5 Natural Ways to Ease Your PCOS Symptoms

Being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is understandably difficult, but you are one of the lucky ones who has been diagnosed. Often, it is a hard diagnosis to reach, but your team of medical professionals recognized the symptoms and connected the dots. Quite regularly, women with PCOS are never diagnosed, and therefore, never get the treatment they need to balance their symptoms, and work towards a healthy conception.

On the opposite end, PCOS is somewhat of a mystery syndrome, even though it is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing age. As many as 12% of women may have PCOS. Many of the more traditional treatments involve being prescribed hormone medications. While they are often effective, they can come with side effects of their own. 

However, there are also natural remedies that have been shown to provide relief from the symptoms of PCOS, which include things like irregular or nonexistent periods, thinning hair, abnormal hair growth on the face and other parts of the body, acne, ovarian cysts, obesity and recurrent miscarriages.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, try these natural ways for relieving symptoms.

There are things that you can do, and lifestyle changes you can make, that mitigate the symptoms of PCOS. Because insulin resistance often goes hand-in-hand with PCOS, dietary changes are often the first step to help balance your blood sugar levels and reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Balance proteins and carbs.

• When your proteins and carbohydrates are in balance, it’s easier for your body to keep your blood sugar levels in check. When blood sugars are in check, so are your insulin levels, which increases your chances of fertility. 
• Try to only consume whole-grain and sprouted breads and snacks and stay away from the processed carbs as much as possible.

Shoot for low-glycemic sweeteners.

• Different sugars have a different effect on your body and its insulin production. Everyone should try to use sweeteners with that register low on the glycemic index, but it’s especially important for women with PCOS.
• Refined sugars, like the white sugar that is commonly used, as well as corn-based sweeteners, react stringy with our pancreases.
• You are much better off using sweeteners like stevia, xylitol, and agave syrup.
• We don’t recommend using fake/synthetic sweeteners.

Cut your caffeine intake.

• It has been found that women who drink 2 or more cups of coffee per day have significantly higher levels of estrogen in their bodies (upwards of 70% more) during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
• If you are trying to become pregnant, now may be the time to switch to nominal amounts of caffeine, or to remove it entirely from your diet. Additionally, too much caffeine isn’t good for a developing fetus, so removing caffeine early might be a good choice.

Eat Organic Foods.

• Environmental toxins are thought to be a contributing factor to why PCOS is increasingly common. Pesticides are a major contributing factor for fertility issues in both women and men. 
• To boost fertility, for both you and your partner, try eating foods that are pesticide-free. 

Exercise at least 5 times a week.

• Exercising regularly is a good idea normally, but exercise is particularly important for women with PCOS.
• Both cardio and resistance workouts are valuable, so make sure you incorporate them both. 
• Resistance exercises seem to have a more positive effect on insulin sensitivity. 
• Your goal should be at least 30 minutes, and aim for 5 times a week. 
• Exercising will boost your metabolism, help you lose weight, and help you feel better physically and mentally.

PCOS is not an easy thing to live with, but you can manage your symptoms naturally and with medical help. If you think you have PCOS, and are ready to get pregnant or have any questions regarding symptom management, contact us to schedule a consultation. A fertility specialist will be extremely helpful to chart your course of action, and the sooner you begin making valuable changes, the more likely you will be to have a successful conception.