10 Best Natural Treatments For PCOD/PCOS That Actually Work
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant. Individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of treatments mentioned may differ based on individual circumstances. The content provided here is based on available research and expert opinions, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Living with PCOD or PCOS is exhausting. One day your skin's breaking out, the next your jeans feel tighter for no reason, and your period? A complete no-show. Again. And if you’ve been told “just lose some weight” or “hit the gym harder” one more time, you're probably ready to scream into a pillow.
We get it. You're tired of the same recycled advice, the endless cycle of Googling symptoms, and the frustrating lack of real answers that actually help you feel better.
Here’s the thing: there’s no magic fix, but there are natural ways to feel more in control. And no, we’re not talking about some overpriced herbal supplement from the internet or another restrictive diet plan.
In this blog, we’re sharing 10 genuinely helpful, natural treatments for PCOD/PCOS, stuff that works with your body, not against it. Small food tweaks that help balance hormones, gentle exercises that don’t wreck your energy, smart lifestyle changes, herbal helpers, and even some lesser-known tricks like seed cycling.
If you’re done with generic advice and just want real, practical ways to feel better, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.
10 Natural Remedies For PCOS/PCOD
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are hormonal imbalances that affect how your ovaries function. The ovaries produce excessive androgens (male hormones), and this can disrupt ovulation, cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and even insulin resistance. Studies suggest that 1 in 5 young Indian women suffer from this condition.
While medications can help, many women find relief by tweaking their daily habits. Ready to take a more natural route? Let’s explore 10 tried-and-tested home remedies that support hormonal balance and overall well-being.
1. Eat to Heal, Not Just to Fill
Food is medicine. Period. One of the best treatments for PCOD is eating in a way that supports hormone balance and lowers insulin resistance.
Try this:
- Ditch refined carbs (white bread, sugary snacks).
- Embrace low GI foods like lentils, oats, barley, and brown rice. According to a 2023 study in the NCBI, low-GI diets significantly reduce insulin levels in women with PCOS.
- Go for anti-inflammatory foods like berries, turmeric, spinach, and avocado.
- Make healthy fats your besties like nuts, seeds, ghee, and olive oil.
Doctors suggest starting your day with soaked fenugreek seeds or cinnamon water. Both are powerful in regulating insulin levels, a root cause of PCOS.
2. Move That Body, But Gently
You don’t need to crush it at the gym to help your hormones. In fact, over-exercising can spike cortisol, your stress hormone, which can worsen PCOS symptoms.
What actually works:
- Walking daily: Aim for 30 minutes.
- Yoga or Pilates: These practices can improve flexibility and reduce stress.
- Strength training: 2-3 times per week can help build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Dancing: Any activity that keeps you consistent is beneficial.
“Regular, moderate exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and can aid in weight management, both crucial for managing PCOS symptoms," says Dr. Rajeshwari Reddy.
3. Say Hello to Herbal Helpers
Certain herbs have shown promising results in balancing hormones naturally.
Top picks:
- Ashwagandha: Known for reducing stress and cortisol levels. A 2019 study found that taking 240 mg of Ashwagandha daily significantly lowered stress levels and reduced cortisol levels in the blood compared to a placebo.
- Spearmint Tea: A study found that spearmint tea consumption led to a significant reduction in androgen levels among women with PCOS.
- Liquorice Root: Supports estrogen balance, though more research is needed.
Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplement.
4. Sleep Like It’s Your Job
Quality sleep = hormonal harmony. No compromises here.
Studies link poor sleep with worsening insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels.
Aim for:
- 7–9 hours nightly: Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
- Screen detox: Avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed.
- Calming teas: Chamomile or lavender can promote relaxation.
Dr. Madhu Goel (MBBS, MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, DNB, MNAMS) says that the relationship between PCOS and sleep is often overlooked. Poor sleep worsens the hormonal imbalance in PCOS. These imbalances disrupt rest, creating a cycle of fatigue, stress, and worsening symptoms.
5. Ditch Dairy (If You Must)
Some women with PCOS report improvements in acne, bloating, and menstrual regularity after reducing or eliminating dairy, particularly if they have lactose intolerance or sensitivity to casein, a protein found in milk.
Scientific studies on this topic are limited and yield mixed results. For instance, a cross-sectional study involving 400 Iranian women with PCOS found a higher consumption of low- and non-fat milk among those with the condition, suggesting a potential association between low-fat dairy intake and PCOS. Conversely, an 8-week dietary intervention study with 24 overweight and obese women with PCOS demonstrated that a low-starch, low-dairy diet led to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced testosterone levels. However, due to the study's small sample size and lack of a control group, it's challenging to attribute these benefits solely to dairy elimination.
