How to help treat PCOS symptoms naturally
How to help treat PCOS symptoms naturally
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects around 6%-10% of women in the reproductive age group. Whilst the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is related to irregular hormone levels in the body, in particular high levels of insulin.
Many PCOS sufferers are resistant to insulin, resulting in their body producing higher levels of the hormone to overcome this. Symptoms include irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation, excessive hair growth due to excess androgen (male hormones), polycystic ovaries, weight gain and oily skin or acne.
Although there is no currently a cure for PCOS, it is possible to ease some of the symptoms – many of which can be treated naturally.
Natural treatment for PCOS symptoms:
Eat plenty of whole foods
Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are free from artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives, which can help to regulate your blood sugar. Plus, balancing your carbohydrate and protein intake can also improve your insulin sensitivity.
Reduce caffeine intake
Studies suggest that too much caffeine consumption may change oestrogen levels and hormone behaviour. Reducing your caffeine intake and opting for other natural energy boosters such as herbal teas instead may help balance hormone levels.
Take an inositol supplement
Inositol is a B vitamin that has been shown to improve insulin resistance. Myo & D-Chiro Inositol in particular have been proven to improve insulin resistance as well as androgen levels, two main features of PCOS. Various studies have found PCOS sufferers to have reduced levels of inositol, which may contribute to their insulin resistance, meaning that supplementing with inositol may be of benefit.
Myo Inositol has also been shown to help known characteristics of PCOS such as menstrual cycles, ovulation and androgen levels, whilst D-Chiro Inositol has demonstrated positive effects on insulin resistance and hormonal balance.
It has also been shown that combination of Myo & D-Chiro as pre‐treatment and as stimulation therapy in IVF reduces insulin resistance, thereby improving ovarian function, oocyte quality, and embryo and pregnancy rates while reducing the amount of gonadotrophin needed during stimulation.
Try our Inositol Complex here.
Follow us on Instagram