Home Remedies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Some of the most effective and trusted home remedies for polycystic ovary syndrome include the use of saw palmetto, fenugreek, salmon, flaxseed, spearmint tea, cinnamon, licorice, broccoli, apple cider vinegar, and spinach.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This primarily genetic disorder affects only women and is also called hyperandrogenic anovulation. It is a disorder that affects the endocrine system, meaning that this disorder is hormonal in nature. In fact, the main characterization of polycystic ovary syndrome is anovulation, which means that a woman does not release an oocyte or experience a menstrual period. Also, someone suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome has high levels of androgenic hormones and also suffers from insulin resistance, which is a major cause of diabetes. Those three primary symptoms are not where this disorder ends, as they can each cause other secondary symptoms that are not only more visible and difficult to manage, but also dangerous in their own right. Anovulation results in irregular menstruation and can even cause infertility, while the hormonal imbalance causes acne and atypical growth of hair and body parts. Finally, insulin resistance can easily lead to Type 2 diabetes, in addition to weight gain and cardiovascular complications.

If a woman suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome, it does not mean the same thing as going through menopause; this is a hormonal disorder that can be treated, whereas menopause is a natural period of progression in a female life cycle. As with any disorder rather than disease, there is no formal treatment or “cure”, just various management techniques to keep the body healthy and reduce the impact of the disorder on daily life. There are a number of pharmaceutical approaches to treat the primary and secondary symptoms of the disorder, but many people choose alternative routes for treatment, knowing that natural remedies can be just as effective. The fact that some of the more serious effects of this disorder include endometrial cancer and diabetes, it is recommended to see a medical professional regarding polycystic ovary syndrome, but rest assured that you do have plenty of options for treatment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best home remedies for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Home Remedies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Saw Palmetto: One of the most unsightly or visible symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome is hirsutism, which is essentially the growth of hair in strange places on a woman’s body. This is caused by the high levels of testosterone and androgenic hormones that characterize the disorder. Saw palmetto is one of the most effective herbs at inhibiting testosterone from converting into a more active form that will stimulate hirsutism. Saw palmetto is also considered an anti-androgenic substance, so it can help to reduce a number of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and actually re-balance the endocrine system.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has long been associated with themanagement of diabetes, which makes it ideal for treating polycystic ovary syndrome as well. By optimizing glucose metabolism in the body and ensuring that insulin receptors operate normally, it can protect someone suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome from developing Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, by regulating glucose metabolism, it can help to prevent weight gain and overeating, as nutrients will be used in an effective and timely manner by the body.

Flaxseed: Flaxseed has two very important roles in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Firstly, flaxseeddecreases androgen levels in the body, which is essential for women who want to avoid hirsutism. Secondly, flaxseed stimulates the production of sex hormone binding globulin, which binds with testosterone in the bloodstream, thereby preventing it from impacting other parts of the body and creating some of the secondary symptoms in women that can make life so difficult with this disorder.

Salmon: The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are the main reason why it made this home remedy list. Research has connected these essential fatty acids to a reduction in testosterone levels and a return to a normal menstruation cycle in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. Although this research is still ongoing, the fact remains that the omega-3s found in salmon and other oily fish are also great for heart health, as they eliminate much of the “bad cholesterol”. Considering that the insulin resistance of polycystic ovary syndrome also affects the heart, salmon and its omega-3s actually have two important roles in the treatment of this disorder.

Spinach: Spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables are packed with unique nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are directly linked to treating the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Calcium has been shown to improve menstrual regularity, magnesium improves insulin sensitivity, and vitamin D optimizes BMI, helping to prevent weight gain.

Broccoli: Although many people turn to insulin therapy to ensure that their blood sugar remains stable, one of the best natural ways to keep diabetic symptoms under control is with chromium. Broccoli has more chromium than any other food source, so pop that into your diet and ensure that your insulin and blood sugar levels are optimized to prevent the onset of diabetes as a side effect of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon may not seem like an obvious choice for a treatment, but in fact, cinnamon has been positively correlated with regular menstrual cycles and an increase in insulin sensitivity, making it a very valuable remedy that can be added to many different foods, or added to tea with honey for a delicious and beneficial beverage.

Licorice: Licorice attacks polycystic ovary syndrome from a number of different directions. Research has shown that one of the active ingredients in licorice inhibits a key enzyme necessary for testosterone production. Furthermore, licorice root can help to stimulate menstruation and it detoxifies the liver, which is closely connected to hormonal imbalance.

Spearmint Tea: Spearmint tea is directly linked to the treatment of hirsutism, as research studies have shown that spearmint’s active ingredients can reduce total testosterone levels, and inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone, thereby helping to keep hair where it belongs on a woman’s body!

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar seems to be helpful for pretty much everything, but in terms of polycystic ovary syndrome, it can help reduce the insulin resistance and get your blood sugar behavior back to normal. Apple Cider Vinegar is actually used to naturally treat diabetes all over the world, so it makes sense that it would be an effective remedy for those dangerous insulin symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

A Final Word of Warning: Although most of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are merely irritating or embarrassing, rather than life-threatening, the increased chance of infertility and endometrial cancer is very serious. While many of these home remedies will effectively clear up primary and secondary symptoms, it is still highly recommended to see a medical professional if you believe that you’re suffering from a hormonal imbalance, as any endocrine disorder can be much more complicated than it initially appears.