I am often asked what can be done to treat PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Newly diagnosed PCOS sufferers are often frightened by dire statistics and misinformation. Long time sufferers are often exhausted by the seemingly endless uphill battle of treating PCOS. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are treatments that help and things you can do to improve your symptoms and your future.

What really works for PCOS:

* Even those who have not been diagnosed as insulin resistant response well to insulin-sensitizing drugs such as metformin. I am not a fan of metformin because of the side effects it can cause, so I started looking for more natural treatements. Diet and exercise can improve insulin resistance as much as or more than medication. Even if you are not diagnoses as insulin resistant, chances are your symptoms will improve with proper diet and exercise. It does require a lot of effort to make the initial lifestyle changes. but once you start seeing results sticking with it gets a lot easier.

* Stress makes PCOS worse. It messes up your hormones and increases insulin resistance. Lowering your stress level is mandatory for effective PCOS treatment. Try yoga, guided relacation, long walks, cutting back on activities that stress you out. Whatever it takes is worth it. I watched my triglyceride level climg to almost 800 due to stress. When I left the job that was causing the stress my triglycerides (bad fat in your blood stream) drop by an unheard of 500 points in a matter of weeks.

* Herbs can help. Research vitex to balance your hormones. Garlic for cholesterol. Stinging nettle or ginger for chronic inflammation. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids from fish oil to reduce inflammation, decrease cholesterol and improve mood. B vitamins are good for your nerves and for carbohydrate metabolism. If you are taking metformin you need a B12 supplement because metformin reduces your ability to absorb vitamin B12.

To learn more about PCOS and how to take back your life, visit PCOSCoach.com. The PCOS Take Back Your Life course I teach is a good place to start. You'll get all of your questions answered over an 8 week education course.