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Are you struggling with PCOS? According to conservative estimates, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in the US. You certainly are not alone in this problem. PCOS is a health problem affecting hormone levels of a woman. It can affect your mental and physical state. Your ovaries and adrenal glands release more male hormones than normal when you have PCOS. As a result, the cysts will develop on your ovaries. The metabolism issues and hormonal imbalance linked with PCOS may raise the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, hypertension, and adversely affecting fertility.[1] So, what you can to battle this issue? We will help you. In this article, we, Effective Remedies, are going to talk about the most effective home remedies for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) that work naturally to get pregnant, additional tips for lifestyle, PCOS facts, FAQs, and diet advice. There are some of these natural remedies that aim at soothing the symptoms while other ways help to manage underlying causes of PCOS for good. Let’s check out!
- Effective home remedies for ovarian cysts pain relief
- Irregular periods may raise ovarian cancer risk
- Effective home remedies for menstrual cramps relief
21 Most Effective Home Remedies For PCOS To Get Pregnant Naturally
I. Effective Home Remedies For PCOS
PCOS can be controlled though there’s no cure for it. Some simple natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and medications can assist in calming the symptoms and lowering complications.
1. Home Remedies For PCOS – Apple Cider Vinegar
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is useful for controlling blood sugar and keeping the body from producing excessive insulin. Thus, it can control the insulin levels in your body that in turn deals with the symptoms of PCOS.[2] Apart from that, it improves your overall health and helps you lose weight.
What You Need
- Raw, unfiltered ACV – two teaspoons
- A glass of water
How to do:
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Just mix the prepared ACV in water. Consume the liquid every day in the morning & before meals. Follow this way for a few weeks or until you notice an improvement.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Drink too much ACV can cause osteoporosis and low potassium levels.
2. Home Remedies For PCOS – Fenugreek
Why This Works
Do you want to combat PCOS naturally and fast? Using fenugreek is a fantastic remedy. It is perfect for improving insulin resistance and promoting glucose metabolism in your body. As a result, it aids in balancing your hormones. Apart from that, it is beneficial for reducing cholesterol, aiding weight loss and enhancing healthy heart functioning.[3]
What You Need
- Fenugreek seeds – three teaspoons
- Honey
- Water
How to do:
At first, soak the fenugreek seeds in water for around 6-7 hours. Afterward, take a teaspoon of this solution with some honey on an empty stomach in the morning. You can also eat a teaspoon of the seeds about ten minutes before your lunch and a teaspoon before dinner. For visible results, continue this remedy daily for a couple of weeks.
Side Effects Of Fenugreek
Fenugreek can affect levels of blood sugar in people with diabetes. People with an allergy to peanuts, soybeans, and green peas may be allergic to fenugreek.
3. Home Remedies For PCOS – Cinnamon
Why This Works
Cinnamon is well known for its ability to lower insulin resistance that is one of the leading causes of PCOS and diabetes. Along with that, it is useful for reducing the occurrence of AMH (Anti-Mullerian hormone) contributing to the appearance of PCOS. According to a small study, cinnamon helps to improve menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.[4]
Method 1:
What You Need
- Cinnamon powder – one teaspoon
- Hot water – a glass
How To Do
Just add the cinnamon powder to the hot water. Consume the mixture every day for several months to notice the satisfying results.
Method 2:
What You Need
- A stick of cinnamon
- A glass of water
- A spoon of honey
- Several drops of lemon
How To Do
Boil the cinnamon stick and water and later add the lemon and honey to it. After that, consume this drink in the morning on an empty stomach. This concoction is helpful for reducing the effects of PCOS and losing weight.
Method 3:
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on your oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, peanut butter sandwich, and cottage cheese. You can also take cinnamon supplements after consulting your doctor.
Side Effects Of Cinnamon
Regular cinnamon is high in coumarin. Overeating coumarin can increase the risk of liver damage and toxicity and cause your blood sugar to fall too low.
4. Home Remedies For PCOS – Spearmint Tea
Why This Works
Spearmint tea comes with anti-androgenic properties that can deal with PCOS. According to a study, consuming spearmint tea can be beneficial for reducing excess body hair or hirsutism by increasing LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels and lowering total testosterone levels. According to a 2010 study, drinking spearmint tea two times per day can help reduce testosterone levels.[5]
What You Need
- Dried spearmint leaves – one teaspoon
- Water – 1 cup
How To Do
Firstly, boil the water in a pan and to it, add the dried spearmint leaves. Allow it to simmer for around 5-10 minutes. Strain it and consume this tea two times every day for a couple of weeks.
