PCOS also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects nearly 10% of women in childbearing age. PCOS is characterized by a combination of symptoms such as irregular or absent periods, insulin resistance, acne, hirsutism, hair loss and weight gain. It is estimated that nearly 70% of women with PCOS has insulin resistance. Insulin Resistance if untreated can lead of Type 2 Diabetes and hence it is critical to treat Insulin Resistance once diagnosed.
Often PCOS women with insulin resistance are prescribed the drug metformin. Metformin is a diabetes drug and has been proven to help PCOS women with insulin resistance. But, some people have terrible side effects with Metformin and look for natural alternatives to treat Insulin Resistance.
Apple Cider Vinegar if taken orally has shown promising results for women with PCOS. The reason apple cider works for PCOS women are it increases the insulin sensitivity and reduces the blood sugar levels. In order to reduce the blood sugar levels, PCOS women should consume food with low glycemic index. Glycemic Index defines the absorption of food into our body. Foods that are low in glycemic index releases energy very slowly and hence make you feel energetic for a prolonged time.
If you have the typical PCOS symptom of irregular periods consuming carrot and beetroot juice along with the bit of exercise daily will help. PCOS women often have liver issues and hence carrot being high in beta carotene helps liver to flush out toxins from the body. It also helps with regulating your periods as excess hormones from your body are flushed through the liver.
To treat hair loss associated with PCOS, consuming green tea will help. Hair loss in PCOS is caused by high level if male hormones named DHT. Testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Green tea prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT this helping with hair loss.
Another common PCOS symptom is acne. Acne is caused by due to high levels of androgens in the body and the herb Saw Palmetto seems to help reduce the androgen levels thus helping with acne.
Above are just a few options available to treat PCOS naturally. Consult your physician about the above treatments next time you visit him/her.
