“a hot cup of tea” It is known To treatment of many of our people crisis, From the placebo effect that cures headaches to helping immunity, the right cup of tea can be the solution to many of our problems.

One such problem that tea has been attempting to solve lately is the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disorder that one in six Indian women suffer from but most of them go undiagnosed.

But what is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition that affects the functioning of a woman’s ovaries, and can make it harder for women to get pregnant.

This is different from PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease), which is a part of PCOS.

PCOS can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle changes, and hormonal imbalances.

When women suffer from PCOS, one of the major problems they have to deal with is the symptoms that can affect different parts of their body:

• hirsutismExcessive hair growth on the face, chest and back.
• Irregular menstrual cycleOne of the main symptoms of PCOS is irregular menstruation. This can manifest as irregular menstruation, prolonged menstrual periods, or very light to heavy menstrual bleeding.

• AcneIncreased acne and oily skin due to increased androgen levels.
• Thinning of hair or hair loss, which is similar to male pattern baldness.
• Difficulty gaining and losing weight.

There is no cure for PCOS

Experts like Dr Latha Sashi, chief nutritionist and head of the department of clinical nutrition and dietetics at Fernandez Hospital in Telangana, and Dr Aastha Dayal, chief consultant of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, say that there is no cure for PCOS; however, women suffering from it can manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes.

“The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on physical and emotional health,” says Dr. Dayal.

Try wellness teas, which are a trendy new way to deal with your PCOS symptoms; from excessive hair growth to irregular periods. Dr Shashi tells us that herbal teas are on the rise again, thanks to their ‘natural properties and delicious extracts’.

Tea on ‘Health’

In simple terms, teas that help cure PCOS symptoms are known as wellness teas. Today, there are many companies online promoting these wellness teas that promise to cure PCOS symptoms.

The price of these teas ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 1500 for 100 grams.

Let us talk about the different teas available in the market and their potential benefits.

1. Peppermint tea

Dr. Dayal says the benefits of peppermint tea have been studied for its potential effects on hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women with PCOS.

A study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2007 found that peppermint tea reduced free and total testosterone levels (the male hormone, which is the main cause of PCOS) in women with hirsutism, but did not affect levels of luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone (female hormones).

2. Cinnamon

• Dr. Dayal explains india today Cinnamon has been investigated for its effects on insulin resistance, which is often associated with PCOS.
• She further cited a 2007 study that suggested cinnamon could improve menstrual cycles and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

3. Fenugreek

• “Fenugreek is another herb sometimes included in PCOS teas, known for its potential effects on insulin sensitivity,” says Dr. Dayal.
• A 2015 study found that fenugreek seed extract improved menstrual cycle length and hormonal profile in women with PCOS.

4. Marjoram tea

Dr. Shashi also says that several other teas have also been shown to be effective against PCOS symptoms. For example, she says marjoram tea has been found to help with irregular menstrual cycles.

“Preliminary studies have shown that marjoram tea may help reduce a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), improve your body’s response to insulin, and reduce certain hormones produced by the adrenal glands,” Dr. Shashi said.

Dr. Shashi says that other teas like green tea, matcha and chasteberry may help in weight loss and improve hormone balance. He added that we need more studies to prove their effectiveness.

Problem

Both experts suggest that although teas may be attractive as a natural or complementary medicine, their effectiveness has not been well established by ‘rigorous scientific research.’

Dr. Dayal says, “It is important to note that larger and long-term studies are needed to further establish the effectiveness and safety of tea for managing hormonal imbalances in PCOS. Additionally, individual responses may vary, especially if you suffer from a medical condition or are taking other medications.”

At the end…

• When it comes to choosing teas to help manage PCOS, it’s important to consider your specific symptoms and understand the benefits and limitations of each option.
• Combine herbal teas with lifestyle changes and medical advice to manage your PCOS.
• Tea should not be used as a stand-alone treatment.
• Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are taking the best approach to managing PCOS.
• There is no single solution for PCOS.