If you suffer from PCOS, you already know that your hormones don’t function optimally. You may feel powerless, like there’s not much you can do about it. If you are experiencing hormone issues, does that mean it’s beyond your control?

Not necessarily. Natural hormone-balance methods can have a positive effect on your body, including the symptoms of PCOS. It will take some effort, but you can start making a difference in the way your body functions today. These are my top recommendations for naturally managing PCOS symptoms.

Limit your caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant chemical, and many people consume too much of it in an effort to keep themselves functioning at what they believe to be an optimal level. Unfortunately, at the same time, it’s wreaking havoc on your entire body. You don’t have to cut out caffeine entirely, and if you’re in the habit of consuming large amounts of it, you don’t want to cut it out all at once. Instead, cut down gradually: try herbal teas,  limit yourself to a couple of cups of coffee a day, and do your best to gradually decrease the amount of caffeine you’re consuming until you’re down to little or none.

Stick to a diet low in refined carbohydrates. A diet that is low in refined carbohydrates will regulate your blood sugar levels. This will lead to overall improved hormone regulation, as well as mood and energy-level lifts. You won’t experience quite as many highs and lows throughout the day, either, which means that going without that caffeine fix will be easier than you thought.

Exercise. It can be hard to fit thirty minutes of exercise into your day every day, but it doesn’t have to be all at once! Try fitting in smaller segments throughout the day: ten minutes before breakfast, fifteen minutes at lunch, and a little bit of exercise or a quick walk around the block before dinner. Try making exercise a fun part of your routine that you don’t want to miss: take a walk with your spouse or a friend every evening, go to the park, or take a class that you love. Exercise helps to regulate your insulin levels and keep weight off. Losing excess weight can cause your hormones to regulate more normally on their own, as well.

Get enough sleep each night. You may need between six and eight hours nightly according to your individual needs, so you have to learn what “enough sleep” means for you. If you need eight hours of sleep a night, make sure that you’re getting it! If you’re not getting enough sleep, everything about your body will be functioning at less than optimal levels, including your hormones. Sleeping more won’t automatically cure everything that ails you, but it will make your life a lot easier.

Natural methods won’t always cure all of your PCOS symptoms. Attempting to regulate your hormones naturally can make a great difference in the way you feel every day. If you would like to discuss natural treatments and hormone-balance therapies for your PCOS, please contact me.