Treatment of PCOS at home

What is PCOS you may ask? PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands produce more androgens than usual. You may be confused that Androgens are male hormones. But androgens are produced in females as well – however in very minute quantities. So- while all women produce some androgens, women with PCOS have higher levels of these male hormones, leading to increased hair growth, acne, and weight gain. This condition can also cause irregular periods and can be associated with infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. PCOS is also linked with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, uterine cysts, and increased risk of endometrial cancer, and it's also not good for your bones and joints. It is estimated that PCOS affects five million women in the U.S. alone, and it can wreak havoc on your hormones and yet it still doesn’t have a known definite cure. so, Now what? While it is possible for women to successfully manage their symptoms solely with medication, hormone therapy, or even surgery, if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional treatments, there are several evidence-based therapeutics that are effective. So, here we will take a look at some natural methods to help manage your PCOS symptoms: However, it is prudent to collaborate on a treatment plan with your doctor before you start any treatment on your own. We shall begin, following are the list of things you should keep in mind:

1. Be strategic with your calories and diet

One study indicates that caloric intake timing can have a big impact on glucose, insulin, and testosterone levels. Lowering insulin could potentially help with infertility issues. Women with PCOS who ate the majority of their daily calories at breakfast for 12 weeks, significantly improved their insulin and glucose levels, as well as decreased testosterone levels by 50 percent, compared to women who consumed their largest meals at dinnertime. The effective diet consisted of a 980-calorie breakfast, a 640-calorie lunch, and a 190-calorie dinner. Also, Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher levels of advanced glycation end products or (AGEs) in their blood. AGEs are compounds that are formed when glucose binds with proteins, and scientists believe that these contribute to certain degenerative diseases and aging. One small study found that cutting down on dietary AGEs significantly reduced insulin levels in women with PCOS. Foods high in AGEs include animal-derived foods and processed foods. Applying high heat in form of grilling, searing or roasting increases the levels of AGE’sin your diet. You can avoid these and turn to more healthy diets including raw veggies, minimally fried, and nutrient-rich food which will better control your hormone and insulin levels.

2. vitamin D and calcium 

 A case-control study examined 100 infertile women with PCOS and found that those who supplemented their PCOS medications with calcium and vitamin D saw improvements in BMI, menstrual abnormalities, and other symptoms. The women in the study added 1,000 mg of calcium a day and 100,000 IU of vitamin D a month to their daily metformin dose for six months. Vitamin D and calcium will not only help in improving your PCOS symptoms – they will also improve your heart health, bone health, brain health, and muscle health.

3. magnesium

 Many women with PCOS exhibit risk factors of heart disease and other problems like diabetes and stroke. Low magnesium levels are often associated with diabetes, and some research indicates that a dietary supplement of magnesium may improve insulin sensitivity, a very important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and PCOS. One study found that overweight, insulin-resistant subjects who received 300 mg of magnesium at bedtime showed a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, compared to subjects who received nothing.

4. Increase your chromium 

Chromium is an essential mineral that helps the body regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Research suggests that chromium supplements can help people with diabetes by lowering their blood glucose levels. One such study examined the role of chromium in women with PCOS. The results indicated that 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate daily, significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and insulin levels in patients — enough that the effects were comparable to drugs such as metformin. While metformin is considered the cornerstone of treatment for PCOS, taking a daily dose of 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate could help regulate blood sugar levels.

5. omega-3s

Fish oil has been associated with a long list of health benefits, and some research indicates that omega-3 supplements can decrease androgen levels in women with PCOS. One study found that women with PCOS who were given three grams of omega-3 a day for eight weeks had lower testosterone levels and were more likely to resume regular periods than subjects, who received a placebo. Findings show omega-3 fatty acids may help to: 

• Lower blood pressure 

• Reduce triglycerides 

• Slow the development of plaque in the arteries 

• Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm

• Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that everyone should eat fish (particularly fatty fish) at least twice a week. You can also intake salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, and tuna are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids. But that is not practically possible for everyone – so fish oil supplements are an easier and cheaper alternative. I hope we taught you something about PCOS and how to manage it.