11 Evidence-Based PCOS Natural Treatment
Medically Reviewed By Margaret Etudo, BPharm. Written By The Vitamins For Woman Team.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women. Aside from conventional treatments, a healthy diet and supplements are PCOS natural treatments that can help you manage it.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It leads to abnormal growths called cysts in the ovaries, which are your body produces eggs. In most women, PCOS starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women. About 70% of these women remain undiagnosed worldwide.
PCOS is the leading cause of anovulation (absence of ovulation) and infertility. In contrast, this disorder can be genetic, and there are different ways it manifests and affects women. It also increases the risk of long-term diseases that affect your physical and emotional health. Some of these include depression and anxiety, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, endometrial hyperplasia (a condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick), and endometrial cancer.
There is no cure. However, several PCOS natural treatments can improve some symptoms that you may be experiencing. In this article, we will explore these natural treatments for PCOS as well as the symptoms and causes.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS manifests in different ways, varying from woman to woman. Here are some of the common PCOS symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual cycle which may come with:
- No menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Frequently missed periods (oligomenorrhea)
- Heavy bleeding or periods
- Bleeding but no ovulation (anovulatory periods)
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, neck, chest, belly, or upper thighs
- Acne that does not respond to treatments
- Oily skin
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the waist
- Skin tags or patches of dark skin (acanthosis nigricans)
- Fatigue
- Obstructive sleep apnea – a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep
- High androgen levels
- Abnormal growth (cysts) in the ovaries
- Insulin resistance
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Intense mood swings that can lead to depression and anxiety
- Decreased libido
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood and is hard to pinpoint. However, researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here are some factors that potentially contribute to this condition:
Hormonal Imbalance
Most symptoms of PCOS are attributed to elevated levels of male sex hormones called androgens. Hyperandrogenism occurs in 60%-80% of women suffering from PCOS.
The ovaries produce both estrogen and androgen. In women with PCOS, the hormones are not balanced – the androgen levels are higher, and estrogen levels are lower than normal.
High androgen levels disrupt the signals sent to the brain that trigger ovulation, leading to anovulation. The small, fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries where the eggs grow and mature stop growing and get bigger. The high androgen levels are the reason behind hair growth and acne in many women with PCOS.
Genetics
The symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families across generations. Researchers believe the syndrome is caused by a change or mutation in one or more genes. Recent animal research suggests that PCOS occurs due to genetic changes that occur in the womb in some cases.
Insulin Resistance
About 50-70% of women who have PCOS have insulin resistance because their bodies cannot use insulin properly. When your cells can’t use insulin properly, your blood sugar rises. Your body’s demand for insulin increases, and your pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. Too much insulin increases the production of androgens, male hormones.
Obesity is the primary cause of insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation
PCOS comes with increased levels of inflammation in the body. Being overweight also contributes to inflammation. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that stimulates their ovaries to produce androgens.
Natural Treatments for PCOS
While the cause remains a puzzle, many women find relief through natural approaches. Some ways to manage symptoms and support your overall health include:
Diet Changes
PCOS comes with increased levels of inflammation in the body. Being overweight also contributes to inflammation. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that stimulates their ovaries to produce androgens.
Consume Whole Foods
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes are whole foods that you should add to your diet. They are free from artificial sugars and preservatives, which regulate your blood sugar levels. They supply your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that prevent inflammation and support optimal health.
Balance Carb and Protein Intake
Eating moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates and lean protein can help manage insulin resistance in PCOS. This combination stimulates insulin production and keeps you feeling full for long. Whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables are excellent sources of these complex carbohydrates.
Aim for Anti-inflammatory Food
PCOS is a chronic inflammatory disease. Eating foods known for their rich antiinflammatory and antioxidative content, such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, can reduce inflammation. A Mediterranean diet is a great option worth considering.
Increase Iron Take
Many women with PCOS are more likely to have iron deficiency or anemia because of heavy bleeding during their periods. If you have been diagnosed with these conditions, speak to your doctor. They recommend incorporating iron-rich foods such as spinach, eggs, and red meat into your diet to increase your iron intake. Remember, overconsumption of iron comes with a risk of complications.
Increase Magnesium Consumption
Recent studies show that combining magnesium with vitamin E reduces inflammation in women with PCOS. Hormonal acne and excess hair growth improved in these women. Adding magnesium-rich foods like almonds, spinach, avocado, bananas, and dark chocolate can boost your body’s magnesium levels.
Eliminate Coffee from Your Diet
Some studies show that caffeine consumption worsens symptoms like hormone imbalance and insulin resistance. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between coffee and PCOS. You can consider healthier alternatives like herbal teas or green tea. Green teas contain antioxidants, one of the natural remedies for PCOS treatment. They improve insulin resistance and weight management.
Balance Your Exercise With a Doctor
Regular exercise is an underrated natural treatment for PCOS and healthy weight management. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity. A study showed that women with PCOS who engaged in exercises like walking noticed a reduction in their waist-to-hip ratio.
Maintain a Good Sleep Routine
A regular schedule with 7-8 hours of quality sleep doubles as a way to relieve PCOS symptoms and natural treatment. Studies show that poor sleep increases leptin levels, which can cause obesity. Ensure that your environment is dark, serene, and conducive for sleeping, which can help with insomnia.
