17 Home Remedies For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) + Prevention Tips (Foods To Avoid)

Statistically, women’s most common endocrine condition is polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS (1). It can negatively impact both your physical and mental well-being with a plethora of symptoms that it can throw your way. Luckily, there are home remedies for polycystic ovaries that can help you to manage this condition while you wait for medical treatment or if you want to handle things using natural ingredients. You can alternatively use some home remedies with prescribed treatments to get the best of both worlds.

In this post, we’ll go over the syndrome, its causes, and symptoms, as well as some home treatments and preventative actions you can take. Continue reading to know more.

What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

As women age, various genetic and hormonal disorders affect their lives and health. One such hormonal imbalance related disorder that affects women is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

In this syndrome, fluid-filled cysts fill the ovary due to an imbalance of the reproductive hormones. The ovaries get enlarged and stop functioning normally (1), (2).

A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Furthermore, women with PCOS (more than 50%) develop type 2 diabetes by 40.

What Is The Cause Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

In PCOS, the medical emphasis is on imbalanced sex hormones and insulin resistance (3). The hormonal imbalance in PCOS happens due to not enough progesterone and too much estrogen, leading to estrogen dominance. Ongoing cycles of too much estrogen cause ovulation to fail, resulting in increasingly higher levels of estrogen and insufficient progesterone (but higher than testosterone).

Two factors that can throw hormones off balance are yeast overgrowth and magnesium deficiency. Yeast can overgrow in the intestines under the influence of antibiotics, steroids, and sugar. Yeast toxins are released that can be picked up by the bloodstream and block the hormone receptor sites. Magnesium deficiency can cause or contribute to high blood sugar and insulin resistance, thyroid and adrenal imbalance, fertility issues, pelvic pain, weight gain, elevated blood pressure.

PCOS is characterized by a range of symptoms that you can learn about in the next section.

Symptoms Of PCOS

The most prevalent signs of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, often accompanied by heavy or prolonged periods. Excessive hair growth, medically known as hirsutism, is another noticeable symptom that typically affects the face, chest, and back. Acne and oily skin are also common due to the hormonal imbalance. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, observed among individuals with PCOS, is another symptom that may exacerbate other symptoms. In addition, many with PCOS may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression, highlighting the condition’s impact on mental health. These symptoms can vary in severity, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial to managing the condition effectively (1), (3).

In the next section, we have listed the home remedies for PCOS. Although these remedies may help ease the symptoms of PCOS, we suggest you consult your healthcare provider for professional medical help to treat the symptoms.

Home Remedies For PCOS

1. Vitamins
2. Minerals
   
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Coconut Oil
5. Turmeric
6. Evening Primrose Oil
7. Green Tea
8. Royal Jelly
9. Aloe Vera Juice
10. Amla Juice
11. Palm Jaggery
12. Jeera Water
13. Seeds
14. Saw Palmetto
15. Cinnamon And Honey
16. Licorice Root
17. Chasteberry

1. Vitamins

Vitamin D is essential for optimum reproductive system functioning in women.

It plays key roles in various ovarian processes and also affects glucose homeostasis. About 65-85% of women with PCOS have vitamin D deficiency.

Supplementation with vitamin D (magnesium and calcium) can regulate the metabolic and reproductive processes and help re-establish menstrual regularity and ovulation (4). Get tested for vitamin D levels in your body and start the supplements immediately if your serum levels of this vitamin are low.

Dosage: Vitamin D3 1,000-2,000 IU per day.

*Our medical reviewer recommends Vitamin D3 10,000 IU each day, along with Vitamin K2 100 mcg each day. Please consult with your medical care provider before starting any vitamin regimen. 

Quick Tip

Instead of supplements, up your intake of foods rich in vitamin D. Consume salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals.

2. Minerals

Magnesium is important for blood sugar control and to overcome insulin resistance

(5). But don’t take too much calcium, which can neutralize the effects of magnesium.

Dosage: Magnesium 600 mg per day. Calcium 600 mg per day – but you can often get all your calcium in your diet, especially if you consume dairy (6).

Quick Tip

You can get calcium and magnesium from your diet. The best food sources are dairy products, curly kale, okra, and sardines. For magnesium, consume nuts, spinach, and wholemeal bread.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV exerts an anti glycemic effect when ingested regularly. The insulin levels in the body are regulated, and this can help control the symptoms of PCOS (7), (8).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• A glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

Mix the vinegar in water and drink the solution.

How Often You Should Do This

Have this first thing in the morning. You can slowly increase the frequency to 2-3 times daily (before meals). 

