The Complete Guide to PCOS Supplements for 2023
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting 6% to 12% of US women of reproductive age. It can cause various physical and emotional symptoms, including irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and depression or anxiety.
While there is no cure for PCOS, lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercise can help manage some symptoms. Additionally, many people are turning to natural PCOS supplements to help support their health while living with PCOS. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of supplements that may be beneficial in treating or managing symptoms associated with PCOS.
Table of Contents
Inositol
Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, is a carbohydrate in plants and animals. It plays a vital role in many aspects of health, including metabolism, hormone regulation, and fertility. Studies have found that taking Inositol supplements can improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Why is this helpful? Insulin resistance has a direct effect on infertility, as well as other symptoms associated with PCOS.
Insulin resistance can make the body produce more insulin, prompting the ovaries to create greater amounts of androgen hormones like testosterone. This may disrupt the balance between luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Such hormonal disruptions can hinder egg development or interfere with a regular ovulation pattern.
Using Inostinol can boost insulin-receptor activity and recover your body’s natural resistance to insulin. Besides helping regulate the ovulatory cycle, Inositol can affect oocyte and embryo quality. Better embryo quality means a greater chance of successful pregnancy.
- Menstrual and Fertility Support: Our powder is formulated to support hormonal balance and ovarian function for healthy menstrual cycles and fertility. It's made with the body's ideal ratio of Myo & D-Chiro-inositol, which is 2000mg to 50mg or 40:1.
It is important to note that there are two types of inostiol, d-chiro inositol and myo-inositol. Myo-inositol is the most commonly used form but the combination with d-chiro makes for an optimal pcos supplement because they support hormone balance as well as healthy insulin levels.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in the leaves of certain green tea plants. It has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine to treat various ailments, such as anxiety, high blood pressure, and cancer.
In recent years, research has also indicated that L-theanine can help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. For women with PCOS, l-theanine supplements can be incredibly helpful in managing emotional symptoms associated with the disorder.
Studies have also found that L-theanine helps reduce testosterone levels in women with PCOS by increasing the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). High testosterone levels contribute to various PCOS symptoms, including infertility and excessive hair growth. Reducing testosterone can help reduce or even eliminate some of the more unpleasant aspects of living with PCOS.
Overall, L-theanine is an effective supplement for PCOS that can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even reduce testosterone levels in the body.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate is a dietary supplement made from the mineral chromium and the amino acid picolinic acid. It has many benefits, including improved glucose metabolism and increased insulin sensitivity.
- NOW Tri-Chromium features three well-known and studied forms of chromium to maximize its absorption.* Cinnamon has been included due to its historical use for the promotion of proper metabolic function.*
For women with PCOS, these supplements help in managing symptoms associated with the disorder. One study revealed that supplementing with chromium picolinate positively impacted insulin levels, glucose-insulin ratio, ovulation frequency, and menstrual regularity.
Chromium picolinate can also help stimulate weight loss and reduce inflammation by decreasing insulin levels and increasing hormones that signal fullness, such as leptin. Research has also shown that taking chromium picolinate can reduce levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other markers of cardiovascular health.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell-protective properties.
Several studies suggest that supplementing with turmeric can help alleviate some symptoms associated with PCOS, such as irregular menstrual cycles and insulin resistance. Turmeric may also help reduce testosterone levels by preventing testosterone from binding to cells in the ovaries and stimulating the production of other hormones like progesterone.
Turmeric can also reduce inflammation and oxidative damage and control blood sugar. These effects can help reduce the risk of developing other conditions associated with PCOS, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.
Fish Oil
Fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, are polyunsaturated fats found in cold-water fish like salmon and tuna. These essential fatty acids have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
For women with PCOS, supplementing with fish oil helps their condition. Fish oil can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Fish oil supplements are also helpful in improving egg quality and increasing fertility rates.
- Ultra Strength RxOmega-3 is a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems
- Each softgel provides 300 mg of DHA to support everyday brain functions and eye health; Also delivers 600 mg of EPA to support a healthy heart and arteries
- Take 1 softgel just once a day; Our targeted delivery system ensures no fishy aftertaste; Non-GMO and free from dairy, gluten, artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners
- We test for purity and safety, ensuring our blend is free from environmental pollutants like PCBs and mercury; RxOmega-3 surpasses the strictest international standards for quality
- Third-party certified and independently tested for GMOs and over 700 contaminants using advanced technology such as mass spectrometry to ensure purity and potency
In addition to its health benefits, fish oil may help manage some of the more unpleasant symptoms associated with PCOS, such as excessive hair growth. Lastly, fish oil supplements can help reduce hormone testosterone levels and reduce hirsutism, or unwanted facial and body hair.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto contains phytosterols which have anti-androgen effects. The fatty acids from saw palmetto also known as Serenoa berries are called lipo sterols. Liposterols reduce the production of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme that causes testosterone to be turned into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 5-alpha-reductase is high in women with hirsutism, causing excess hair growth and male-patterned baldness in men and women.
Saw palmetto has reduced DHT, testosterone, and androgen uptake by as much as 40%.
- Supports a Healthy Hormone Balance: Saw Palmetto supports normal levels of testosterone in men & women
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea has anti-androgenic effects which allow it to reduce hirsutism and decrease free total testosterone.
Research shows that after 5 days of drinking spearmint tea, research participants saw a significant decrease in free testosterone. This also caused them to have an increase in estradiol (estrogen), follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. 30 days of consuming spearmint tea twice per day had an even great decrease in free total testosterone.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh kills off androgenic prostate cancer cells and it is antiinflammatory which helps fight stress as well. Although black cohosh is known for treating hot flashes and fighting breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it is able to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells by killing off androgen-responsive and non-responsive human prostate cancer cells.
Black cohosh’s antiandrogenic effects make it effective in reducing PCOS symptoms.
Licorice
This is NOT the licorice candy you eat but rather “sweet root”, licorice root is actually sweet. It is 50 times sweeter than regular sugar, but it comes with some great health benefits as well. Licorice root contains isoflavones or phytoestrogens which allows it to affect the endocrine system. Phytoestrogens are compounds that are identical to and mimic natural estrogen production in the body.
A common symptom for PCOS sufferers is hirsutism or excess hair growth. Licorice can reduce testosterone levels and help minimize hirsutism.
Research shows that women who took licorice supplements for one month saw a dramatic drop in their total testosterone.
- Specially processed to remove glycyrrhizin that helps avoid potential side effects such as elevated blood pressure
- Anti-androgen effects
Tips for PCOS Sufferers
If you are living with PCOS and looking for ways to manage the associated symptoms beyond supplements, here are some lifestyle changes to make:
Eat Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a huge role in managing PCOS symptoms. Eating a balanced diet high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, low in added sugars, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and keep your hormones in check. Also, reduce carb intake and processed foods.
Get Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can help reduce insulin levels, increase blood flow to the ovaries, and improve hormone balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Exercise will also help with your weight management goals.
Reduce Stress
Stress worsens many of the symptoms associated with PCOS, so it is essential to make an effort to reduce stress in your life. Take a relaxing hobby like yoga or meditation to help reduce cortisol levels, promote relaxation, get regular sleep, and prioritize activities that make you happy.
You hear the words “reduce stress” a lot and it is not always as easy as you would hope.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and improve overall health. Drink a few cups of green tea throughout the day to take advantage of its detoxifying effects.
Conclusion
Living with PCOS can be challenging, but simple lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, stress management, and supplementing with natural remedies can help reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being. It’s time to take control of your health and start managing PCOS today!
Originally posted 2023-03-02 12:09:55.
Megan Santiago
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