Pcos Treatment: Excessive Hair Growth
Another common symptom of PCOS is hair growth. Up to 70% of women with PCOS will experience excessive hair growth, with dark or coarse hair growing on their face, arms, chest, or abdomen. This is called hirsutism and is once again relative to the high level of androgens that result from PCOS.
Excessive hair growth can be inconvenient and upsetting, but there are treatments available. If youre not currently trying to get pregnant, your health care provider may recommend medication, including birth control pills and the blood pressure medication spironolactone. Again, the key here is to balance out your hormones.
To treat these symptoms, we must lower testosterone , says Dr. Boyle. Hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen do this very well, and theyre considered the first-line treatment.
Spironolactone is an antiandrogen, which means it can block testosterone. Its usually taken as a pill. Spironolactone is sometimes used with hormonal contraceptives if they dont work well enough on their own, Dr. Boyle explains. However, she adds: Women who use spironolactone must make sure they are not at risk of becoming pregnant as it can cause birth defects.
Some Of The Natural Ways To Fix Hormonal Imbalance
Getting enough sleep: getting adequate amounts of rest is necessary for your body to function properly. It reduces stress levels and increases serotonin production, which can also help balance hormones.
If you are experiencing hormonal imbalance, start doing these things as soon as possible because it will improve your health.
Controlling stress levels: stress can be one of the main reasons why you experience hormonal imbalance.
When stress levels rise, cortisol hormone production goes up, and that takes your other hormones down with it.
Reducing cortisol levels through meditation or yoga can help you get rid of the side effects of this hormone. It will also reduce your stress levels and make it easier for your body to function properly.
Many people want quick fixes, but hormonal imbalance isnt one of them. If you are serious about fixing this problem, then it is important to take your time and fix it right.
Reducing your caffeine intake: caffeine is a stimulant that increases cortisol levels and lowers your ability to fight stress. Caffeine can also have other negative effects, so its best to cut down on this energy booster if it has been causing you problems.
Avoiding alcohol: too much alcohol can cause serious damage to your hormonal balance.
When you stop drinking then your body will start to produce more estrogen, but when you are constantly drinking then this process is interrupted.
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S For How To Balance Hormones Naturally
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Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health. Thats why a hormonal imbalance can be problematic, so you want to make sure you know how to balance hormones.
Conventional treatments for hormonal imbalances typically include synthetic hormone replacement therapies, birth control pills, insulin injections, thyroid medications and more. Unfortunately, for the majority of people suffering from hormonal disorders, relying on these types of synthetic treatments often does three things:
Is it possible to balance hormones naturally? The good news is, yes, in many cases it is.
Lets examine how to balance hormones naturally.
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Manage Pcos And Balance Your Hormones Naturally
Diet is one of the most powerful tools you have for hormone balance. The right foods can make a major difference in how you feel day-to-day and can change your hormone levels surprisingly quickly. If you struggle with PCOS or hormone imbalance, try making the dietary changes you just read about and see how you feel.
And for more personalized tips for improving your wellbeing, why not take my Power Type Quiz? Its a free quiz that gives you insight into your unique body, as well as diet and lifestyle guides that help you look and feel your best.
Whats The Treatment For Pcos
Treatments can help you manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and lower your odds for long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
You and your doctor should talk about what your goals are so you can come up with a treatment plan. For example, if you want to get pregnant and are having trouble, then your treatment would focus on helping you conceive. If you want to tame PCOS-related acne, your treatment would be geared toward skin problems.
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Is Pcos Linked To Other Health Problems
Yes, studies have found links between PCOS and other health problems, including:
- Diabetes. More than half of women with PCOS will have diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40.4 Learn more about diabetes on our Diabetes page.
- High blood pressure. Women with PCOS are at greater risk of having high blood pressure compared with women of the same age without PCOS. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Learn more about heart disease and stroke.
- Unhealthy cholesterol. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol. High cholesterol raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Sleep apnea. This is when momentary and repeated stops in breathing interrupt sleep. Many women with PCOS have overweight or obesity, which can cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea raises your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Depression and anxiety.Depression and anxiety are common among women with PCOS.
- Endometrial cancer. Problems with ovulation, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes increase the risk of developing cancer of the endometrium .
