Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that stems from an imbalance of male sex hormones in people assigned female at birth.
Natural remedies can complement treatment to help you manage PCOS symptoms, which can include acne, infertility, irregular periods, facial hair growth, insulin resistance (when your body doesn’t respond properly to insulin), and unwanted weight gain.
More research is needed, but some studies have found that certain herbal and vitamin supplements may be able to help treat some of the symptoms of PCOS effectively.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar the body makes after you eat certain fruits, grains, nuts, and legumes. It is known to help with period regularity and manage insulin resistance associated with PCOS.
One study found that taking 1200 milligrams of inositol daily for six to eight weeks decreased testosterone, blood pressure, and triglyceride (blood fat) levels in people with PCOS. Other studies have found that inositol helps people with PCOS lose weight.
N-Acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine is an amino acid (protein building block) with antioxidant properties, meaning it helps prevent cell damage. People with PCOS sometimes use it to treat infertility, help with ovulation, and improve insulin resistance.
One clinical trial of 108 people with PCOS found that N-acetylcysteine helped decrease facial hair growth, reduce blood sugar levels, and increase ovulation rates more than metformin, a common treatment for PCOS.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help your body break down carbohydrates, which can help reduce insulin resistance. One study found that people with PCOS taking 20,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D daily had lower blood sugar, triglyceride (blood fat) levels, and more regular periods.
Another study found that combining supplements containing vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and calcium helped decrease facial hair and testosterone levels in people with PCOS.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may help with several symptoms, including:
- Increased insulin sensitivity (less insulin resistance)
- Decreased blood fats
- Decreased blood sugar
- Decreased oxidative stress
- More regular periods
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree is an herbal supplement that has anti-inflammatory characteristics and may help balance reproductive hormones. Chaste tree may be helpful for people with PCOS who struggle to get pregnant and who have irregular periods.
In one study, 93 people who wanted to become pregnant took a chaste tree supplement for three months. After this, their periods became more regular, and their levels of the female sex hormone progesterone increased. It was also easier to become pregnant.
Turmeric
Turmeric, sometimes referred to as curcumin, is a yellow spice. Retailers also sell it as a dietary supplement.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help people with PCOS ovulate and balance their reproductive hormones. Research also suggests that turmeric can help improve insulin resistance.
Stachys Lavandulifolia
Stachys lavandulifolia, also known as pink cotton lamb’s ear, may help regulate periods and ease period pain. It may also help balance estrogen in the body. A small study found that drinking tea made from this plant three times a day for three months helped with abnormal bleeding caused by PCOS.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a seed that’s sometimes used as a dietary supplement. You can also find it in the form of flaxseed oil. Some studies suggest that flaxseed can lower androgens (male hormones), which is key to treating PCOS.
In a case study of one woman with PCOS, four months of taking 30 grams of flaxseed per day was associated with decreased testosterone, body mass index (BMI), and insulin levels. She also experienced less facial hair growth. More research on a larger sample of people with PCOS is necessary to test this theory.
For some people, a diet that lowers insulin resistance can be helpful. This type of diet generally involves eating foods that have a low glycemic index, which means they are typically lower in sugar and carbs. Increasing fiber in your diet can also be helpful.
A healthcare provider or nutritionist can help you learn more about low-glycemic foods and how to eat to help decrease insulin resistance.
Increasing physical exercise may help you:
Some research suggests that aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, dancing, or jogging, is best for these benefits. Resistance training, like weight lifting or body weight exercises, is also helpful.
PCOS can affect your mood, so getting enough quality sleep can help balance your mood. It may also improve insulin resistance and some of the hormone imbalances associated with PCOS. Try these strategies to improve your sleep:
- Stick to a regular bedtime
- Stay off screens at night
- Keep a familiar wind-down routine
Some integrative medicine practices may be helpful for treating PCOS.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help increase ovulation and decrease insulin resistance associated with PCOS. It may also help balance hormones that are involved in reproduction and metabolism. This approach uses needles or other methods to stimulate your nerves and improve health.
Yoga
Yoga may also be helpful in treating PCOS. One study found that yoga may help your reproductive system function better and decrease PCOS symptoms.
Meditation
Meditation may help with some of the stress associated with PCOS. It may also be able to help decrease blood pressure and blood glucose levels, which can decrease your risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.
Several herbs and vitamins may be helpful in treating PCOS, like chaste tree, vitamin D, fennel, and turmeric. Natural remedies like mindful dietary changes, exercise, sleep, yoga, and meditation may also help reduce symptoms of PCOS.
