PCOS affects women in all age groups. Adolescent girls with PCOs suffer from irregular periods, weight gain, and excessive body hair of male patterns. A woman in the reproductive age group with PCOS is more likely to suffer from miscarriages, Infertility, hypertension, and diabetes during pregnancy and infant death after birth. PCOS at a later age can also cause serious health problems, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, heavy bleeding during periods, and uterine cancer. While there is no cure, this condition can be managed by diet, exercise, and medicine.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is not yet known. Still, there is some relation to insulin resistance, where the body produces more and more insulin to combat insulin resistance. The various factors for PCOS development include:

  • Male hormones: production of androgens, or male hormones, plays a significant role in PCOS since it causes symptoms such as increased facial hair, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles since they prevent eggs from being released.
  • Obesity: we two and now whether obesity is a cause or an effect of PCOS; there is a relationship between the two, and following an ideal weight management plan appears significant.
  • Heredity: PCOS may be influenced by specific genes in the family. Having a family history of PCOS may also play a role.
  • Insulin Resistance: a hormone called insulin is made by the pancreas, allowing cells to use sugar, the body’s primary energy source. Blood sugar levels can rise if cells become resistant to insulin. Your body may attempt to decrease your blood sugar level by producing more insulin. In case of too much insulin, the body might produce excessive male hormone, androgen, that could interfere with ovulation. It may also cause a bigger appetite and weight gain. In addition, dark, velvety patches of skin on the nape, under the breasts, and armpits are seen which are signs of insulin resistance.

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Symptoms of PCOS

Women with PCOS display a variety of symptoms depending on their health condition. However, the following are some of the more common symptoms to watch out for:

  • Missed periods, irregular or light cycles.
  • Excessive body hair on the chest, stomach, back, chin, or face
  • Gaining weight around the stomach
  • Frequent breakouts of acne
  • Not being able to conceive naturally.
  • Extra skin fragments in the armpits or on the neck.
  • Skin darkening, particularly in the groin, neck, or area under the breasts.
  • Acute hair loss or hair thinning.

Home Remedies for PCOS

In today’s time, PCOS is quite common, which is why many women take medications, modify their lifestyles, and begin an exercise regime to control it.

However, did you know that PCOS treatment is possible through some natural remedies as well? These are a few you could try if you are suffering from PCOS:

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain a compound that helps to decrease the level of androgen in the body, thereby reducing PCOS symptoms like abnormal hair growth and body hair that occur due to increased androgen levels. Therefore, the consumption of flaxseeds, whether you add them to your daily diet as milkshakes and smoothies or by eating them directly, is beneficial to your overall health.

Mulethi

The benefits of Mulethi, also known as licorice, are significant for managing PCOS. It is a root powder that acts against androgens and stimulates an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen. You should take a cup of hot water, mix it into it, and drink it for two months. After that, use this brew longer to prolong the effects.

Fish Oil or Omega 3 Supplements

Taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements leads to a regular menstrual cycle, but weight, bleeding, ovarian size, and the number of follicles are not altered. Fish oil supplementation reduces the waist-hip ratio as well.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps to improve insulin receptor function, which is beneficial. Additionally, cinnamon supplementation in the diet reduces menstrual irregularities. You can consume it daily by adding it to water while preparing tea. You can also take it as more concentrated tablets, but you should consult your doctor before consuming it.

Other Natural Remedies for PCOS

  • You can increase your daily fiber intake by including broccoli, beans, spinach, berries, etc.
  • Create a food plan with a lot of protein and stick to it. It would be beneficial if you also tried sesame seeds and Greek yogurt.
  • Good fats are also beneficial for the at-home treatment of PCOS. You might start using coconut or olive oil to prepare your meals.
  • Eat plenty of fruits, such as avocados and dried fruits, to consume antioxidants.

PCOS and Diet - How Do They Relate?

PCOS is a Chronic condition that can be treated by regulating hormones. A healthy and nourishing diet helps balance the hormones, which leads to regular menstrual cycles. Therefore, you should eat the right foods and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, women with PCOS will have elevated insulin levels. High insulin levels lead to more androgens, causing imbalances in the hormones that result in PCOS, so it is imperative to maintain insulin levels. By abstaining from foods with high refined carbohydrate and sugar content, it is possible to attain this goal.

In women suffering from PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight is imperative to reducing the symptoms of PCOS, in addition to weight loss.

Balanced Diet

Keeping a healthy diet can be very helpful in managing PCOS symptoms or reducing its severity. Here are a few tips.

  • Choose regular, modest meals rather than large ones.
  • Maintain a schedule and make advance meal plans.
  • Try to avoid eating anything fried or sweet.
  • Your diet needs to include more fiber.
  • Reduce dairy intake.
  • Eat less processed food because it causes insulin resistance and inflammation.

Maintain Your Stress Level

Modern, fast-paced life is mentally draining for everyone. If you have PCOS, working on stress reduction becomes even more vital. A few strategies include:

  • Going for a walk-in nature. Enjoy the fresh air and greenery.
  • Getting into the habit of meditating daily.

Weight Management

PCOS symptoms, such as hair loss, excess body hair, and acne, can be reduced with weight management. As a result of the restoration of hormone production, a positive mood can also be observed, leading to improved fertility and period regulation. Managing weight in PCOS also reduces the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. For women with PCOS caused by excess weight, losing only 5-10% of weight can achieve all of these benefits.

Conclusion

PCOS is a complex condition, which can worsen with poor lifestyle habits. While it cannot be cured completely due to genetic links, we can take appropriate steps to manage this condition, preventing it from worsening. Lifestyle changes are the most important measures. Several herbal supplements have also shown excellent results. If you suffer from PCOS, follow your doctor’s instructions, and change your lifestyle.

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FAQs

1. Is PCOS contagious?

PCOS is not communicable. The exact mechanism and cause of PCOS are unknown, but it does occur in families due to genetic links.

2. Does chamomile tea help PCOS?

Yes, chamomile tea has an anti-inflammatory effect, and it is also thought to lessen period pain. As a result, PCOS may benefit from it. Additionally, it is supposed to stop the discomfort of early labor, which can happen in PCOS-affected pregnant women.

3. Can PCOS lead to hair loss?

PCOS can indeed cause scalp hair loss.