Researchers do not know if PCOS causes some of these problems, if these problems cause PCOS, or if there are other conditions that cause PCOS and other health problems.
What Are The Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The most common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It may also involve heavy bleeding during periods.
- Abnormal hair growth: Excess facial hair and heavy hair growth on the arms, chest and abdomen . This affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.
- Acne: PCOS can cause acne, especially on the back, chest and face. This acne may continue past the teenage years and may be difficult to treat.
- Obesity: About 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity, and have trouble losing weight.
- Darkening of the skin: Patches of dark skin, especially in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans.
- Cysts: Many women with PCOS have small pockets of fluid in their ovaries.
- Skin tags:Skin tags are little flaps of extra skin. They’re often found in the armpits or on the neck in women with PCOS.
- Thinning hair: People with PCOS may lose patches of hair on their heads or start to go bald.
- Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Decreased frequency or lack of ovulation can result in not being able to conceive.
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Can I Get Pregnant If I Have Pcos
Yes, you can get pregnant if you have PCOS. PCOS can make it hard to conceive while also increasing your risk for certain pregnancy complications. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you ovulate. Your treatment plan could include medication or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF .
Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you understand your treatment plan and how you can increase your chances for a healthy and successful pregnancy.
What Is The Main Cause Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There is evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors also play a role in causing PCOS:
- Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs , which causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause small, fluid-filled sacs to develop in the ovaries. High androgen also causes acne and excess hair growth in women.
- Insulin resistance: Increased insulin levels cause the ovaries to make and release male hormone . Increased male hormone, in turn, suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS. Insulin helps your body processes glucose and uses it for energy. Insulin resistance means your body doesn’t process insulin correctly, leading to high glucose levels in your blood. Not all individuals with insulin resistance have an elevated glucose or diabetes, but insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Having overweight orobesity can also contribute to insulin resistance. An elevated insulin level, even if your blood glucose is normal, can indicate insulin resistance.
- Low–grade inflammation: People with PCOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your healthcare provider can perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body.
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How Do You Fix Hormonal Imbalance
Many health conditions that involve hormonal imbalances, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, require medical treatment.
Many nutritional supplements in stores claim to treat different hormonal imbalances, but few of them have been scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect. Its important to always talk to your healthcare provider first about taking supplements.
Aside from medical treatment, your provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to help manage a hormonal imbalance, such as managing your stress levels and getting routine exercise.
Maintain Sleep Hygiene To Solve Pcos Permanently
A lack of sleep can increase cortisol hormones which is not a good sign. You can control your hormonal changes to some extent by maintaining a strict bedtime routine. Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep to practice PCOS treatment home remedies. Yes, the early to bed, early to rise mantra can work here!
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Be Wary Of Dairy Products
Dairy is an important source of nutrients for many people. However, females concerned about levels of reproductive hormones may wish to use caution, especially before consuming cream or yogurt.
A 2017 study notes that eating dairy can reduce levels of some protective hormones.
In addition, the authors point to an association between eating cream and yogurt and missing ovulation. The link is unclear, and the researchers call for further studies.
Follow A Healthy Diet Including Herbs And Dietary Supplements
You can include the following foods, herbs, and supplements in your daily diet to combat hormonal imbalance.
a. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for your health and provide building blocks for hormones. These fatty acids help reduce the inflammation within your body that might have occurred due to hormonal imbalance . Coconut oil is also great for your overall health as it helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and reduces stress and anxiety .
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 to 3 times daily.
b. Avocados
Avocado is a rich source of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat hormonal imbalance . Regular intake of avocados promotes heart health and also ensures an adequate supply of fiber and nutrients required for good health. It may also help reduce the weight gain due to hormonal imbalance.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You can consume this daily.
c. Ashwagandha
You Will Need
d. Yogurt
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How Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed
If your doctor thinks you might have PCOS, he or she may refer you to a or an for a diagnosis.
The gynecologist or endocrinologist will ask about your concerns and symptoms, your past health, your family’s health, any medicines you’re taking, any allergies you have, and other issues. He or she will also ask you lots of questions specifically about your period and its regularity. This is called the .
Your doctor also will do a physical exam, which includes checking your weight, and looking for physical signs such as acne, hair growth, and darkened skin. The doctor might do a gynecologic exam to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, but this is not always necessary for diagnosis.