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids and antioxidants that help regulate blood sugar levels and insulin secretion. It also promotes cardiovascular health by reducing levels of bad cholesterol in the blood (9).

You Will Need

1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Consume coconut oil as it is or add it to smoothies.

How Often You Should Do This

Ingest coconut oil every day, preferably before breakfast. 

5. Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active component called curcumin. This compound helped improve insulin sensitivity and acted as an anti-inflammatory agent in rat studies (10). Therefore, it may help manage the symptoms of PCOS. 

You Will Need

• 1 ½ cups of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

What You Have To Do

1. Warm the coconut milk for 5 minutes and keep it aside to cool down.
2. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to the milk and stir well.
3. Drink the solution

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this solution 2 times daily

Caution: Turmeric can cause nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea. Do not take it with diabetes medications or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have GERD. 

6. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is useful for PCOS as it helps decrease the high cholesterol levels in the body (11). It helps in improving metabolic function. It also helps improve insulin resistance among vitamin-D deficient women with PCOS (12).

You Will Need

Evening primrose capsules

What You Have To Do

Take one tablet daily.

How Often You Should Do This

This remedy works best if you start taking the supplement on day one of your cycle and continue until ovulation.

Note: Consult your healthcare provider before taking these supplements. 

7. Green Tea

The potent antioxidants present in green tea, called catechins, can help reduce the levels of the hormones that cause ovarian cysts and related symptoms. They also help control insulin levels. Drinking green tea every day may also impact the weight gain that is commonly seen in PCOS and helps you to shed this excessive weight (13), (14).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea powder or 1 green tea bag
• A cup of hot water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Brew fresh green tea by steeping the herb in hot water for 4-5 minutes.
2. Strain, add honey, and mix well.
3. Drink the tea while it is warm.

How Often You Should Do This

Have 2-3 cups of green tea daily. 

8. Royal Jelly

Royal jelly contains a rich concentration of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Experiments have shown that royal jelly exhibits estrogenic effects and helps regulate the abnormalities in the menstrual cycle. Using this herbal supplement can facilitate the optimum function of your ovaries (15).

You Will Need

1-2 teaspoon of royal jelly

What You Have To Do

Take this honey-like liquid either on its own or mixed in with your breakfast.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily.

9. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera’s constituents have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels, leading to restoring the ovarian steroid status in rat studies (16). This positively impacts ovarian function and helps relieve PCOS symptoms.

You Will Need

A glass of aloe vera juice

What You Have To Do

Drink this in the morning before breakfast.

How Often You Should Do This

Have this juice daily. 

10. Amla Juice

Amla is a wonderful detoxifying and cholesterol-reducing agent. It exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects  (17). Hence, it can help restore the hormonal balance in the body and ease the symptoms of PCOS.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of amla juice
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

Dilute the amla juice with water and drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every day. 

11. Palm Jaggery

Palm jaggery or palm sugar is considered a healthier option than regular white sugar because of its ability to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. It also possesses a low glycemic index and boosts energy levels (18). Higher levels of insulin are common in PCOS patients, and this unrefined type of jaggery (or sugar) can significantly impact your health when included in your diet. 

12. Jeera Water

Jeera or cumin reduces blood sugar levels and can aid weight loss (19). These properties can help treat the symptoms of PCOS.

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of jeera powder (cumin seed powder)
• A cup of warm water

What You Have To Do

Mix the jeera powder in the water and drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice daily. 

13. Seeds

(a) Kalonji Seeds

Kalonji seeds possess a plethora of beneficial properties. It contains thymoquinoneⁱ  A naturally occurring compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, and cytotoxic properties. that can help relieve PCOS symptoms (20).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of kalonji oil (black seed oil)
• 1 teaspoon of honey

What You Have To Do

Mix the two ingredients and have the mixture in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every morning as soon as you wake up. 

(b) Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich sources of dietary fiber, healthy fats, protein, and minerals. They also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and control cholesterol and blood pressure levels (21). Add them to your smoothie, muffins, or yogurt and have them every day.

(c) Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is a potent remedy to reduce the effects of PCOS. Fenugreek extracts were found to reduce cyst size and facilitate the resumption of normal menstrual cycles in women with PCOS (22).

You Will Need

• 3 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the fenugreek overnight or for a minimum of 6-8 hours.
2. Take a teaspoon of the soaked seeds with some honey and ingest it.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day in the morning and 5-10 minutes before lunch and dinner.

