Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Home treatment can help you manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and live a healthy life.

Healthy eating and exercise

Eat a balanced diet. A diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products supplies your body's nutritional needs, satisfies your hunger, and decreases your cravings. And a healthy diet makes you feel better and have more energy.

You may see a registered dietitian who has special knowledge about diabetes.

For more information, see the topic Reference Healthy Eating.

Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Recognizing Your Hunger Signals.

Reference Reference Healthy Eating: Getting Support When Changing Your Eating Habits.

Make physical activity a regular and essential part of your life. Choose Reference fitness activities that are right for you to help boost your motivation. Walking is one of the best activities. Having a walking or exercise partner that you can count on can also be a great way to stay active. For more information, see the topic Reference Fitness.

Reference Reference Fitness: Adding More Activity to Your Life.

Weight control and weight loss

Stay at a healthy weight. This is the weight at which you feel good about yourself, have energy for work and play, and can manage your PCOS symptoms.

If you need to lose weight, doing so will lower your risks for diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol.^{Reference 2}

A modest weight loss can improve high androgen and high insulin levels and infertility. Weight loss of as little as 5% to 7% over 6 months can reduce androgen levels enough to restore ovulation and fertility in more than 75% of women who have PCOS.^{Reference 5}

Losing weight can be hard, but you can do it. The easiest way to start is by cutting calories and becoming more active. For help, see the topic Reference Weight Management.

Don't smoke

If you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher levels of androgens than women who don't smoke.^{Reference 1} Smoking also increases the risk for heart disease. For more information, see Reference Quitting Smoking.

Caring for skin and hair

Acne treatment may include nonprescription or prescription medicines that you put on your skin (topical) or take by mouth (oral). Some women notice an improvement in their acne after using estrogen-progestin hormone pills. For more information, see the topic Reference Acne.

Excess hair growth (hirsutism) slows when high androgen levels decrease. In the meantime, you can remove or treat unwanted hair with:

• Laser hair removal, in which the hair follicle is destroyed by a laser beam.
• Electrolysis, in which your hair is permanently removed by electric current applied to the hair root.
• Depilatories, which are chemical hair removal products applied to the skin.
• Waxing, which pulls the hair out by the root.
• Shaving.
• Tweezing.
• Bleaching.

Hair removal methods differ in cost and long-term effectiveness. Before trying one, ask your doctor about risks of infection and scarring.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.