Doctors sometimes order blood tests to diagnose PCOS and or to see if the symptoms are caused by other conditions, such as thyroid or other ovarian or gland problems.
Your doctor might order a pelvic ultrasound to check your ovaries for cysts or other problems. Because cysts aren’t always visible, this test isn’t always done.
Swap Carbs For Healthy Fats
Foods that balance hormones include a variety of fat-containing foods that provide short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Your body needs various types of fats to create hormones, including saturated fat and cholesterol.
Not only are these essential fats fundamental building blocks for hormone production, but they keep inflammation levels low, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.
Healthy fats have the opposite effect of refined carbohydrates, which lead to inflammation and can mess with the balance of your hormones.
My four favorite sources of anti-inflammatory, healthy fats include coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon.
- Coconut oil uses are plentiful. For example, coconut oil has natural antibacterial and fat-burning effects.
- Avocado benefits include improving heart health, lowering inflammation, controlling your appetite, and contributing to your daily intake of fiber and nutrients, such as potassium.
- Salmon nutrition is also impressive. Its one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to lower inflammation and help with cognitive functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are a large component of brain-cell membranes and are important for cell-to-cell communication in the brain. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hippocampal neuronal loss and reduce pro-inflammatory responses.
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Final Thoughts On Hormonal Imbalances
- Some of the most common symptoms of hormone imbalances include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in hair, skin, and nails.
- Root causes of hormonal imbalances include compromised gut health, elevated inflammation, and high stress levels.
- Natural ways to balance your hormones include eating anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fats, reducing your exposure to endocrine disruptors, getting adequate sleep, and using to fill in any nutritional gaps related to gut health and vitamin D levels.
Health Supplements To Cure Pcos
If you feel you cannot consume everything mentioned on your diet plan, you can substitute a few nutrients with health supplements. According to doctors, you can either choose tablets and vitamin capsules or try Ayurvedic Chrunas to combat hormonal imbalance. Consult your nutritionists to find the best supplements for you.
Do you face irregular periods due to PCOS?Shatavariayurvedic herbstreatno side effects!
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Natural Treatments For Pcos
You just found out you have polycystic ovary syndrome . Now what? The condition, which affects five million women in the U.S. alone, can wreak havoc on your hormones and still doesnt have a known cure. While many women successfully manage their symptoms solely with medication and hormone therapy, some prefer to supplement traditional treatments with more holistic remedies, while some opt for entirely natural alternatives.
I always look at diet and lifestyle how I can help patients modify their focus and remove obstacles that may be in their way on the path towards wellness, says April Blake, ND. As a naturopathic doctor, I prefer to utilize therapies that are gentle and less invasive, and focus on mind-body medicine and lifestyle. If youre looking for alternatives to traditional treatments, there are several evidence-based therapeutics that have been shown to be effective.
In addition to supplements, I recommend getting to the root cause of the condition, says FLOLiving.com founder and One Medical patient Alisa Vitti. After suffering with PCOS symptoms for years, the best-selling author of WomanCode developed an online program that targets hormonal imbalances through nutrition. I help women eat in a way that supports the endocrine system as a whole, Vitti says. Supplements are an important way to expedite healing, but nutrition and the mind-body connection are the basis of my practice.
Here are some natural methods to help manage your PCOS symptoms:
Pcos Myth Busting: You Cannot Be Diagnosed With Pcos By Ultrasound Alone
If you have been given a diagnosis of PCOS, your first question should be Was this diagnosis based on my ultrasound results alone?.
Whilst polycystic ovaries on ultrasound is part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, the appearance of multiple developing follicles simply shows us you didnt ovulate THAT month. It doesnt tell us why this occurred, or if you will be able to ovulate next month.
There are many reasons why this can occur, and they are NOT just because of PCOS. This same ultrasound result can occur due to being on the contraceptive pill, stress , under-eating, travelling and being out of your normal routine.
One study found that even in healthy women with regular cycles, polycystic ovaries occur in around 25% of menstrual cycles. Equally, not all women with PCOS will have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. As you can see from the diagnostic criteria above, it is possible to be diagnosed with PCOS if you meet the first two criteria points , so an ultrasound is not always necessary to confirm diagnosis.
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