Natural Remedies to Regulate Blood Sugar and Manage PCOS Symptoms

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age and is characterized by an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Although it affects between 5% and 10% of women worldwide, many people are still unaware that they have the condition. PCOS can present with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, acne and unwanted weight gain. However, one of the most detrimental effects of PCOS is its effect on blood sugar levels; patients often experience hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), which can lead to a host of complications including fatigue, depression, anxiety and poor cognitive function (such as memory problems).

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and How Does it Affect Blood Sugar Regulation?

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women today and is a chronic condition that can lead to complications such as diabetes and heart disease. Having PCOS is a set of symptoms that lead to an imbalance of sex hormones, which causes symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain or difficulty losing weight (even when eating healthy), depression and anxiety.

It is often a syndrome caused by lifestyle choices - more often than not, PCOS develops from one’s ability to manage their blood sugar levels. Both high and low blood sugar causes a disruption in the web of hormone activity.

The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular menstrual cycles due to the formation of cysts on the ovaries and is characterized by an excess of androgen hormones (male sex hormones) leading to many other symptoms including:

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Infertility—difficulty conceiving a child due to not ovulating regularly or at all

  • Increased facial hair growth or acne on the face (commonly referred to as “hirsutism”)

  • Male-pattern balding

5 Lifestyle Changes to Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels with PCOS

There are a number of ways to manage blood sugar levels and help reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Here are 5 lifestyle changes to consider:

  • Eating a healthy diet. This means avoiding foods that are high in sugar (including sugary drinks) and choosing whole grains over refined ones. It also means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sugar, along with proteins such as lean meats or beans.

  • Exercising regularly. Exercise helps keep your body healthy by improving circulation throughout your body, including the reproductive system. Appropriate exercise and weight training will “mop” up excess glucose circulating in the body.

  • Getting enough sleep.

  • Reduce stress: stress can cause your body to produce more cortisol, which can lead to symptoms of PCOS. Some women find that taking time for themselves each day helps them relax and reduces their stress levels.

  • Weight management: one study found that women who lost 5%–10% of their body weight saw improvements in symptoms like excess hair growth and acne.

Natural Remedies to Manage PCOS Symptoms

  • Magnesium: Magnesium is a natural mineral that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps to reduce cravings, which is beneficial for women with PCOS who struggle with weight gain and insulin resistance.

  • Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is another good supplement for controlling blood sugar levels because it enhances the body’s ability to properly use insulin as well as regulate glucose production in the liver. This makes it an excellent addition to your PCOS treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): ALA is not only an antioxidant but also plays an important role in regulating blood sugar by activating important enzymes in your body that help break down glucose into energy so that it can be used by cells throughout your body without raising blood glucose levels too much or too quickly, making ALA especially useful for individuals who suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

  • Chromium and Vanadium: These trace minerals are also helpful in balancing out hormones like estrogen and progesterone while keeping them within healthy limits; this means less chance of developing cysts on ovaries which can lead  to painful periods since their main function involves releasing eggs during ovulation each month when they don't belong there due to hormonal imbalances caused by excess estrogen levels caused by high fat diets, stress levels being too high etc.

  • Vitex / Chasteberry: While it doesn’t supply hormones to the body, it does act directly on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. For women, it increases luteinizing hormone, modulates prolactin, which all helps balance out the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, slightly raising the levels of progesterone.

Final Thoughts

While PCOS may be complicated condition, there are many natural remedies to help you manage it. Please always consult with your physician before incorporating any of these recommendations or contact our office if you would like to work directly with Dr. Kayla Ring for a personalized treatment plan.

Kayla Ring