Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition related to a hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body.
Researchers have also linked insulin to PCOS because many women with this condition also have too much insulin in their bodies. High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce more male hormones.
Women with PCOS have also been found to have low-grade inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance. The exact cause of PCOS, however, is still unknown. Yet, genetics is considered an important factor as PCOS seems to run in families.
The condition leads to issues like changes in the menstrual cycle, cysts on the ovaries and problems getting pregnant.
It can cause symptoms like infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excessive facial and body hair growth, weight gain, acne, oily skin, thinning hair or male-pattern baldness, and pelvic pain. The signs and symptoms tend to vary from one individual to another.
This endocrine disorder is also associated with an increased risk for developing insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Thus, early diagnosis of PCOS is extremely important.
Although there is no cure for this problem yet, it can be controlled. Some simple natural remedies, medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms and reduce complications.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Contents
1. Cinnamon
Researchers from Columbia University have found that cinnamon supplementation can help improve menstrual cyclicity in women with PCOS. Plus, a pilot study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility indicates that this herb can help reduce insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
- Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of hot water. Drink it daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.
- Alternatively, you can take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor. It is usually suggested to take one capsule (1,000 mg) three times a day.
- You can also include this spice in your diet by sprinkling cinnamon powder on your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter sandwich and on other foods.
Note: You need not take more than two teaspoons of this spice per day. If you are taking this herb to combat insulin resistance, consult your doctor first as it may lower your blood sugar level.
2. Flaxseed
Flaxseed can also be used to combat PCOS as it helps decrease androgen levels. It contains lignans that increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that binds testosterone in the blood, thereby preventing it from wreaking havoc in the body.
Plus, being high in fiber, flaxseed helps slow down glucose metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids in this superfood also reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
- Mix one or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds in a glass of water. Drink it daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.
- Also include ground flaxseeds in your diet regularly by adding it to your smoothies, soups and salads.
3. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea can also help deal with PCOS due to its anti-androgenic properties. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that drinking spearmint tea can help reduce hirsutism, or excess body hair, by reducing free and total testosterone levels and increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
- Boil one cup of water in a pan.
- Add one teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves.
- Let it simmer for five to 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink this tea twice daily for a few weeks.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for dealing with PCOS because it helps control blood sugar and keeps your body from producing too much insulin. Less insulin means less testosterone. Plus, it will help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
- Mix two teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.
- Drink it daily in the morning and before meals. Continue for several weeks or until you see improvement.
You can gradually increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar to up to two tablespoons per glass, two or three times a day. If the taste is too strong for you, mix the apple cider vinegar with orange or any other fruit juice.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek promotes glucose metabolism in the body and improves insulin resistance. This in turn helps balance your hormones. It may also help lower cholesterol, aid weight loss and promote healthy heart functioning.
- Soak three teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water for six to eight hours. Take one teaspoon of the soaked seeds along with some honey in the morning on an empty stomach. Also take one teaspoon of the seeds about 10 minutes prior to lunch and one teaspoon prior to dinner. Continue this treatment daily for a few weeks or until you see improvement.
- You can also include fenugreek seeds and leaves in your regular diet.
6. Saw Palmetto
This herb acts as an anti-androgen, blocks 5-alpha-reductase activityand reduces the conversion of the testosterone into a more active form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This in turn may help prevent hirsutism or excessive hairiness in women with PCOS. It also helps thinning hair grow back.
Naturopaths often suggest this herb for the treatment of PCOS because it helps correct the hormonal imbalance.
Take 320 mg of standardized saw palmetto extract daily for a few months. If you are taking a liquid extract, take one teaspoon per day.
Note: Make sure to consult a licensed naturopathic physician before taking this or any other herbal remedy for PCOS to ensure safe and effective use of the herbs.
7. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also called vitex, is another popular herb for relieving the symptoms of PCOS and treating infertility due to a hormonal imbalance. It is a great hormone-balancing herb and is also used as a remedy for menstrual problems.
- Boil a cup of water and add one teaspoon of fresh or dried chasteberries. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea daily for a few weeks or months, until you see improvement. Discontinue its use once you are satisfied with the results.
- Alternatively, you can take this herb in supplement form. For proper dosage and suitability, consult your doctor.
