You have just been diagnosed and are looking for supplements that will help reduce the symptoms of PCOS and perhaps even regulate your cycle and thus boost your fertility despite PCOS, well this blog article is made for you.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disrupts the functioning of the ovaries and manifests through several symptoms. PCOS notably leads to a hormonal imbalance with an excessive production of androgens by the ovaries which are released into the body. This is why we must clearly distinguish between PCOS and PCO (an article on the blog is available here)
Although androgens are hormones normally present in women, being converted into estrogens, high levels are associated with PCOS and other health issues.
Symptoms of PCOS may include a combination of the following elements:
- Irregular periods (less frequent than every 35 days) or absent, cycles more or less regular but anovulatory
- Signs of high testosterone levels, such as: acne, excessive hair growth, and hirsutism.
- Blood test results showing high testosterone levels or any other male hormones (DHEA, DHT, DHEA-S...)
- Dystrophic ovaries detected by pelvic ultrasound
- Elevation of insulin levels (i.e., signs of insulin resistance - in 60% of women with PCOS)
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Mood swings and instability
- Loss of libido
Inositol
Supplementation with inositol, specifically myoinositol, improves hormonal signaling and egg quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Inositol is a vitamin-like substance that plays a crucial role in insulin cell signaling. There are different types of inositol, but women with PCOS often have abnormal ratios of inositol in their ovaries, which can alter hormonal signaling and egg quality. However, supplementation with myoinositol can help restore this balance and improve egg quality, which can increase conception chances for women with PCOS. Even though much is said about myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol is also very important (an article on the subject is available)
- Insulin levels can be normalized.
- Ovulation can be improved, and periods can be normalized.
- Before fertility treatments, egg quality can be improved.
- May reduce the risks of gestational diabetes during pregnancy and help reduce its severity if diagnosed.
- Metabolic parameters such as hormone levels, including insulin and testosterone, can be improved.
- Hormonal balance, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, can be improved.
- Cardiovascular outcomes such as cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure can be improved.
- Weight loss can be promoted.
- Cells can be made more sensitive to insulin.
Inositol / Metformin
According to a comparative meta-analysis between metformin and inositol, both treatments were effective in reducing blood glucose levels, fasting insulin, estrogen, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). However, myoinositol was found to be more effective than metformin in reducing testosterone levels, as well as in improving pregnancy rates. Therefore, inositol may be an interesting alternative for women who do not tolerate metformin or who want another treatment option. Confirmed with the doctor in charge of your medical follow-up. Drug treatment cannot be stopped without the prior agreement of your doctor.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
N-acetylcysteine is a form of cysteine supplement, an amino acid that supports the production and use of protective antioxidants in the body. Although cysteine is found in several protein-rich foods, NAC can only be obtained through supplementation.
Advantages:
It has antioxidant effects and contributes to the formation of Glutathione:
The main mechanisms of action of NAC are its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These effects are related to its ability to increase glutathione levels, eliminate free radicals, and reduce oxidative stress.
Can help improve pregnancy outcomes
Studies have shown that NAC, when combined with supplements such as vitamin E, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids, helps reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve pregnancy rates in women with fertility problems, especially polycystic ovary syndrome.
This is partly due to the increase in Glutathione levels, an antioxidant that can have a positive effect on insulin secretion and reduce insulin resistance, which is often associated with PCOS.
Relaxing and stabilizing effects
It is suggested that an imbalance of glutamate can contribute to mood disorders and cognitive disorders. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be a useful complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions due to its impact on glutamate levels in the brain. You can find NAC in a lot of our supplement but specially in Luminaissance
Vitamin D
More and more research recognizes the positive impact of vitamin D on health and well-being. It is essential for strong bone formation and can help strengthen resistance against colds and respiratory infections. Additionally, it is involved in many systems of the body, and a deficiency is associated with serious diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. Furthermore, vitamin D could play a role in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS, affecting about 67% to 85% of them, which implies that these women do not have the recommended amount of vitamin D in their bodies. This text aims to explain how taking vitamin D could help treat fertility, mood, and chronic diseases associated with PCOS.
Studies have shown that it can help prevent insulin resistance, improve insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, and significantly reduce blood pressure in women with PCOS taking vitamin D and calcium supplements. Our Vitamin D
Better mood
Women with PCOS face high rates of anxiety and depression, with about 50% experiencing anxiety and up to 27% being depressed. These figures are significantly higher than in women without PCOS.
Magnesium
Women with PCOS are 19 times more likely to lack magnesium. This situation is concerning because magnesium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, insulin, and glucose. People with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome also have low magnesium levels.
Important benefits of magnesium for people with PCOS:
Relieves premenstrual syndrome
It is proven that magnesium is a safe and effective solution for relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to research, magnesium supplementation of 250 mg per day can help reduce bloating, cravings, and cramps, as well as anxiety and sleep disturbances associated with PMS. Chocolate is one of the most commonly consumed foods by women before their periods, and it is also one of the richest dietary sources of magnesium. Is it a coincidence?
Moreover, magnesium has been found effective in preventing or reducing headaches, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (heavy menstrual flow).
Reduces inflammation
Magnesium offers numerous benefits for women with PCOS, including its ability to reduce inflammation. A study randomly assigned women with PCOS to take either 250 mg of magnesium oxide plus 220 mg of zinc sulfate containing 50 mg, or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. Women who took magnesium-zinc experienced significant improvements in inflammation, with a reduction in serum hs-CRP levels and an increase in total antioxidant status.
Reduces insulin resistance
Magnesium levels are often insufficient in people with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes. It is suggested that chronic insulin reduces magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a crucial role in transporting glucose into cells, where it is used as an energy source. To do this, magnesium regulates the function and transport of insulin, which acts as a key to open cell doors to glucose. If magnesium is insufficient, glucose does not enter cells adequately, which can lead to fatigue and difficulties in regulating blood sugar. Therefore, sufficient magnesium levels can improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. our Magnesium
Probiotics
Several studies have shown that probiotics can have positive effects on issues associated with PCOS, such as insulin sensitivity and inflammation. Therefore, probiotic supplementation is beneficial for addressing factors associated with PCOS.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® on insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation in male volunteers was evaluated. Participants were divided into two groups and received either Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® or a placebo for 4 weeks. Although systemic inflammation was not significantly improved in both groups, insulin sensitivity improved in the group receiving the probiotic supplement. This study demonstrates the potential of probiotics to support insulin sensitivity, a common issue in PCOS.
In conclusion, dietary supplements have beneficial additions for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The five supplements mentioned above have all demonstrated potential benefits for hormonal and metabolic health.
We are proud to offer quality supplements to help women with PCOS:
all carefully formulated to help women with PCOS reach their full health potential.
