worse.

• Garlic 

Garlic is thought to be a good natural remedy for acne because of its supposed antibacterial properties. You can apply it topically to help reduce the severity of your breakouts and prevent them in the future. Never apply garlic to your skin without diluting it first. All you need to do is:

1. Mash 2-3 cloves of garlic
2. Mix with 1 teaspoon water or aloe vera gel
3. Let it sit for ten minutes
4. Using a cotton pad, soak it in the mixture and apply directly on the problem spot.

• Cucumbers

Cucumbers are also very beneficial for oily skin due to their cooling, astringent and soothing properties. They are high in vitamin and mineral content, including vitamin A and E, magnesium and potassium, which are good for oily skin.

1. Cut a fresh organic cucumber into thick slices and rub them thoroughly on your face
2. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning.
3. Do this daily before going to bed.

9. Remedies To Regulate Menstrual Cycle

Irregular or less frequent periods, sometimes even completely absence is a common feature of PCOS. It may be accompanied by PCOS and nausea, bloating and cramps. Besides the hormone replacement therapies given by a conventional doctor, you can use cinnamon, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to combat menstrual irregularities naturally.

• Coriander Seeds 

Coriander seeds top the home remedies for irregular periods because of its emmenagogue properties. Emmenagogue is a substance that stimulates menstrual flow. Aside from stimulating menstrual flow, it can also promote menstruation. To use coriander seeds for irregular periods, you should:

1. Boil 1 tsp. of corianders with 2 cups of water
2. Wait till the water reduces to just one cup
3. Use a strainer to remove the seeds and drink the concoction thrice a day for a couple of days before your monthly period.

• Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds can aid in regulating irregular periods. Besides the emmenagogue substance, it also contains antispasmodic properties, which is effective in soothing cramps associated with menstruation. You need to:

1. Combine 2 tbsp. of fennel seeds and 1 cup of water
2. Let it stand overnight
3. Strain the seeds in the mixture and drink.
4. Do this process for one month or until your menstrual period turns regular.

10. Home Remedies For Infertility Resulting From PCOS

Infertility is the most dangerous symptom of PCOS. If nothing else, you should learn how to naturally treat PCOS symptoms just for this. As mentioned before, consuming higher amount of proteins, lesser amounts of white carbs and high glycemic index foods and maintaining weight is essential in improving the chances to conceive. Other than cinnamon, foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and licorice root also create a healthy environment for conception.

•  Cod Liver Oil

Eating omega-3 fatty acids can help lose weight and balance hormones. Omega-3 has been shown to aid hormonal regulation and reduce inflammation. Cod liver oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Licorice root

Licorice root helps the body to maintain proper hormone production and release. Licorice supports healthy insulin levels and liver health which is important for women with PCOS.

11. Acanthosis Nigricans (Skin Pigmentation) Treatment

Acanthosis nigricans is a physical sign of insulin resistance. The elevated insulin level causes stimulation of the melanocytes, the cells that make pigment. It is the darkening and thickening of skin around the neck, under armpits, in the groin, knuckles, elbows and knees.

• Omega 3 fatty acids

There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids help in utilising the glucose and insulin in the body, cancelling out most of the side effects of PCOS.

Caned fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements, walnut and walnut oil, chia seeds, sea food and spinach are other omega 3 rich foods.

•  Flax seeds 

These seeds are very good source of fibre, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lignans, a protein that reduces the quantity of available testosterones in our body. The seeds can either be powdered and added to your breakfast or mixed with juices. You can also add them to your drinking water every day. Flax seed oil supplement should help too.

Try to get between 1 and 3 grams of omega-3s a day.

12. Remedies For Anxiety and Depression

Eating these foods might help to relieve anxiety, panic attacks and depression:

• Blueberries and peaches contain nutrients that relieve stress and have a calming effect.
• Whole grains are rich in magnesium and tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts to serotonin which is known to calm and improve your mood.
• Oats also increase serotonin production and are high in fiber, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes that affect mood.
• Indulge every once in a while in dark chocolate, which also helps lower cortisol.

So if you wonder how to get rid of polycystic ovaries naturally, or how to naturally treat PCOS, this is the place for you. We’ve told you many ways to to find comfort, eat healthy, and use those over the “kitchen” counter products that can help you regulate your hormones and keep you worry and PCOS symptom free.