6 Best Supplements For PCOS

Introduction

In this article, we have listed the best supplements that can help you to get some relief from PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, abbreviated as PCOS, occurs when your ovaries produce androgens in unusual quantities. During this condition, there is a likelihood of small fluid-filled sacs developing within the ovaries. This condition can cause various issues in women including irregular periods, acne-prone skin, hair loss, weight gain, problems in conceiving, and so on.

Sadly, PCOS has become very common these days. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 8-13% of women falling within the reproductive age group suffer from this condition. What’s worse, about 70% of these cases are never diagnosed.

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Treatment for PCOS

PCOS does not have any cure as such. However, when detected at the right time, the symptoms can ease out a little. Eventually, the problems that you suffer due to PCOS can be reduced.

The exact cause of PCOS is not exactly known. However, research has revealed that insulin resistance or any irregular hormonal function could be one of the causes of PCOS.

Medical practitioners advise PCOS patients to undergo some lifestyle changes before they start on any supplements. For instance, adopting a healthy diet and getting sufficient exercise may help in curbing the symptoms a little.

Here are a few supplements that can help you in dealing with your PCOS symptoms.

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6 Best Supplements For PCOS

When you put yourself on PCOS supplements, your hormones associated with this condition can start functioning better, thereby giving you some relief from the symptoms. Your body may start responding well to insulin with a few of these supplements.

In this section, we are helping you out with some elements whose supplements may be effective for you. We have suggested some natural remedies too. Before you actually start on any supplement, it is first and foremost essential that you speak to your healthcare practitioner. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not regulated any supplements, and hence, your doctor’s approval is a must here.

Chromium

If you are having PCOS due to weight issues, then you can try out chromium supplements. Presently, one does not know how chromium supplements can help women with PCOS. However, they could be helpful in rectifying your body mass index (BMI). Improving your BMI can help you manage your weight, ultimately helping you to deal with PCOS. 

Grape juice, orange juice, tomato juice, apples, and green beans are some foods that have a good chromium content.

Zinc

Zinc could be helpful in improving your fertility levels and lifting the overall immunity of your body. It can also deal with problems of facial hair growth and hair loss, all of which are linked to PCOS.

Shellfish, legumes, meat, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are loaded with zinc. Consume these foods regularly within your daily diet. Dark chocolate also has a good amount of zinc, so even this treat can help you. Hence, dark chocolate lovers who have PCOS have at least one reason to rejoice!

Evening Primrose oil

If you are one of those unfortunate women who experience severe cramping during periods, then you can try out primrose oil. This oil may even regulate your periods, lower your cholesterol levels, and tackle oxidative stress, thereby offering you some relief from PCOS.

Vitamin D along with Calcium

Your endocrine system needs Vitamin D in the appropriate amounts to function smoothly. Women who are diagnosed with PCOS are very likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, when taken along with calcium, could ease out PCOS symptoms.

While you can get Vitamin D naturally from the early morning sunlight, there are some foods that can supply this vitamin. Vitamin D-rich foods include salmon, eggs, and mushrooms. Foods that are rich in calcium include chia seeds, yogurt, beans and lentils, almonds, and leafy greens.

Iron 

PCOS causes heavy menstrual bleeding in many women. Hence, there is a high chance of such women falling prey to iron-deficient anemia. If you are experiencing these conditions, then iron supplements could help you out.

Your doctor would be the best person to advise the best iron supplements either for PCOS or anemia. However, there are many iron-rich foods like eggs, spinach, broccoli, etc that you can add to your diet. 

Magnesium

Magnesium can be of great help in reducing your insulin resistance. It can also reduce your anxiety levels, help you sleep better, and relieve you from headaches and migraines. Magnesium can also control your androgen levels, thereby helping you tackle various symptoms of PCOS.

Add a variety of magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, leafy green vegetables, black beans etc to your diet. If your doctor puts you on supplements, ensure you take the correct dosage.

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Other natural foods that can control PCOS

Apart from the supplements listed above, you can try some of these foods as well that could relieve you from PCOS symptoms.

Mediterranean Diet

A study revealed that some amount of chronic inflammation could cause PCOS. Anti-inflammatory foods could be a very good option to get some relief from PCOS. The Mediterranean diet has many anti-inflammatory food options. Olive oil, tomatoes, fish like mackerel and tuna, leafy greens, and tree nuts are great for treating inflammation.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which can be a great anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric can also help you out with your insulin resistance.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can help regulate menstrual cycles and decrease insulin resistance. Thus, women with PCOS may find cinnamon beneficial.

Cod Liver oil

Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, apart from containing Vitamin A and Vitamin D. It can be another good option to regulate the monthly cycle. It also helps in burning the fat around the waist.

Berberine

Berberine is a Chinese herb that is a part of various treatments used to rectify insulin resistance. Berberine can help women with PCOS by boosting their metabolism. It also helps to strike a balance within the body’s endocrine responses. 

Maca root

The maca root helps to improve fertility and libido. It is also beneficial for rectifying hormonal imbalances and helps in managing cortisol levels, which could bring down stress levels, thereby easing out PCOS.

Ashwagandha

Just like maca root, ashwagandha also known as “Indian ginseng”, can be a great option to help you with your cortisol and stress levels.

Holy Basil

The holy basil or the tulsi is a herb with many medicinal properties. It is a great option to control blood sugar, weight management, and cortisol management.

Licorice root

Glycyrrhizin is a compound present in licorice root that is anti-inflammatory in nature. Licorice root is great for metabolizing sugar and balancing out your hormones. 

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris can ease out period issues in women. It can also help promote healthy and regular ovulation, thereby sorting out infertility problems.

Probiotics

Probiotics help to regulate the function of hormones androgen and estrogen. They also help to ease inflammation issues. 

Apart from all these elements mentioned above, add a lot of whole grains and fibers to your diet. It is also important that you have a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins in your meals. Protein helps in insulin generation within your body. Foods that are not processed and are rich in carbohydrates are also essential for improving insulin resistance. Ensure that your food is made up of healthy proteins. Go for plant-based protein foods like nuts and legumes.

Additionally, fibers are also important for sorting out your digestive issues. Fiber-rich foods include lentils, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, avocados, etc.

If you are a coffee lover but have been diagnosed with PCOS, consider reducing your coffee intake or eliminating it from your diet. Caffeine may interfere with estrogen behavior and play with your hormones, hence it is better to avoid it. Look for better options like herbal tea. Even green tea could be better.

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Conclusion

With this article, we have given you some of the best supplements that can reduce your PCOS symptoms. Although PCOS does not have a cure, it can always be controlled. And we have helped you out with those aspects that you can use to reduce your symptoms.

If you have been advised to take supplements by your doctor, ensure that you take them according to the prescription. Your healthcare practitioner would be the best person to give you the right supplement, based on your condition. And it is important to not just rely on medications or supplements but to bring about a few healthy lifestyle changes as well. All of these will go a long way in controlling your PCOS.