Reduce Stress
Increased stress levels worsen inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and other PCOS symptoms. Slow walks, meditation, yoga, and other self-care activities can reduce cortisol. These activities serve as natural treatments for PCOS and support mental and emotional health.
Take Supplements
You can consider nutritional supplements for PCOS natural treatment. Some supplements that help with PCOS include:
Inositol: Inositol is a B vitamin involved in various functions, including cell membrane formation, cell growth, and reproduction, which can help improve insulin resistance. D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is made from the decomposition of phytic acids in fruits, legumes, nuts, and grains. The combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol improves insulin resistance, regular menstruation, and fertility in some cases of PCOS.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been proven to be a great PCOS all natural treatment. This vitamin significantly enhances insulin production and improves glucose metabolism. Taking vitamin D supplements would regulate your menstrual cycle while increasing vitamin levels and lowering your BMI (body mass index).
Berberine: Is a plant-derived herb used in Chinese medicine. It is widely known to improve insulin sensitivity and other PCOS symptoms and balance the body’s hormones.
Magnesium: Like we mentioned earlier, magnesium is a natural treatment for PCOS. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Zinc: This essential microelement is crucial for regulating cell growth, hormone release, and reproduction. Low zinc levels in PCOS affect hormonal, lipid, and glucose metabolism. As an antioxidant, it improves insulin resistance, lipid balance, and other PCOS symptoms and natural treatment.
Vitamin B12: Cobalamin is one of the best natural remedies for PCOS treatment. Studies on the effect of vitamin supplementation have proved that higher levels of vitamin B12 reduce the risk of PCOS. There is also growing medical evidence of the use of vitamin B12 for infertility.
Probiotics: Probiotics are popularly known for their role in digestion and gut health. However, they also reduce inflammation and the production of androgens and estrogens, which are linked to PCOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
High-quality multivitamins containing vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and other vitamins and minerals are best for PCOS. These PCOS all natural treatments support hormone balance and overall health.
Most women who have PCOS struggle with conceiving or infertility. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for PCOS treatment that can make you fertile, improving your chances of conceiving. Aside from incorporating supplements like inositol, vitamin D, and antioxidants, eating whole foods and exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight.
This approach will also regulate your hormones and support ovulation. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized support and guidance.
There are no specific PCOS pills, but some medications can manage symptoms and address underlying illnesses that come with PCOS. Metformin, which is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, improves insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Your doctor may also recommend anti-androgen medications or birth control pills to regulate hormones and reduce excessive hair growth or acne.
Final Thoughts For You
A natural PCOS treatment approach is a great way to not only balance your hormones but also reduce inflammation and other effects of this condition. Integrating dietary and lifestyle changes addresses the underlying causes of PCOS symptoms and natural treatment.
For the best support, choose high-quality multivitamins formulated specifically with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium as a PCOS all natural treatment. Never forget this—every woman is different. So, speak to a healthcare professional during this challenging period for personalized guidance.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- World Health Organization (WHO): Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Gambineri A, Laudisio D, Marocco C, et al. Female infertility: which role for obesity? Int J Obes Suppl. 2019;9(1):65-72.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Ye W, Xie T, Song Y, Zhou L. The role of androgen and its related signals in PCOS. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2021;25(4):1825.
- Rosenfield RL, Ehrmann DA. The pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): the hypothesis of pcos as functional ovarian hyperandrogenism revisited. Endocr Rev. 2016;37(5):467-520.
- González F. Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Underpinning of insulin resistance and ovarian dysfunction. Steroids. 2012;77(4):300-305.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): Insulin resistance & prediabetes
- XENOU M, GOUROUNTI K. Dietary patterns and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review. Maedica (Bucur). 2021;16(3):516-521.
- Wilcox G. Insulin and insulin resistance. Clin Biochem Rev. 2005;26(2):19-39.
medically reviewed by margaret etudo, BPharm. written by the vitamins for woman team.
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Hey, Vitamins For Woman, can u share how exactly inflammation contributes to PCOS? I’ve read about it here and there but still kinda confused. Thanks!
Increasing magnesium seems legit for PCOS management. Been reading a lot about its benefits for muscle and nerve function too.
i love the bit about reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep routine for pcos treatment. so important in today’s world.
totally agree, sleep is like the best medicine for everything.
Why eliminate coffee? There’s evidence showing it can actually be beneficial in moderation. Would love to see more nuance here.
Interesting read. However, I checked a few studies, and the link between dairy and PCOS symptoms isn’t as strong as implied. Thoughts?
Absolutely adoring the focus on whole foods and balanced nutrition. It’s all about that glow from the inside out!
Does anyone have app recommendations for tracking carb and protein intake efficiently? Trying to balance that for PCOS management.
is it just me or does ‘eliminate coffee from your diet’ sound like a horror story, can’t live without my morning brew haha.
I’m curious about the sustainability of some of these supplements. It’s great we’re focusing on health, but at what cost to the planet?
Eliminate coffee, right, and next they’ll tell us to give up breathing.
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