PCOD vs PCOS: Natural Remedies Explained

In our current world, a sedentary lifestyle and stress contribute to lifestyle diseases such as PCOD and PCOS symptoms. Understanding PCOD vs PCOS is essential for early recognition and treatment. Diseases that predominantly arise from our daily habits are called non-communicable diseases.

Understanding Lifestyle Diseases: PCOD vs. PCOS

These conditions also emerge from an imbalanced relationship with the environment whether physical, mental, or social and are often referred to as lifestyle diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and hypertension fall under this category.
Moreover, diabetes is included as well. PCOD/PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Disease/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is another type of lifestyle disease affecting many women today.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Polycystic Ovarian Disease/Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects approximately 6 to 13% of reproductive age women and with 70% of women remaining undiagnosed.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are often considered interchangeable. However, these terms confuse many due to a lack of awareness about the distinction between a disease and a syndrome.

Root Causes & Risk Factor

According to WHO, the root cause of PCOD and PCOS symptoms remains unknown.
However, individuals with a family history of PCOD, PCOS, or type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing these conditions.

PCOD Vs PCOS

Although PCOD and PCOS sound similar, they have differences.
A disease has a definable cause with distinct symptoms, while a syndrome is a group of symptoms that might not always have a specific reason to occur.

In PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs. This usually occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or hormonal imbalance.
On the other hand, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a more severe form of PCOD. As an endocrine disorder, it affects egg production in the ovaries and significantly disturbs hormonal balance.

How PCOD/PCOS Affects Your Body and Mind

Symptoms can vary from one individual to another.
These includes:

• irregular or absent periods
• acne or oily skin
• excessive hair on the face or the body
• male-pattern baldness
• hair thinning
• weight gain

These PCOD and PCOS symptoms not only affect physical health but also impact mental well-being. Furthermore, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and negative body image can emerge from societal stigma related to infertility, unwanted hair growth, and obesity.

Diagnosis & Available Treatment Options

Signs and symptoms, blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound help medical professionals diagnose PCOD and PCOS. There is treatment for PCOS/PCOD in allopathic, homeopathic, and Ayurvedic medicine.
Seeking medical professionals help to understand the disease better and how to deal with it, is the wise option.

However, natural home remedies are available. They can act as adjuvant therapy.
These remedies aid in easing the symptoms of PCOD/PCOS.
Following a healthy lifestyle is essential.
A diet rich in fiber and proteins with fewer carbohydrates will help in weight loss.
It will also ease the symptoms of PCOD/PCOS.

5 Natural Remedies to Manage PCOD/PCOS Symptoms

Here are a few remedies consisting of natural herbs that could help ease the symptoms of PCOD and PCOS.

1. Saffron

Saffron helps regulate the metabolism and insulin sensitivity, making it a beneficial herb in managing PCOD & PCOS natural remedies.
You can have saffron water on an empty stomach in the morning after you wake up.

Boil some water until lukewarm.
Add 3-4 strands of saffron to the cup.
Add the lukewarm water into the cup and keep it overnight.
Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Cinnamon, Fenugreek seeds, Cloves, Garlic, Black Peppercorns

All the above herbs have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.
These herbs help in increasing the metabolism and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Also, helps in weight loss.

You can take one quarter cinnamon stick, 7-8 fenugreek seeds, 2-3 Cloves (grounded), 3-4 black peppercorn (grounded), and 2-3 Garlic cloves (grounded).
Boil all the five herbs into one glass of water on medium heat.

Boil until the water is half, turn off the heat, and strain the water.
You can have this any time of the day.
The preferred time would be at night before going to bed.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is trending these days.
There are a lot of brands selling chamomile tea in tea bags or loose.
Chamomile helps regulate the menstrual cycle, decreases testosterone levels in women suffering from PCOD/PCOS, and have insulin sensitivity property.

4. Fennel Seeds

Fennel is another herb beneficial for women suffering from PCOD/PCOS.
It balances the hormones and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
You can have it by boiling the fennel seeds with water or adding it to your meals.

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea helps control blood glucose level.
Ginger has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the studies showed that it helped decrease the occurrence of cyst in ovaries.

Please be mindful when using any of the natural herbs for the first time.
Test them in smaller quantities to know if you are allergic to any of the above.

Living Actively: Managing PCOD/PCOS with Confidence

There may not be a permanent cure.
However, managing PCOD/PCOS is entirely possible.
It’s far from the end of the world.
With the right approach and a positive mindset, you can lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

It is understandable that PCOD and PCOS symptoms impact not just physical health but also mental well-being.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and incorporating natural remedies for PCOD/PCOS symptoms can make a significant difference.

For every problem, there is a solution.

Consulting with a gynecologist would offer guidance and knowledge of the available treatment options.

A Diva makes choices based upon a future vision of herself, rather than a past perception.

Amy Medling

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