8. Fish Oil
Being loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil helps reduce androgen and improve insulin sensitivity. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can improve the symptoms of PCOS by balancing androgen levels.
Plus, including fatty fish in your diet or taking fish oil supplements can help decrease inflammation, reduce body fat and fight against chronic diseases.
There is no standard daily dosage for fish oil supplements. You can take one to three capsules two or three times a day or as suggested by your physician.
9. Licorice
Italian researchers have found that licorice root can help reduce serum testosterone in women with PCOS. The researchers believe that the glycyrrhizin in this herb inhibits an enzyme that is required for testosterone production. Licorice can also be used as an adjuvant therapy for hirsutism.
Plus, licorice root promotes ovulation and aids liver detoxification. The liver removes toxins and excess hormones and thus helps with hormonal balance.
- Add one teaspoon of dried licorice root to a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes and then strain it. Drink this tea two or three times daily for a few weeks.
- Alternatively, you can take this herb in supplement form. You can take one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of licorice tincture two or three times a day for a few weeks. Make sure to consult your doctor to find out the proper dosage for your case.
Note: Licorice root may not be suitable for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart, kidney or liver disease. It may also have an effect on blood glucose levels.
10. Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, can help reduce the symptoms of PCOS due to its anti-androgenic properties. It will help manage insulin levels and aid in weight loss. Basil is also an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Consume eight to 12 holy basil leaves daily in the morning.
- Another option is to drink basil tea a few times daily or take this herb in supplement form. For proper dosage, consult your doctor.
Follow either of these remedies for a few months.
Note: Holy basil tends to lower blood glucose levels, so take this herb carefully if you are taking diabetic medications. The herb may also slow blood clotting and interact with anticoagulant drugs.
When taking herbal remedies for the natural treatment of PCOS, it is essential to consult a licensed naturopathic physician because most herbs that work by lowering testosterone levels tend to cause an increase in estrogen levels due to androgens being converted into estrogens.
Naturopaths help combat these issues by suggesting ways to support estrogen metabolism and improve estrogen clearance. For instance, increasing fiber intake in your diet helps promote estrogen clearance.
Additional Tips
- Keep your weight in check as it will help reduce the level of male hormones in your body. Losing just 10 percent of your body weight can help bring your periods back to normal.
- Engage in regular exercise to help control your weight and also regulate insulin.
- Incorporate more fiber-rich foods like whole-grain products in your diet.
- Increase your dietary intake of B vitamins, especially vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6, to help reduce PCOS symptoms.
- Quit smoking; women who smoke have been found to have higher androgen levels.
- Avoid the use of plastics in food consumption, preparation and storage.
- Do not drink water from a plastic container.
- Take prescribed birth control pills after consulting a gynecologist.
- Acupuncture therapy has also been found to be beneficial for improving hormone levels.
Expert Answers (Q&A)
- de Groot PCM, Dekkers OM, Romijn JA, Dieben SWM, Helmerhorst FM. PCOS, coronary heart disease, stroke and the influence of obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human reproduction update. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21335359. Published 2011.
- Jacewicz-Święcka M, Kowalska I. Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of cardiometabolic complications in longitudinal studies. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30089337. Published November 2018.
- Ramezani Tehrani F, Amiri M, Behboudi-Gandevani S, Bidhendi-Yarandi R, Carmina E. Cardiovascular events among reproductive and menopausal age women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31385729. Published August 6, 2019.
- Deshmukh H, Papageorgiou M, Kilpatrick ES, Atkin SL, Sathyapalan T. Development of a novel risk prediction and risk stratification score for polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30339716. Published January 2019.
I have problem of pcos what c I do. I have no baby , two nd half yrs passed to my marriage. I take medicine for this problem from gynecologist bt no improvement after this medicine cource
hello dr. i have problem of PCOS I took medicines as well as IVF inj for conceiving but i cant conceive and improve my condition i have irregular menstrual cycle i m married from last 4 years kindly give me any instructions thanks
Best type of medicines for curing this problem is ayurvedic one can go for patanjali nd do not Take allopathic at all. I myself is suffering frm this problem nd is taking patanjali medicines from last one year and since m gtng my periods evry month. Stress is a big factor in pcods which ad verses the situation, so always try to remain stress free, practice yoga..meditation for reducing it!yoga along with helping you to relieve stress will also help you get rid of this problem! And others factors are proper healthy diet..low in carbs,sugar nd high in fruits ,veggies ,whole grains, healthy fats etc and also exercising regularly..which is brisk walk etc should bt done bt one must avoid jogging,jumping and other heavy exercises in pcods
Hi Tanya this is sumya suffering from same problem….thanx for sharing your experience….. Your suggestions are very encouraging and motivating. I will go to patanjaly aarogya kendra for further treatment.
