Treating PCOS Naturally

PCOS can’t be cured but it can be controlled naturally. Take charge of your PCOS with our simple tips to boost your health and fertility

When you finally get a diagnosis of PCOS, it feels like a lot of questions get answered. Oh, that’s why I feel like this, that’s why my periods are irregular, that’s why I can’t sleep properly!

In fact, there is a whole range of PCOS symptoms and you may only feel some of these which is why it’s so hard to diagnose.

“12-18% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The term ‘cysts’ can be misleading as not all PCOS sufferers have cysts and not all women with cysts have PCOS.

If you have one or more of the below symptoms, check with your doctor about getting checked for PCOS. Diagnosing PCOS isn’t simple. Read more about how to get a diagnosis in this great article.

Symptoms of PCOS

Irregular or no periods
Reduced fertility
Excess Hair / Hair loss
Acne / Dark skin patches
Depression / Anxiety / Mood Changes
Sleep apnoea

Treating PCOS NATURALLY

You may have been offered some medical therapies or drugs to treat your PCOS, such as the contraceptive pill, Metformin, hormones such as gonadotropins, testosterone-lowering drugs, weight-loss drugs or antidepressants. Many of these are about treating and managing the symptoms. In fact, many young women are offered the pill in adolescence and only find out years later that they have PCOS as the common symptoms are masked by the pill.

The exciting news is you can take back control of your body and feel empowered again by managing your PCOS yourself NATURALLY!

TOP 10 ways to treat PCOS naturally

1. Healthy Diet

A low carb, low sugar diet containing a variety of fresh, whole foods. Eat regularly and plan your food in advance so you can avoid those temptations and sugar cravings! Listen to our interview with fertility diet expert here.

2. Get moving

Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet can make the biggest difference to how you feel. Losing weight can drastically reduce the severity of your symptoms, however, don’t overstress your body with excess cardio. Choose an exercise type that is right for you.

3. Stop smoking

Put simply smoking damages your ovaries and magnifies your PCOS symptoms.

4. Cut out alcohol

Alcohol increases your blood sugar levels and therefore increases your PCOS symptoms. Try to reduce your alcohol intake as much as possible

5. Skincare

Taking good care of your skin regularly will help keep acne and any skin issues at bay

6. Sleep

Sleep is the basis for all good health. Set a regular bedtime, instil a relaxing bedtime routine and make sleep a priority. Learn more about how sleep affects your health and fertility here

7. Reduce stress

Stress affects your body in numerous ways but particularly your hormones. Finding ways to reduce your stress is paramount. Join our FREE toolbox to access our free meditations (including a specific PCOS relaxing meditation), mindset tools, videos and interviews with guest experts. Join for free today – https://yourfertilityhub.com/join-toolbox/

8. Supplements

Some supplements are known to help with PCOS / PCOS symptoms, however, it’s vital you get support from a knowledgeable practitioner. Don’t go it alone as some supplements can actually make your symptoms worse and you need an individual assessment and plan

9. Complementary / Alternative Therapies

There are some fantastic therapies out there such as naturopathy, kinesiology and acupuncture. One study into acupuncture and PCOS showed an improved ovulation rate and reduced androgen excess in women with PCOS. Try and find a practitioner with experience in hormonal disorders, fertility or PCOS specifically.

10. Make time for you and your PCOS

Making these changes isn’t easy, neither is maintaining them alongside your busy lifestyle. The first step is accepting your PCOS. Tough, I know, but once you have true acceptance you can move on to wholeheartedly managing your symptoms naturally. You need to make space in your life for these changes and get support from those around you / your doctor / natural therapist.

Download your free PCOS relaxing meditation – Join our free Toolbox to access this and many other resources to support you emotionally when you’re taking charge of your health and fertility.

Want more information – Starting 10 September 2018, Kate Davies from Your Fertility Journey is running the revolutionary PCOS Challenge. Find out more here.

Our other favourite PCOS expert is Alissa Vitti from Flo Living and her book ‘Woman Code’ is a fantastic resource.