Warnings
Avoid using in large quantities of spearmint during pregnancy
5. Home Remedies For PCOS – Green Tea
Why This Works
Green tea has the potent antioxidants that help to bring down the hormone levels that cause ovarian cysts along with related symptoms.[6] The green tea antioxidants also help to control insulin levels. Apart from that, consuming green tea daily can impact the weight gain and help you to lose this excessive weight.[7]
What You Need
- Green tea powder – one teaspoon
- Honey – one teaspoon
- Hot water – 1 cup
How To Do
Steep the green tea powder in hot water for around 5 minutes. Strain and add the honey to it. Mix well and enjoy this tea while it’s still warm. For best results, drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day.
Side Effects Of Green Tea
When taken by mouth in high-doses or long-term, green tea is likely unsafe. It can cause some side effects such as a headache, sleep problems, nervousness, vomiting, irritability, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, tremor, dizziness, heartburn, ringing in the ears, and convulsions.
6. Home Remedies For PCOS – Chasteberry
Why This Works
Hormone imbalance with inflammation is an early indicator of diabetes, insulin resistance, heart condition, infertility, and endometriosis associated with PCOS. Chasteberry can reduce inflammation efficiently. Besides, it can increase progesterone levels and regulate hormonal balance, thus reducing the symptoms of PCOS.[8]
What You Need
- Fresh or dried chasteberries – one teaspoon
- Water – 1 cup
How To Do
Firstly, boil the water and later add the fresh or dried chasteberries. Allow the mixture to steep for roughly ten minutes. Strain and consume it every day for several weeks or months. Discontinue its use when you’re satisfied with the results. You can also take chasteberries supplements. Consult a doctor for proper dosage.
Warnings
Breastfeeding and pregnant women, or women with premenstrual syndrome are recommended to avoid this herb. Also stay off this herb if you are taking medication for Parkinson’s disease.
7. Home Remedies For PCOS – Licorice
Why This Works
According to an Iranian study, licorice extract contains the anti-androgenic activities, which significantly decrease free & total testosterone levels.[9] [10] It additionally aids liver detoxification and enhances ovulation. The liver eliminates excess hormones and toxins, thus helping with hormonal balance. It also prevents hyperactive immune responses by encouraging the immune system. As a result, it is helpful for protecting reproductive health and maintaining hormonal balance.
Method 1:
What You Need
- Dried licorice root – one teaspoon
- Boiling water – 1 cup
How To Do
Just add the dried licorice root to the boiling water. Allow it to simmer for around 10 minutes before straining it. Afterward, consume the liquid twice or thrice every day for a couple of weeks.
Method 2:
You can also take licorice in supplement form. Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of licorice tincture twice or thrice per day for a couple of weeks. Bear in mind to check with your doctor for proper dosage.
Warnings
People with kidney or liver disease, hear or high blood pressure should avoid using this herb. Also, it may affect blood glucose levels.
8. Home Remedies For PCOS – Flaxseeds
Why This Works
Flaxseeds are beneficial for boosting your overall health and managing your PCOS symptoms. Besides, lignans housed in flaxseeds contain estrogen that can reduce androgen levels in the body and increase your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels that in turn help lower the effects of testosterone. Along with that, these seeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help soothe inflammation and reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in your body, thus lowering the risks of heart disease related to PCOS symptoms.
What You Need
- Ground flaxseeds – two tablespoons
- Water – 1 glass
How To Do
Add the ground flaxseeds to water and mix well. Then, consume the mixture every day, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some ground flaxseeds over your salads or soups. Also, add them to your daily smoothies or cereal.
Warnings
Don’t use unripe and raw flaxseeds since they are poisonous. Pregnant women are recommended to stay away from these seeds.
9. Home Remedies For PCOS – Blackstrap Molasses
Why This Works
Blackstrap Molasses is chock-full of essential nutrients, iron along with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which can help compensate for the lost of vitamins due to abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding associated with PCOS.
What You Need
- Blackstrap molasses – one tablespoon
- Warm water – one glass
- Raw, unfiltered ACV – one tablespoon
How To Do
Take the warm water and add the organic blackstrap molasses and ACV to it. Use a spoon to stir well and consume this concoction every day in the morning to manage PCOS symptoms.