Can share the for Patanjali medicine…or share exact name of the medicine
Can u please mention the exact name for this medicine as i was on patanjali website but i couldn’t find the medicine for pcos. Thanks alot
Plz share the exact name of the patanjali madicine or image
Exercise regularly.. (walk daily for atle ast 5 km eat fat free healthy foods. Don’t stress ur self. In Shaa Allah very soon u will be pregnant
The cinnamon one in da morning or at anytime
I drink lemon water with parsley in da morning can I add cinnamon in dat and drink Will it help to reduce my weight too
I can have dis drink during my periods
I had same issue last year 2014 but my Gynecologist suggested Birth control pills for 3 months. After 3 months pocs were gone and my ovulation / periods become normal and I concived . now we are blessed with a baby boy. But now again i have POCs .. but we are happy with baby.
just take metformin for 6 months twice a day after food.
eat balanced diet
exercise regulary
also oral contraceptive pilla ll regularaise ur periods.al the best
Drink water and take full rest for two days.Then eat fruits two times for two days.After that raw vegetables for one day two times. The hormon level will be normal.Practice yoga .Eat healthy food.
@Jagdeep,
You need to try special diet for Pcos and if possible please try changing ur lifestyle. U need to loose weight and try some exercises. Best of Luck! 🙂
Hi I had Pcos. I was in diet very hardly. I changed my life style After two and half years of marriage I got twin babies am fine now.
Hy mohana kindly share some of ur diet tips !! I ll be thnkfull
U r an inspiration to the ladies like us… i am struggling vwry hard to loss weight to get rid of pcos.. i want u to thanxxx as i was feeling very frustrated n depressed… n please share ur diet plan n exercises u did..thanxxx alot
Thanx for the idea. Now am doing yet
Hi Mohana, please share u diet tips and exercises u did, as its been 8 yes to my marriage, and I am still struggling to have a baby. Congratulations for your twins…. Please help us become a mom too…. God bless you!!!
Hie.. pls share ur diet…. its vry important. ..jane
hi, im also suffering from pcos, im continusly gaining weight. can you please guide me what was your diet. so that i can also get out from pcos.
Dear sister, My daughter has also have problem. Can you please tell the correct n effective home made medicine for PCO
Hi mohana !please share your diet
Hello…
im suffering from pof(premature ovarian faliure) so my body has naturally stopped monthly periods totaly which should be occure in a age of 50 so i consulted endocrinologist nd he finally suggested me for ET which i dont want and too much thinning of hair which started cause baldness on my scalp…please tell me some home remedies from which i can overcome nd can conceive my baby naturally with regular monthly periods and can recover my healthy hair…..i would be very thankfull to you for dis..
I m suffering ovarian cysts doctor advised me operation but I use apple cider vinegar and cinnamon powder in empty stomach after two months my medical report is normal my ovaries cyst disappear.home made remedies are very useful and really worked.
Could you tell me how did u use this tip? I am surf feeing with this problem too?
Can we use apple cider n cinnamon powder in a same water?
Hi Javairia,
Thank you for suggestion.
Did you ever face pain during pco?
Then what you did.
How did you use apple cider vinegar and cinnamon
Thanks
Is it true dear
I have pcos blessed with a son and unfortunately two miscarriages used cinnamon its really helpful all high insuline symptoms r gone for pcos dr Hilal Mahpuri have good success rate i am going to try his homeopathic medicine this time u people should also try because never give up if u have pcos adress of dr type in google
I started taking this and did yoga for menstural problems and my periods have become normal.