Interestingly, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which includes low-fat dairy products, has shown promise in improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation in women with PCOS. This suggests that moderate dairy consumption, particularly low-fat options, might be beneficial for some individuals.
6. Seed Cycling
Seed cycling might sound a bit woo-woo, but it’s a simple, food-based method to help balance hormones, especially in women with PCOS. It involves eating specific seeds during each phase of your menstrual cycle:
- Follicular Phase (Day 1–14): Flax + Pumpkin seeds
- Luteal Phase (Day 15–28): Sunflower + Sesame seeds
Benefits of seed cycling for PCOS include:
- Balances estrogen and progesterone: Zinc in pumpkin and sesame seeds helps lower excess androgens
- Reduces ovarian cysts: By supporting hormonal regulation
- Improves thyroid function: It is Often affected in PCOS
- Supports insulin sensitivity: Thanks to omega-3s in flax and sunflower seeds
- Lowers cholesterol levels: Beneficial for heart and metabolic health
While more research is needed, seed cycling is considered a safe, underrated, and gentle way to manage PCOS symptoms naturally.
7. Stress Less, Ovulate More
Chronic stress can mess with ovulation, big time.
Integrate:
- Meditation (start with 10 mins daily)
- Deep breathing
- Journaling or even adult colouring books
Remember: Your brain and ovaries are in constant communication, leading to a calm mind and calmer hormones.
8. Managing Insulin
Insulin resistance is the secret villain behind most PCOD symptoms. One of the best treatments for PCOD is to keep blood sugar steady.
Simple hacks:
- Eat smaller, frequent meals: Helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Pair carbs with protein: For example, an apple with nut butter.
- Include apple cider vinegar before meals: 1 teaspoon in water can aid digestion.
Berberine, a plant compound, has shown promise as a natural alternative to metformin. A clinical study found that berberine improved insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
9. Detox Your Lifestyle
Your environment affects your hormones.
Toss out endocrine-disrupting chemicals:
- Use paraben- and phthalate-free skincare: Choose products with clean, pure ingredients.
- Switch to natural cleaning products: Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Store food in glass, not plastic: Avoid BPA and other toxins.
10. Sync with Your Cycle
Understanding the four phases of your menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, ovulation, luteal) can help you tailor your lifestyle accordingly.
Adjust:
- Food: Incorporate cycle-supportive nutrients.
- Workouts: Align exercise intensity with your cycle.
- Self-care routines: Prioritise rest during certain phases.
People might want to try cycle syncing for a variety of reasons,” says Dr. Hoosna Haque, an OB-GYN at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Centre. “It can be helpful for women who want to minimise intense period or PMS symptoms, for those who are trying to become pregnant, or who want to feel more in tune with their bodies.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1) What is the treatment for PCOD problem?
Lifestyle changes like a low-carb diet, regular exercise, and stress management are first-line natural treatments. Herbs, seed cycling, and improving sleep also help manage symptoms.
Q.2) What is the most common treatment for PCOS?
Medications like birth control pills and metformin are common, but natural approaches are becoming popular for those looking to avoid side effects and support the root cause.
Q.3) Which is the best treatment for PCOS problem naturally?
A combination of eating a low-glycemic diet, herbal remedies like spearmint and ashwagandha, moderate workouts, and good sleep hygiene is considered best.
Q.4) What is the treatment for PCOD if trying to conceive?
Focus on ovulation support through weight management, reducing insulin resistance, and tracking cycles. Acupuncture and inositol supplements are also helpful.
Q.5) Can PCOS go away permanently with natural treatment?
PCOS can’t be "cured" but its symptoms can be reversed or significantly improved with consistent lifestyle changes. Many women have regular cycles and even conceive naturally with sustained effort.
Your Body, Your Rules
PCOD or PCOS doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the chaos forever. Your body isn’t the enemy; it’s just been asking for a little support, and now you know exactly where to start. These natural treatments aren’t about quick fixes or unrealistic routines; they’re about building habits that actually stick, because they work with your body, not against it.
So let’s stop surviving and start thriving. Pick one change today, whether it’s swapping your breakfast, moving your body more kindly, or finally getting serious about sleep. Small steps = big shifts.
You deserve to feel good in your skin again, and no, you don’t need to hustle harder to get there.
Let’s sync up, show up for ourselves, and rewrite the PCOD story together.
Read also
- How A Balanced Diet Helps Your Body
- Healthy Ways To Relieve Mental Stress
- Do Detox Diets Really Work? Here is The Truth Behind Them
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