Side Effects Of Blackstrap Molasses
Though blackstrap molasses are healthy, they have some side effects such as problems with diabetes, weight gain, gastrointestinal distress, and increased menstrual bleeding.
10. Home Remedies For PCOS – Castor Oil Pack
Why This Works
Castor oil pack is highly beneficial for relieving pelvic or abdominal pain due to inflammation caused by PCOS. Regular use of castor oil can also help to shrink uterine fibroids. Apart from that, it can also ease inflammation and improve blood circulation, thus enabling effective detoxification of the body’s systems.
What You Need
- Organic castor oil
- Hot pack
- A piece of flannel cloth
- Plastic wrap
How To Do
The first step is soaking the flannel in the castor oil and wringing out the excess oil. The next step is lying down and placing it on your lower abdomen. After that, wrap your abdomen by using the plastic wrap and place the hot pack on it. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes before removing the plastic wrap. Finally, rinse the area by using soap and water. Repeat this process for three consecutive days a week. Use this remedy for one month and notice the difference.
Warnings
Don't use this pack if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or menstruating. Don’t use it for uterine growths, ulcers or cancer tumors. Don't apply it over broken skin.
11. Home Remedies For PCOS – Holy Basil
Why This Works
Holy basil or tulsi is perfect for reducing the symptoms of PCOS since it contains anti-androgenic properties. It additionally exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and is also an ideal stress reliever. Moreover, it’s helpful for losing weight and managing insulin levels.
What You Need
- Basil leaves – 10 to 12
How To Do
Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and consume them every day in the morning. You can also drink the basil tea several times every day. Alternatively, you can take it in supplement form after consulting your doctor. Follow these methods for a few months.
Warnings
Avoid using holy basil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re taking diabetic medications, take this herb carefully because it tends to decrease blood glucose levels. It also interacts with anticoagulant drugs and slows blood clotting.
12. Home Remedies For PCOS – Indian Gooseberry
Why This Works
Indian gooseberry or amla can improve fertility in women and control blood sugar levels.[11] It is also a cholesterol reducing and detoxifying ingredient. Plus, it comes with anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging effects, which help to restore hormonal balance in the body.
What You Need
- Indian gooseberry juice – ½ cup
- Water – 1 cup
How To Do
Firstly, you dilute Indian gooseberry juice with water. Later consume the mixture once daily for best results.
Side Effects Of Amla
Drinking too much amla juice can cause some side effects such as constipation, hypotension, acid reflux, dry skin, and allergic reactions.
13. Home Remedies For PCOS – Cumin Seeds
Why This Works
Cumin helps to stabilize insulin by regulating sugar levels. Besides, it aids in detoxifying the radicals from your body and stabilizing hormonal processes, as it holds an antioxidant. Furthermore, the seeds can help the body combat stress thanks to their antioxidant power.
What You Need
- Water
- Cumin seeds – one spoonful
How To Do
Boil the seeds in water at first and later drink up daily. You can also add them to your cooking. Alternatively, roast them in small amounts and later powder them for storage. Then, use it daily.
Side Effects Of Cumin Seeds
Having these seeds in large quantities can reduce the blood sugar level in your body. It can also cause kidney and liver damage.
II. Additional How-To Tips For PCOS Treatment
1. Home Remedies For PCOS – Use Fish Oil
Fish oil is flooded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen. It further balances androgen levels, thus improving the PCOS symptoms. Taking fish oil supplements or including fatty fish in the diet can be perfect for lowering inflammation, decreasing body fat and combating chronic diseases. You can take 1-3 capsules twice or thrice per day or as suggested by a doctor.
2. Home Remedies For PCOS – Exercise
Exercises can help to address insulin resistance and enhance your body’s sensitivity to sugar. There are many exercises you can choose to help battle PCOS. They include walking, housework, gardening, running, swimming, biking, yoga, and weight lifting and sports such as soccer, softball, squash, skiing, tennis, or even salsa dancing.
3. Home Remedies For PCOS – Stop Drinking Coffee
The caffeine present in the coffee can increase estrogen levels. According to a recent study, drinking 2 cups of coffee daily facilitate estradiol levels (a natural estrogen). Thus, women with PCOS should avoid caffeine and coffee.
4. Home Remedies For PCOS – De-stress
Chronic stress can raise your level of inflammation, making the symptoms of PCOS more obvious. Also, stress increases insulin resistance, thereby further disrupting sex-hormone balance and causing inflammation and weight gain. You can meditate or take up tai chi or yoga to lower your stress levels.