Equal amounts of kalonji, methi seeds, ajvain grind this and add equal amounts of isphaghol. Take this mix quater tsp 10 minutes before each meal with warm water
Can u plz tell me the exact tip ib email thanks
am also suffering from PCOS and i don’t know what to do because my husband is really complaining about it.i have tried the gynecologists but its just not working.i hope that the recommended home remedy will work for me.
Hi, ladies, find this article very useful cause of my frustration over pcos, been married for 2 years, in a mean time try not to over think about it and sport, diet and manage stress hopefully God will help us all. Keep fighting, ladies
Very useful ,thanks to creator
PCOS, high cholesterol, Insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, sleep disorders are all inter-related because it originates with the weak function of the liver and the kidneys subsequently. Ayurveda addresses PCOS with strengthening the liver and the kidneys.
hi, on 2007 my ob told me i have a pcos both ovaries and with her advise i took dianne birth control pills for 2 years.. as the result my ovaries are free from pcos and so i decided to stop taking the pills. after 2 years i went back to my ob and found out that my right ovary is free from pcos but not my left… and so i decided to change my lifestyle, my eating habbits… i started the program last august 11,2014, i weigh 132lbs and after 10 days i loss 6.6lbs and continued the program 1st week of October, to found out that im pregnant…
best of luck to all!
Hi i have same pcos problem,I’m trying to concieve last one year but I have not get bap. Now I started drinking water therapy. Is this ok to lose weight in pcos by drinking lots of water.any body experiment this.kindly inform me.thanx
Hi guys I’m not a Dr but I’m doing this for my Pcod … U know wht is that it’s called bamboo rice u will find this rice in all origanic story. Just take half cup rice wash it 2 to 3times then soak it before sunset let it be overnight.first in morning cook that rice in same water for 15 mins n then had some salt n eat it like a water rice in empty stomach do it weekly 4 to 5 days…. Ur pcod is gone
Bamboo rice in urdu plz
Hi my daughter was suffering with P C O D. She did pranayam and took ayurvedic medicines from patanjali for two months but there was no relief.One day I saw home remedies for pcos. I tried flaxseeds for one month and my daughter got normal periods in just one month. Flaxseeds are wonderfull remedy for pcos .Please use this and also tell others .Thanks for home remedies.
Can u please share the full remedie of this
I have hair growth near chest I feels really embarrassing sometimes please give some solution.
Cinnamon is really a good remedy than expected!! Adding one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of hot water and taking it daily really helps. Also exercise and constant bodily movements will add a lot more value. EAT less, EXERCISE more and HAVE A PINCH OF CINNAMON!!
I have struggled with PCOS since I started ovulating and I have two children. With each one I went on birth control pills very briefly stopped and became pregnant shortly after. I hope this helps others. Good Luck xoxo
Thank u all..
Guys! Here I come up with a tried and tested remedy by which got rid of irregular periods and menstural cramps.
1)Take a glass of hot water.Add green tea bag/leaves+Cinnamon powder+Apple cider viegar+honey.
2)Drink it daily once after your meal.Also take ashoka risht 2 times a day after food.
3)Practice Surya namaskaar at least 6 times a day
Please follow this to get wonderful results!!! Gud Luck!!
For all ladies on here, I have pcos all metbolic sydrome high levels of everything, the only thing you can do to control it is change your diet and exercise and I take metformin and birth control and always use weights to exercise it helps with the insulin levels.
You got rid of it only with the rice, nothing else! Wow, I will try that.
thanx to all for sharing your experience
pcos is a life long battle the symptoms can go in remission (temporary sleep) usually with really good exercise and diet along with the right medicine. Some woman can have children with pcos with out the need of fertility help. Things like cinnamon and apple cider vinegar can help with lowering blood sugar…BUT can not and will not cure pcos. If you have pcos you have it for life. The best things are diet, exercise, staying away from breads and pasta’s and being careful with rice.(who ever is talking about whole grain bread and rice….don’t understand. Those are high in carbs carbs. Apples and banana’s are not great either. No potatoes and other starch veggies and if you can buy it in a can it is likely bad…corn, green beans, peas..all starches…all full of carbs. All bad…..Berries, other veggies and lean meat are best. Stay away from soy it messes with hormones in woman and watch out for dairy….dairy has a few hidden problems with pcos. Our bodies are storing all the carbs and that turns up the male hormones which in turn causes the problems we face. Birth control is also tricky. There are many studies showing that birth control can cause the pcos to “wake”.. If you have it ..it is always in you.. you were born with it. It just doesn’t show up until your teens or 20’s but something triggers it to come to the surface and show itself. For some woman it is birth control..but you wont notice it until you go off ..and then suddenly you have all these symptoms. OR>>>you may think birth control is making your pcos go away…IT IS NOT! It is only going to come back worse after being forced to “sleep” by the pill and you can’t take the pill forever..when you stop the symptoms will be so much worse. Gynecologists are not the doctors who treat pcos. yes they have a mild understanding of it because it effects the ovaries but it is an endocrine disorder and needs to be treated by an endocrinologist..a diabetes doctor. Gyno’s don’t treat diabetes and that is much closer to what pcos is. Having cysts on your ovaries is just a possible side effect not a cause and not what you see the doctor for.
