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Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment through fish oil & cinnamon

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common condition that is related to hormonal imbalance in women of their reproductive ages. This condition is characterized by high levels of male hormones (androgens) in their bodies. Also, there are some studies in which insulin is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome because many women who suffer from this condition also have too much insulin in their bodies. When there are high levels of insulin in their bodies, then they cause the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones). Women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome have also been found to have low–grade inflammation which is contributing to insulin resistance. The exact cause of this condition is still not known. But genetics is considered an important factor because it is noticed that polycystic ovary syndrome runs in families. Polycystic ovary syndrome can make changes in the menstrual cycle, and cysts on the ovaries, and these women can have problems getting pregnant. Also, it can cause other symptoms such as pelvic pain, thinning hair or male–pattern baldness, oily skin, acne, weight gain, excessive facial and body hair growth, and infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome tend to vary from one person to another. This condition is also associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes type 2. It is extremely important for this condition to be diagnosed in its early stages.

8 Home remedies for polycystic ovary syndrome

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto acts as an anti-androgen, blocks 5 – alpha-reductase activity and it reduces the conversion of testosterone into a more active form which is known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) [1]. This can help prevent excessive hairiness or hirsutism in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Also, this natural cure helps thinning hair grow back. There are many naturopaths which are recommending saw palmetto as a natural cure for polycystic ovary syndrome because it helps correct the hormonal imbalance. You should take 320 mg of standardized saw palmetto extract every day for a period of a few months. If you are taking a liquid extract, then you should take one teaspoon every day. Before you start taking this or any other herbal remedy for polycystic ovary syndrome, you need to talk with a licensed naturopathic physician because in this way you will be sure it will be safe for you and it will not cause you any side effects.

Fenugreek

This is also a very effective home remedy for polycystic ovary syndrome because it improves insulin resistance and promotes glucose metabolism in our bodies [2]. This can help you to balance your hormones. Also, this natural cure can help you to lower your cholesterol, promote healthy heart functioning, and aid weight loss. You should soak 3 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water for 6 – 8 hours. You should take one teaspoon of the soaked seeds along with some honey in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, you should take one teaspoon of the seeds about ten minutes prior to lunch and one teaspoon prior to dinner. You should continue with this natural treatment every day for a period of a few weeks until you have noticed improvements in your condition. Also, you can include fenugreek leaves and seeds in your daily diet.

Apple cider vinegar

This is also a very effective home treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome because it keeps your body from producing too much insulin and also it helps control blood sugar [3]. It can help you to lose weight and it will improve your overall health. In one glass of water you should add 2 teaspoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Mix these ingredients. You should drink this natural cure every day in the morning and drink it before your meals. You should continue using this home remedy for several weeks or until you have noticed improvements in your condition. You can gradually increase the dosage of this home remedy to up to 2 tablespoons per glass, 2 or 3 times per day. If the taste is too strong, then you should mix this home remedy with orange or any other fruit juice.

Spearmint tea

Spearmint tea is also a very effective home remedy for polycystic ovary syndrome because it has anti-androgenic properties [4]. There was one study in which it said that drinking spearmint tea can help you to reduce the hirsutism or the excess body hair because it is reducing free and total testosterone levels and it can increase LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels [5]. You should boil one cup of water in a pan and then you should add one teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves to it. You should let it simmer for five to ten minutes. You should strain this home remedy. You should drink spearmint tea two times per day for a period of a few weeks.

Flaxseed

You can use flaxseed as your natural treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome because it can help you to decrease your androgen levels. Also, it has lignans which can increase the production of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) that binds testosterone in your blood and this is also preventing from wreaking havoc in your body [6]. Flaxseed is rich in fiber which can slow down glucose metabolism and it can lower your cholesterol levels. Flaxseed also has omega – 3 fatty acids which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. In a glass of water, you should mix 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds. You should drink this home remedy every day for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results. Also you should include ground flaxseeds in your diet by adding it to your salads, soups and smoothies.