5. Home Remedies For PCOS – Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a magical way to fight off PCOS quickly. It’s perfect for increasing the blood flow to the ovaries and reducing the number and volume of ovaries. For people affected due to spiking blood sugar levels, acupuncture can decrease insulin and blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Last but not least, it can reduce the stress hormone cortisol that has been associated with weight gain.
III. Home Remedies For PCOS – Facts About PCOS
Below are some surprising facts about PCOS:
- Women suffering from PCOS have higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- PCOS affects 4-8 percent of women around the world, which makes it the most common hormone trouble for women.
- Hormonal imbalance signs or symptoms are more vital for PCOS such as hair loss, hair growth on the face, acne, irregular cycles, weight gain, PMS, hot flashes, bloating, brain fog, etc.
- Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) have a higher incidence of miscarriages, gestational diabetes, stillbirths, and preterm deliveries.
- PCOS may start in your brain, not the ovaries.
- PCOS does not go away after menopause.
- More than 50 % of women with polycystic ovary syndrome will have pre-diabetes or diabetes before age 40.
- Over-exercising can make symptoms of PCOS much worse.
- PCOS can make you ache and tired. It is related to chronic inflammation that can leave you feeling fatigued, ache and contribute to weight gain.
- It can get pregnant naturally with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- PCOS can put you at high risk for many secondary health issues such as type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
IV. Home Remedies For PCOS – Frequently Asked Questions
- Is PCOS Dangerous?
The cysts seen in polycystic ovary syndrome aren’t exactly harmful. But it can result in severe pain in a few women. Plus, long-term untreated PCOS can increase the risks of diabetes and heart disease.
- Long-Term Effects Of Untreated PCOS?
Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance seen in PCOS sufferers can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Anovulations are common in PCOS.
- How Do You Know If You Have PCOS?
You can look out for pain in your lower abdomen, abnormal hair growth, and any irregularity in your periods to know if you have PCOS.
- What Should I Consume If I Have PCOS?
- Fruits And Vegetables: You should eat 4 to 5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day. These will provide your body with essential minerals and vitamins, which are required for different metabolic processes.[12]
- Eat Lean Protein Sources: Consuming foods with lean protein will help cope with PCOS effectively. It is helpful for controlling blood sugar levels. Try eating eggs, fish or meat.
- Choose High-Quality Carbs: Eating foods with high-quality carbs is ideal for dealing with PCOS.
V. Home Remedies For PCOS – Diet Advice
The research indicates that diet is the most effective method of managing PCOS.[13]
What Foods Should You Have More Of?
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Women with PCOS often have low chronic inflammation levels. It makes them more prone to gaining weight and resistant to insulin. Diet high in anti-inflammatory foods will help control insulin levels and soothe inflammation. Some anti-inflammatory foods include dark chocolate, olives, extra virgin olive oil, dark red grapes, turmeric, blueberries, blackberries, beans, lentils, broccoli, and cauliflower, etc.
- High-Fiber Foods: They can battle insulin resistance by lowering digestion and lessening the impact of sugar on your blood. You can find a rich source of fiber in foods such as green and red peppers, almonds, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and pumpkin.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
Refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation and exacerbate insulin resistance. These consist of highly processed foods including white bread, breakfast pastries, white potatoes, muffins, and sugary desserts. Pasta noodles that list durum wheat flour, durum flour, or semolina as their first ingredient are low in fiber and high in carbohydrates. You should stay away from them. It is also a good idea to remove or reduce inflammation-causing foods including French fries, red or processed meats, and margarine from your diet.
Some Lifestyle Changes For PCOS
- Sleep for a minimum of 7 hours a day and don’t oversleep.
- Have the right foods and the right portion size.
- Don’t follow any fad diet to lose weight fast.
- Don’t binge on junk food.
- Walk on weekends alone and with your friends, partner, or pet.
- Join a pottery class or cooking class to build a new social circle and connect with new people.
- Keep a balanced intake of protein and carbohydrates daily.
- Don’t drink water from one plastic container
- Attain sugar balance by consuming low-GL and low-GI foods.
- Manage trans-fat levels. Go for organic foods.
- Exercise regularly and stay fit and active.
In fact, these natural home remedies together with a few lifestyle changes can help you to cope with PCOS naturally. Do you know other effective home remedies for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) that work naturally to get pregnant? Have you ever used any of the above remedies to treat PCOS at home? Don’t hesitate to share your experience or thoughts with us. All of the contents provided in this article are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.