Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an imbalance of male hormones in people assigned female at birth. This condition can lead to acne, infertility, irregular periods, facial hair growth, insulin resistance, and weight gain. Natural remedies may support medical treatment and help manage these symptoms.
Supplements and Herbs for PCOS
More research is needed, but some vitamins and herbs may help ease PCOS symptoms.
Inositol
Inositol is a natural sugar found in fruits, grains, nuts, and legumes. It may help regulate periods and improve insulin resistance. Studies show that taking 1200 milligrams daily for six to eight weeks can reduce testosterone, blood pressure, and triglycerides. It may also support weight loss.
N-Acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine is an amino acid with antioxidant benefits. It may help with infertility, ovulation, and insulin resistance. In one clinical trial, it reduced facial hair, lowered blood sugar, and increased ovulation more effectively than metformin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may help your body process carbohydrates, lowering insulin resistance. Research shows that taking 20,000 IUs daily can reduce blood sugar and triglycerides and support more regular periods. Combining vitamin D with magnesium, zinc, and calcium may also reduce facial hair and testosterone levels.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood fats and sugar, lower oxidative stress, and support regular periods.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree is an herbal supplement that may help balance reproductive hormones. In research, it improved period regularity, increased progesterone, and supported fertility in people trying to conceive.
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help with ovulation, hormone balance, and insulin resistance.
Stachys Lavandulifolia
This plant, sometimes used as tea, may help regulate periods, reduce pain, and support estrogen balance. A small study found that drinking the tea three times a day for three months improved abnormal bleeding.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed may help reduce androgen levels, an important part of PCOS treatment. One case study showed that taking 30 grams daily for four months lowered testosterone, BMI, insulin levels, and facial hair growth. More research is needed.
Important Safety Note
Dietary supplements are not tightly regulated and may interact with medications. Talk with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Dietary Changes
A low-glycemic diet may help reduce insulin resistance. This includes foods lower in sugar and carbohydrates and higher in fiber. A healthcare provider or nutritionist can help you choose the right foods.
Exercise
Regular exercise may help with weight management, insulin resistance, and hormone balance. Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, dancing, and jogging are useful. Resistance training also provides benefits.
Sleep
PCOS can affect your mood, so quality sleep is important. A consistent sleep schedule, limited screen time at night, and a calming routine may help improve sleep and support hormone balance.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help increase ovulation, reduce insulin resistance, and balance reproductive and metabolic hormones.
Yoga
Research suggests that yoga may improve reproductive function and reduce PCOS symptoms.
Meditation
Meditation may reduce stress, support blood pressure and blood sugar control, and lower the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.
A Quick Review
Several natural remedies—including herbs, vitamins, diet changes, exercise, better sleep, yoga, and meditation—may help reduce PCOS symptoms and support overall health.
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