PCOS: 7 Best Hormone-Balancing Foods That Women Should Include in Diet

People with PCOS may feel better if they follow a diet that meets their nutritional needs, helps them maintain a healthy weight, and promotes good insulin levels.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition experienced by one in 10 women of childbearing age. Research has shown that diet can help reduce the impact of PCOS. Insulin resistance occurs frequently in PCOS patients. In fact, by the age of 40, more than 50% of people with PCOS develop diabetes or prediabetes. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are common culprits for many PCOS symptoms like acne, hair loss, hirsutism, irregular periods, and more. People with PCOS may feel better if they follow a diet that meets their nutritional needs, helps them maintain a healthy weight, and promotes good insulin levels. Here are 7 foods that can help people with PCOS manage their symptoms.

The 7 Best Hormone-Balancing Foods to Manage PCOS

1. Pumpkin seeds: It contains an enzyme that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, helping to reverse the symptoms of acne, hair loss, and facial hair. They also contain essential fatty acids that help regulate hormone function!
2. Spearmint Tea: A 30-day RCT found that drinking 2 cups of spearmint tea daily helped reduce androgens such as free and total testosterone. You can drink it hot or iced to reap the benefits.
3. flax seeds: It has been found to reduce total and free testosterone levels, which can help improve hirsutism, acne, and more. I love to sprinkle it in protein shakes and on top of salads.
4. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids which research shows may help reduce testosterone, inflammation and cholesterol. Omega-3 fats have been found to improve insulin resistance and regulate periods.
5. walnuts: It has been found to increase Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), which is a hormone that helps bind and lower testosterone levels. I love adding nuts to salads and chia pudding.
6. Sardines: They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been found to lower testosterone, improve menstrual regularity, hirsutism and more!
7. almonds: Rich in monounsaturated fats, research has found that they can reduce the free androgen ratio and testosterone levels, which can help reverse symptoms like acne, facial hair, and more.