Can you cure polycystic ovaries

In overweight women, the symptoms and overall risk of developing long-term health problems from PCOS can be greatly improved by losing excess weight.

You can find out whether you're a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index BMI , which is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height.

A normal BMI is between You can lose weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, at least 5 portions a day , whole foods such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice , lean meats, fish and chicken.

Read more about losing weight , healthy eating and exercise. The contraceptive pill may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets which are usually given every 3 to 4 months, but can be given monthly.

This will also reduce the long-term risk of developing cancer of the womb lining endometrial cancer associated with not having regular periods.

Other hormonal methods of contraception, such as an intrauterine system IUS , will also reduce this risk by keeping the womb lining thin, but they may not cause periods.

The majority of women can be successfully treated with a short course of tablets taken at the beginning of each cycle for several cycles. If these are not successful, you may be offered injections or IVF treatment.

There's an increased risk of a multiple pregnancy rarely more than twins with these treatments. A medicine called clomifene is usually the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. If clomifene is unsuccessful in encouraging ovulation, another medicine called metformin may be recommended. Metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes , but it can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS. As well as stimulating ovulation, encouraging regular monthly periods and lowering the risk of miscarriage , metformin can also have other long-term health benefits, such as lowering high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Possible side effects of metformin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. As metformin can stimulate fertility, if you're considering using it for PCOS and not trying to get pregnant, make sure you use suitable contraception if you're sexually active.

Whole foods are free from artificial sugars, hormones, and preservatives. These foods are as close to their natural, unprocessed state as possible.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are whole foods that you can add to your diet. Carbohydrates and protein both impact your energy and hormone levels. Eating protein stimulates your body to produce insulin. Unprocessed, high-carb foods can improve insulin sensitivity. Instead of trying a low-carb diet, focus on getting enough healthy protein.

Plant-based protein sources , such as nuts, legumes, and whole grains, are best. PCOS is described by one study as low-level chronic inflammation. Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help ease your symptoms. Consider the Mediterranean diet as an option. Olive oil , tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, and tree nuts all fight inflammation.

Some women with PCOS experience heavy bleeding during their period. This can result in iron deficiency or anemia. If your doctor has diagnosed you with either condition, talk with them about how you can up your iron intake.

They may recommend adding iron-rich foods such as spinach, eggs, and broccoli to your diet. Too much iron can increase your risk of complications. Almonds, cashews, spinach, and bananas are PCOS-friendly foods rich in magnesium. A diet high in fiber can help improve your digestion. Lentils, lima beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, and avocados are all rich in fiber. Caffeine consumption may be linked to changes in estrogen levels and hormone behavior.

Try boosting your energy with a decaf alternative, such as an herbal tea. Green tea has been shown to improve insulin resistance. It can also help with weight management in women with PCOS. Before adding more soy to your diet, ask your doctor about the latest research. Soy acts like estrogen in your body.

This might help balance hormones if you have PCOS. People with a family history of estrogen-related cancers, such as some breast cancers, should avoid soy products.

If your doctor approves adding soy to your diet, consider soy milk, tofu, miso, and tempeh. Supplements claim to help with hormone regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation associated with PCOS. Speak to your doctor before taking any supplement. Some of them can actually interfere with other prescribed PCOS treatments and medications. Inositol is a B vitamin that can help improve insulin resistance. Chromium supplements may improve your body mass index, which can help with PCOS. They may also stabilize insulin resistance by helping your body metabolize sugar.

Cinnamon comes from the bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon extract has been shown to have a positive effect on insulin resistance. Cinnamon also may regulate menstruation for women with PCOS. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Turmeric may be promising for decreasing insulin resistance and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Zinc is a trace element that can boost fertility and your immune system. Excessive or unwanted hair growth and alopecia may be improved with zinc supplements. Evening primrose oil has been used to help with period pain and irregular menstruation. It may also improve cholesterol levels and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to PCOS. Buy evening primrose oil now. This is most common in women who are overweight or obese , have unhealthy diet and exercise habits or have a family history of type-2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. A wide range of treatment options can help prevent any potential problems. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, improve the way your body uses insulin and, therefore, regulates your hormone levels better.

Birth control pills can also be a good treatment option if you aren't interested in getting pregnant any time soon, because they can regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels.

Fertility medications also can help stimulate ovulation if you want to get pregnant. In some cases, that may be enough to spur the process for women with a lack of ovulation — the main reason women with PCOS struggle with fertility. A surgical procedure known as ovarian drilling can also increase your chances of successful ovulation.

While the operation can temporarily lower your androgen levels, it does pose the risk of creating scar tissue. It is estimated that between five to 10 percent of U. But, according to the PCOS Foundation, less than half of all women with PCOS are actually diagnosed correctly, meaning that millions of women are potentially unaware of their condition.