(d) Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain nutrients beneficial for women with PCOS. Sesame seeds were found to be helpful in treating oligomenorrhea, a condition characterized by infrequent menstrual flow (23). Oligomenorrhea is often associated with PCOS.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of black sesame seeds
• A glass of water
• Jaggery

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the seeds in water until the water reduces to half.
2. Strain this mixture and add some jaggery for taste.
3. Drink this herbal decoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink 1-2 cups in a day.

(e) Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are said to help in treating PCOS as they have antihirsutism properties and help decrease androgen (male hormones) levels in human and animal studies (24), (25).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the fennel in a glass of water overnight.
2. Add another glass of water to this in the morning and boil the solution for 5-6 minutes.
3. Strain and drink this water while it is warm.
4. You can soak and boil fennel and fenugreek seeds together to avail the combined benefits of these spices.

How Often You Should Do This

Have fennel infused water every day in the morning on an empty stomach.

(f) Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have hypoglycemic properties that can help manage blood sugar levels (26). They also contain beta-sitosterol that can reduce the levels of androgens (27). Thus, they can help deal with PCOS acne and other symptoms like hirsutism and weight gain.

14. Saw Palmetto

The excess levels of testosterone seen in PCOS are brought down by this herb. It prevents testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone, which leads to excessive hair growth (28).

You Will Need

Saw palmetto extract

What You Have To Do

Depending on the concentration of the extract, take about 150 mg – 200 mg equivalent of it after consulting your doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

Take this supplement daily.

Caution: Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use this herb. 

15. Cinnamon And Honey

Studies show that cinnamon can improve menstrual cyclicity and may be an effective treatment option for PCOS (29).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

Combine the two and ingest the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every day. 

16. Licorice Root

Animal studies show that licorice extracts can be a potential treatment for PCOS by regulating hormonal balance and irregular ovarian follicles (30). Further, it is also counted among the best foods that lower testosterone in females (31).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of licorice root
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Pour the hot water over the licorice and let this sit for a few minutes.
2. Strain and drink this herbal tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Have a cup of licorice tea every day. 

17. Chasteberry

Chasteberry, which is scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, is useful for treating symptoms of PCOS. Studies show that it can help in normalizing the menstrual cycle and reduce the levels of testosterone in women with PCOS (32).

You Will Need

Chasteberry supplements

What You Have To Do

Take the supplement as recommended by the doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

The frequency would depend on the dosage of the supplements you have. Usually, one capsule per day is recommended.

Besides these remedies, other herbal adaptogens like ginger, ginseng, spearmint, black cohosh, milk thistle, red clover, dong quai, ashwagandha, flaxseed oil, and maca root can also help in managing symptoms of PCOS (33), (34), (36), (37), ( 38), (39), (40).

Researchers also speculate that acupuncture may affect various female hormone levels, thereby influencing ovulation and other PCOS-related conditions (39). However, more research is needed to support these claims.

While home remedies can be an excellent option for treating the symptoms of PCOS, seeking medical help is also important. Consult your doctor about your plans to give home remedies a try so that the best possible combination of treatments can be devised for you.

Also, PCOS is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. Hence, you need to follow a yeast-free diet. Avoid sugar, gluten, and dairy for one month and see if your symptoms improve. Yeast can overgrow in the intestines after taking antibiotics, steroids, or a high-sugar diet. The toxic end products from yeast can block hormone production and contribute to PCOS.

A blogger shared her experience with the PCOS diet and the foods that she had to avoid. One of her quick tips is scanning the ingredients list for sugar’s position on the list, “One thing I read which I have found a good rule of thumb is the top three. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity in any product. If sugar is listed in the top three ingredients of an item, put it back.” She further adds, “… you can’t always avoid sugar, especially if you’re grabbing to eat on the go. But for processed foods, anything with less than 3g is a good bet for a low sugar option (i).”

Apart from using home remedies, you should also follow certain precautionary measures to prevent PCOS.

Precautionary Measures To Prevent PCOS

1. Avoid Processed Foods

It is important to stop eating processed foods and snacks to cope with PCOS. The chemicals used to make processed foods can make the symptoms worse.

2. Chromium Intake

Chromium is present in the human body in minimal amounts, and it enhances the ability to absorb insulin. PCOS can make you resistant to insulin, and you can tackle this situation by consuming foods or supplements containing chromium (41). A few examples are broccoli, red wine, and green beans. Make sure you consult a doctor before taking chromium supplements

3. Physical Activity

Simple calorie-burning activities, like walking, swimming, or cycling, can be helpful. These activities can help you shed excess weight. They also improve insulin sensitivity. Keep in mind not to resort to activities that can cause excessive strain and/or exhaustion.

