Supplements for Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

by Vorst Canada December 21, 2022

Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.

PCOS supplements have surged in popularity as an effective remedy to deal with PCOS symptoms like hair loss, acne, irregular periods, weight gain, and insulin resistance. There are hundreds of options available to relieve PCOS such as dietary changes, maintenance of weight, regular exercise, stress reduction, getting a sound sleep, and alternative treatments. While supplements are easier to use which help relieve PCOS and offer a multitude of benefits to the body.

This article takes a look at the supplements used to manage the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary syndrome is an endocrine problem in females caused by increased levels of androgen (male sex hormone). In this disease, multiple small cysts are formed in the female ovary which affects the female reproductive functions and reduces fertility. Weight gain, insulin resistance, irritability, acne, irregular menstruation, and thinning of hair are the most common symptoms of this disease.

Symptoms of PCOS can be managed through dietary supplements and lifestyle changes, but it is needed to consult your healthcare professional before using any supplements on regular basis.

Supplements For Managing PCOS

Supplements are known to improve PCOS symptoms by improving insulin resistance, relieving inflammation, and regulating hormonal levels.

It is essential to get good quality supplements without impurities and to find out which supplement suits your body.

Inositol

Inositol is also known as a B vitamin that helps reduce insulin resistance and can manage blood sugar levels. This amazing vitamin also has the potential to improve fertility in women suffering from PCOS. Inositol is a form of naturally occurring carbocyclic sugar that has antioxidant activities and is present in foods including fruits, animal products, beans, grains, nuts, and cereals.

A meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of inositol on women with PCOS showed inositol is helpful in generally lowering testosterone levels. it takes 6 months or longer to see the positive effects of inositol on androgen profiles and acne.

Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements have a wide range of health-promoting abilities for all women, including those with PCOS. Studies have shown that using fish oil supplements can help ovulation and overall fertility. Fish oil is a beneficial supplement for PCOS sufferers since it helps reduce insulin resistance, much like inositol.

Inflammation is an important aspect of PCOS that adversely affects fertility. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, fish oil is a crucial dietary supplement for PCOS patients. For PCOS-afflicted women, fish oil supplements can also decrease harmful cholesterol.

Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid obtained from plants through extraction and can be used in either liquid or pill form. It is especially notable when it comes to treating PCOS naturally since it plays a role in reducing insulin resistance by enhancing insulin signal transduction.

Leptin, a hormone that increases hunger, is also reduced by the consumption of berberine. Therefore, by reducing cravings and simultaneously inhibiting the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, which is responsible for fat accumulation, berberine administration may make weight loss much simpler.

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that helps regulate hormone levels, increase cell growth, improve reproductive health, and boost immunological response. It is reported that women with PCOS have lower levels of zinc compared to healthy individuals.

According to a study, zinc supplementation shows beneficial effects on insulin resistance and regulates cholesterol levels. It also has the potential to improve insulin resistance. Additionally, when taken before and throughout each monthly cycle, zinc may help lessen the intensity of the pain related to menstruation.

Magnesium

Individuals with increased weight and PCOS are more likely to be suffering from insulin resistance. Magnesium plays a key role in glucose metabolism and its deficiency leads to hormonal imbalance and PCOS. Consumption of magnesium-rich food and magnesium supplements helps relieve the symptoms of PCOS. It is suggested to take magnesium supplements in form of magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate as they are absorbed easily in the body.

Vitamin D

It is reported that about 67 and 85% of PCOS-afflicted females are vitamin D deficient. The symptoms of PCOS, such as insulin resistance, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, hyperandrogenism, and obesity, may be made worse by low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements have promising effects in improving menstrual regularity and ovulation. According to one study, women with sufficient vitamin D levels had a 52.5% probability of becoming pregnant after an IVF cycle, compared to a 34.7% likelihood for those with insufficient levels.

Carnitine Supplement

Our body can naturally produce a potent antioxidant called acetyl L-carnitine (ALC). According to a clinical investigation, non-obese women with PCOS have considerably lower levels of L-carnitine than non-PCOS women. Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, two characteristics shared by PCOS patients, may be associated with low ALC levels.

In a clinical trial, ALC was added to the common reproductive medication, clomiphene, a drug used to promote ovulation in PCOS women. Results revealed that there was a significant thickness in the endometrium and increased chances of fertility.

Co-enzyme Q10

CoQ10 is known to have abilities to enhance female fertility in both PCOS and healthy individuals. Studies revealed that consumption of Co-Q10 help in IVF treatment by improving ovarian response. This coenzyme also has the potential to reduce age-related causes of infertility including decreased oocyte count and quality.

Additionally, Co-Q10 can decrease insulin resistance and regulate testosterone levels in the body which helps reduce PCOS symptoms.

Probiotics

Numerous common PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance, raised sex hormone levels, and obesity, may have a detrimental impact on the composition of gut microbiota. The preservation of the structural integrity of the gut and the metabolism of nutrients both depend on the gut bacteria.

Live bacteria called probiotics can assist to enhance and restore gut health. For the management of inflammation, gut health is essential. Inflammation is a typical PCOS symptom and a major factor in insulin resistance.

Cinnamon and Turmeric

Cinnamon and turmeric contain bioactive compounds which possess potent anti-inflammatory activities and reduce insulin resistance. Cinnamon has positive effects on the regulation of menstruation in women with PCOS.

Bottom Line

Dietary supplements are widely used to manage the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. These supplements help relieve inflammation, regulate hormone levels, and improve resistance. There is a variety of ways to manage PCOS including lifestyle changes, exercise, restful sleep, and stress reduction. It is important to find the supplement which is best for your body.

Be sure to check out Vorst's premium Supplements for managing the symptoms of PCOS.

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