Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a medical condition that occurs in women whose ovaries produce too much of the hormone androgen. Insulin resistance can lead to the excessive amount of androgen, causing a range of symptoms, including infertility. Although some self-help measures may help treat the symptoms of PCOS, there is no evidence that turmeric can help women who have this condition.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in women. This condition affects up to 10 percent of women in their reproductive years, according to Cedars-Sinai. You can experience a variety of symptoms with PCOS, including irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, acne, excessive body or facial hair and the appearance of dark patches on the skin around your armpits, groin and neck. If you have PCOS, you may be at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hyperlipidemia.
Insulin Resistance Treatment
There is no known cure for PCOS, although treatments that focus on the underlying insulin resistance may help reduce the symptoms of this syndrome. Managing PCOS commonly includes exercise and weight loss, as well as managing prediabetes and glucose intolerance.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a medicinal and culinary herb that comes from the Curcuma longa plant. Although ancient cultures used turmeric over 4,000 years ago, claims of medicinal benefits lack scientific backing. More research is necessary to determine the medicinal benefits of taking turmeric for certain health conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some preliminary research indicates that turmeric may help with indigestion, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and cancer. Laboratory animals that received turmeric experienced a drop in blood-sugar levels, although there is no evidence that turmeric can help people with diabetes or the type of insulin resistance responsible for PCOS.
Precautions
Turmeric is not a standard or customary treatment for infertility or PCOS. Talk to your doctor before taking turmeric or any other herbal medicine to treat PCOS. Diabetics who take turmeric may experience a dangerous drop in blood-sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. While the small amounts of turmeric in foods are safe for most individuals, taking turmeric for medicinal purposes may cause unsafe interactions with certain drugs, such as those that help reduce stomach acid, treat diabetes or prevent blood from clotting.