4. Give Up Smoking

Smoking can enhance the androgen levels in your body and affect cardiovascular and respiratory health (42). Abstain from smoking to ensure your overall health improves.

5. Relax With Yoga

A lot of women resort to yoga as it has healing effects on the mind and body. It is a popular tool for stress management. However, practicing specific yoga postures can be helpful in restoring hormone balance and help manage PCOS. Consult yoga gurus who can guide you about specific yoga poses that can ease the stressed, hormonal glands in the body. Yoga combined with meditation can also help you stay relaxed and stress-free.

6. Take Care Of Your Liver

It is essential to keep your liver in good shape. If it does not perform well, excess hormones start accumulating in the body. Enhance the intake of liver-friendly foods, such as green leafy vegetables, garlic, turmeric, beets, sweet potatoes, lemons, apples, and onions.

7. Consume Specific Nutrients Through Supplements

Nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins play a vital role in dealing with PCOS. Magnesium deficiency is linked to insulin resistance. The B vitamins are needed for hormone imbalance regulation and burning fats. Also consume a lot of probiotics for good endometrial health. If these are lacking in your diet, have them in the form of supplements after consulting your doctor.

8. Consume Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to help ease the symptoms of PCOS. A diet comprising tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, and blueberries may help suppress inflammation.

9. Get Enough Sleep

Try and get 8 hours of sound sleep. This can help you get rid of stress. Disturbed sleep can lead to hormone imbalance, which may result in PCOS. Therefore, establish a fixed bedtime routine and do not deviate from it.

These measures aim at maintaining the healthy functioning of all the organs in the body. Healthy organs lead to the optimum functioning of the endocrine system and no hormonal imbalance.

Infographic: 6 Natural Ways To Manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a common issue many women deal with. Factors like hormonal imbalance and magnesium deficiency can result in the development of this condition. The good news is that simple ingredients from your kitchen can help manage the severity of this issue. Check out the infographic below for 6 ways to manage PCOS at home.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term effects of untreated PCOS?

• High blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle can affect fertility.
• A few cases of endometrial cancerⁱ  A type of cancer which originates in the uterus, commonly recorded in women over 55, characterized by abnormal vaginal bleeding. have also been reported in women with PCOS (43).

What Should I Eat If I Have PCOS?

A Choose High-Quality Carbs
You need to eat foods replete with high-quality carbs to cope with PCOS. Low-quality carbs found in sugary foods, cookies, candy, and white refined flour foods can elevate blood sugar levels.
B. Eat Lean Protein Sources
It helps to eat foods with lean protein to cope with PCOS. It can help control blood sugar levels. You can try eating turkey meat, fish, lean cuts of beef and pork, and eggs.
C. Eat Foods With Healthy Fats
Just because you have put on some weight due to the onset of PCOS does not mean you should discard all sources of fatty food from your meals. The fact is that without the intake of healthy fats, your body cannot produce hormones in desired amounts. You may include butter or olive oil in your meals.
D. Fruits And Vegetables
Add some color to your diet with 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. These supply the body with essential vitamins and minerals that are required for various metabolic processes.

How does PCOS affect pregnancy?

PCOS implies the sub-optimal functioning of the reproductive organs. Conceiving a child is deemed difficult under such circumstances. And even if the woman does conceive, chances of complications of the pregnancy and delivery are high. Miscarriage, preeclampsiaⁱ  A potentially dangerous condition in which high blood pressure is recorded in pregnant women after the 20th-week mark. , gestational diabetes, and preterm birth are very common. Proper care and the right medications can make the pregnancy a smooth journey. Consult your doctor if you are planning to conceive and follow their recommendations carefully.

Is polycystic ovary syndrome dangerous?

The cysts seen in PCOS are not exactly harmful but have been seen to cause severe pain in some women. Long-term, untreated PCOS does pose health risks, such as heart disease and diabetes.

How do you know if you have PCOS?

Look out for any irregularities in your periods, abnormal hair growth, pain in the lower abdomen, and other symptoms of PCOS. A simple ultrasound test can confirm the presence of the cysts.

Which exercise is best for PCOS?

Cardiovascular exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are good for PCOS as they can improve insulin sensitivity and help with weight management.

Is fasting good for PCOS?

Yes, 16/8 intermittent fasting benefits women with PCOS as it can help improve metabolic parameters and endocrine function (44).

Illustration: Home Remedies To Treat PCOS + Prevention Tips

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Jennifer MercierND, PhD

 

Jennifer Mercier has been in the practice of women's health since 1999 and has garnered 22 years of experience. Her practice started with Massage Therapy and Midwifery and then advanced into Naturopathic Medicine. While Dr.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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