PCOS, in full, Polycystic Ovary syndrome, is a condition that affects women when the hormones are out of whack. It is also characterized by a high concentration of male hormones (known as androgens) in the body. This condition is common in women who are in their childbearing age.
Since this is an endocrine system disorder, affected women may experience difficulties getting pregnant. Other symptoms of PCOS include irregular or prolonged menstrual flow, excessive growth of hair, obesity and severe acne. When an ultrasound exam is made, many women with PCOS are seen to have enlarged ovaries, sometimes showing a collection of fluid-filled cysts.
While the precise cause of PCOS is unknown, the condition has been linked to a genetic predisposition as the disorder seems to run in families. Early treatment and medical intervention can reduce the severity of the symptoms and get a woman back on the road to recovery.
What’s more, early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of associated disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Even though there is no medical cure for the condition, there are a number of home remedies that may be used to provide relief from the symptoms and prevent potentially adverse complications.
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 2 Tablespoons of ground flaxseeds and 1 glass of water.
One of the best home remedies for the natural management of PCOS is flaxseeds. These seeds are used to fight against the condition because they help reduce the concentration of androgens in the female body. The remedy works because it contains lignans. When consumed, the lignans increase the synthesis of a chemical compound whose sole function is to bind the testosterone in the body.
In doing so, the flaxseeds help reduce the severity of the symptoms. What’s more, the seeds are high in fiber that not only reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream, but also lowers the rate of glucose metabolism. This action plays a key role in the home treatment of PCOS because it reduces the spike of blood sugar levels therefore ensuring the affected woman is less predisposed to diabetes and heart disease. Flaxseeds are very simple to prepare at home.
- Place two tablespoons of the ground flaxseeds in a glass and pour in hot water.
- Stir and drink this mixture daily for a couple of weeks or until you start to note improvements in the presented symptoms.
- The other alternative is to grind the seeds and add to your regular diet, whether to salads, soups, yogurt, cereals or smoothies.
Time Required: 5 Min
What You Need: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1 glass of hot water and cinnamon supplements (optional).
Research indicates that adding cinnamon to one’s daily diet can help a great deal with an irregular menstrual cycle that is one of the main symptoms of PCOS. Different studies have pointed to the possibility of cinnamon reducing the extent of insulin resistance in the body, thus lowering the chances of developing diabetes. The most important thing to note is that the recommended intake of cinnamon spice is 1 tablespoon daily. Caution must be exercised if one is taking the remedy to counter insulin resistance as this may actually cause your blood sugar levels to take a dangerous dip with potentially serious side effects.
NOTE: consult your doctor before using the cinnamon supplements especially if you are on medication.
- Place 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon in a glass and pour in the hot water.
- Stir the resulting mixture and drink this daily for a couple of weeks as you monitor the progress made.
- The other option is to take herbal cinnamon supplements, but you must do this following a doctor’s consultation.
- Lastly, you may opt to sprinkle the cinnamon powder on your favorite foods such as cereals, sandwiches, yogurt and oats among others.
3. Spearmint Tea:
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves, 1 cup of water and a strainer.
One of the simplest ways to deal with the symptoms of PCOS is to increase your intake of spearmint tea. This tea’s active ingredients are known 