Thank you Amanda , so much information really helpful.
Thanks Amanda. I 100% agree with everything you have said and wish to echo every point you have made.
I have a family history of diabetes and developed PCOS after coming off the contraceptive pill.
Ladies, Metformin is NOT the answer either. But you do need to see an Endocrinologist. Don’t see the Gynocologist! I know the pain of not being able to fall pregnant and also miscarriages, but please see an Endocrinologist.
I am having some success with Apple Cider Vinegar and excerise always helps. Exercise (walking 30 mins daily) is also fantastic for your long term mental health – make it part of your daily routine
Now that I have the knowledge of these other herbal remedies, I’m going to give them a try. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Hello ladies I just found out that I have Pcos. I was trying to have a baby with my ex husband for 6 years never happened I just thought it was not meant for us I never had a regular period in my life! So I thought it was normal now I’m ready to try again and I went to a new Gyn and she told me from the sound of it. It sounds like I have Pcos now with me not having health insurance I decided to come on here and look at home remedies. I’m 31 years old now and I’m like I got to start now. So to all females on here I need the best advice. I smoke cigarettes and that’s going down the drain/ in the trash today, I’m not over weight I’m 5’1″ 112lbs I did the birth control one time for a month it kept my period going that whole month I stop taking them and didnt receive my period for a whole year. I’m going to try the cinnamon daily,yoga, and eating right. Hopefully I will have my baby. If anybody else have some pointers for me please let me know. Good luck ladies and never give up cause I’m not.
Hello everyone…
I need ur suggestion plz tell me what should I have to do….
I m suffering from PCOD from last 1 nd half….
I prescribed by homeopathic treatment…but still its not working….
Is cinnamon nd apple cider vinegar helpful…
Plz share some tips nd advice …
I m gaining m weight…..m Dr told me to get married and conceive a baby…but I cnt stop m CA PROFESSIONAL CAREER…i m still a student..plz advice me I m really in a stress md depression….plz reply
This article mentions diluting apple cider vinegar with fruit juice to quell the taste. Who the heck wrote that? Fruit juice is pure sugar and is the very thing ladies with PCOS need to avoid.
Ladies please be careful with the advice you take from the internet. I agree with much of what has been written about diet and exercise but that one sentence ‘mix the apple cider vinegar with orange or any other fruit juice.’ could be so damaging to many people who might take that advice on board. Avoid fruit juice like the plague!
I have pcos and I really need a baby . I’m gonna give some of these tips a try…. Thanks for the useful tips
@Tanya keep it up…..
Hi I am suffering pcod.what are the treatment and diet ?
Comment:linda
I just want to know if it takes a long time to see improvements once you start the natural remedies. Coz l have been on cinnamon and apple cider for a month and nothing happening. Am really getting scared that it wont work. This whole thing is really frustrating. Thanks
Comment: hie am 31 only to discover today that i have PCOS after so many year of very irregular menses….so stressful don’t even know where to start
I hope u have heard of ayurveda, try it. It works!! Just that u have change ur lifestyle and stick to it . I tried it & worked for me. I ditched all those unhealthy food, did yoga and brisk walked. I went an extra mile and in co-operated these home remedies (of course not all of them!). I wish all the best !!!
I have the same problem of pcod
i have tried a home remedy for it i got the result fr it. take leaves of neem dried in shade n make them like ash. mix this powder with honey take this 4times in a month u will get a better result