Supplements for PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects 1 in 5 women between the age group 15 to 50 years, and the number continues to rise. Finding a doctor who truly cares and hears his patients, educates them about supplements and lifestyle changes without putting them on birth control as the first line of treatment is God sent! Supplements for PCOS support your diet and lifestyle changes; they don’t replace it. Since we’re all different and our needs vary, one type of supplement may not work for everyone.

Here are some of the most commonly used supplements for PCOS:

Inositol: It’s a form of B vitamin that is produced in the body and also found in citrus fruits, beans, whole grains and nuts. Inositol improves insulin sensitivity and reduces androgen levels in the body. Women with Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses should be cautious while taking Inositol.

Magnesium: Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 functions in the body, and it has shown to be effective in improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that women who have an imbalanced blood sugar levels may benefit from taking this supplement.

Ceylon Cinnamon: Ceylon Cinnamon is a great supplement for PCOS. Whether you’d like to take it in a tablet form or prefer sipping on cinnamon tea. This supplement can help with insulin resistance and manage blood sugar levels.

Turmeric: Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that could be promising to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.

Berberine: Berberine, commonly used for various ailments in China such as diabetes, infertility and diarrhoea. Studies have shown that it can help improve insulin sensitivity, thus improving fertility in women with PCOS.

Chromium: Chromium is a mineral that plays a vital role in enhancing the effects of insulin and lowering glucose levels. This supplement has shown to be beneficial for women who have insulin resistance-related PCOS.

Vitamin D: Studies have shown that Vitamin D can help improve insulin resistance, triglycerides, testosterone, cholesterol and overall fertility. Another study showed that infertile PCOS women noticed improvements in their menstrual cycle after supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium for three months. Vitamin D deficiency could also be a cause of anxiety and depression for women with PCOS.

Omega — 3: An essential fatty acid found in fish such as salmon, sardines and other foods such as chia seeds, brussel sprouts, flaxseeds, walnuts and hemp seed. Omega — 3s can help lower cholesterol and free testosterone levels in the body as well as improve insulin sensitivity and fertility.

N- Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): NAC is needed to produce glutathione — one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Women with PCOS have a higher rate of oxidative stress in the body. Since NAC promotes the production of glutathione, it can be helpful to reduce oxidative stress, testosterone as well as improve insulin sensitivity and fertility.

Zinc: Studies have shown that most women with PCOS have low levels of zinc. This essential trace mineral can improve insulin resistance, ovulation and reduce dermatological symptoms of PCOS.

If you’re considering any of the supplements for PCOS, educate yourself and find a doctor who can create a treatment plan for your specific needs and symptoms. Women who may have other conditions and are on medications should be cautious while taking these supplements.