Natural cures for polycystic ovary syndrome

Fish oil

Fish oil is rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids which can help you reduce androgen and also they can improve insulin sensitivity. There was one study about this home remedy in which it said that the Omega – 3 fatty acids can improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome because they are balancing androgen levels [7]. Also if you add fatty fish to your diet or you take fish oil supplements, then they can help you to fight against chronic disease, reduce body fat and decrease inflammation. There is no standard daily dosage for fish oil supplements. Also, you can take one or 3 capsules, 2 or 3 times per day or you can take the dosage which is suggested by your physician.

Cinnamon

There are some studies which are shown that cinnamon supplementation can help improve menstrual cyclicity in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Also, there was another study about cinnamon in which is said that this home remedy can help reduce insulin resistance in women who are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome [8]. In a glass of hot water, you should add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. You should drink this home remedy every day for a period of a few months or until you have noticed that you are satisfied with the results.

Also, you can take this herb in supplement form but firstly you should have talked with your doctor. In most cases, it is suggested to take one capsule (which is 1,000 mg) three times per day. Also, you can add cinnamon to your diet. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on your peanut butter sandwich, cottage cheese, oatmeal, cereal, and other foods. What is important to remember is that you should not take more than 2 teaspoons of this spice per day. If you are taking cinnamon as your natural treatment to combat insulin resistance, then you should talk with your doctor first because it can lower your blood sugar levels.

Chasteberry

This home remedy is also known as vitex. This is a very popular home remedy for relieving the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and treating infertility which is caused by a hormonal imbalance [9]. This is one of the best hormones–balancing herbs and also it is one of the most used natural cures for menstrual problems. You should boil one teaspoon of fresh or dried chaste berries and one cup of water. You should let it steep for about ten minutes. You should strain this home remedy. You should drink this tea every day for a period of a few weeks or months or until you notice improvements in your condition. You should stop using this home remedy once you are satisfied with the results. Also, you can take this polycystic ovary syndrome home remedy in supplement form; for the suitability and the proper dosage you need to talk with your doctor.

References:

[1] Marks LS, Hess DL, Dorey FJ, et al. Tissue effects of saw palmetto and finasteride: use of biopsy cores for in situ quantification of prostatic androgens. Urology. 2011;57(5):999-1005.

[2] Kiss R, Szabo K, Gesztelyi R, et al. Insulin-sensitizer effects of fenugreek seeds in parallel with changes in plasma MCH levels in healthy volunteers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(3):771.

[3] Siddiqui FJ, Assam PN, de Souza NN, et al. Diabetes control: Is vinegar a promising candidate to help achieve targets? Journal of Evidence-based Integrative Medicine. 2018;23:2156587217753004.

[4] Grant P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2010;24(2):186-8.

[5] Donnelly R. Anti-androgenic effects of spearmint tea (Mentha spicata). School of Physician Assistant Studies. 2017.

[6] Nowak DA, Snyder DC, Brown AJ, Demark-Wahnefried W. The effect of flaxseed supplementation on hormonal levels associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A case study. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research. 2007;5(4):177-81.

[7] Yang K, Zeng L, Bao T, Ge J. Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2018;16:27.

[8] Hajimonfarednejad M, Nimrouzi M, Heydari M, et al. Insulin resistance improvement by cinnamon powder in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2018;32(2):276-83.

[9] van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ, Bone KM. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Medica. 2013;79(7):562-75.

Vijila
Vijila
Dr. Emil Sarsath (aka) Vijila, a licensed naturopathic doctor (BSMS) who always ensures his patients receive compassionate, and individualized care. He has extensive experience in primary care, digestive health, mental health, nervous system disorder and more.Area of Expertise – Naturopathic Medicine, Whole Foods-based Nutrition, Siddha, Panchakarma.She is always available through [email protected]

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