3 SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP MANAGE PCOS SYMPTOMS
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Backed by scientific research and studies.
23rd Febuary, 2020
By Dr. Juhi Agarwal
After receiving a diagnosis of PCOS, along with prescription of medicines by a doctor, it is natural to look up the Internet for any alternative ways to manage the condition, only to be straddled with a promising list of endless supplements, confusing an already stressed-out brain. Here are 3 scientifically researched supplements that could help manage distressing symptoms without burning a hole in your pocket…
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Inositol: If you haven’t heard of inositol before, they’re a group of naturally occurring vitamin-like compounds very similar to sugar alcohols, structurally. Supplementation with inositols has shown consistent evidence of improved period regularity, reduction in testosterone levels and improved insulin resistance in PCOS, boosting the chances of pregnancy. You can get this supplement over-the-counter either in a tablet form or as a powder, which would need to be mixed in water before consumption.
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Vitamin D: It is an essential vitamin that has multiple vital roles in our body—skeletal growth, regulation of serotonin (the happy hormone) synthesis, bone mineral density, dental health as well as regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism to name a few. Recent research has shown the importance of supplementation particularly in women who have PCOS and are overweight. In a study where 100 women were examined, the serum Vitamin D mean levels were 56.31 per cent lower in obese PCOS patients as compared to the non-obese. This could have resulted from the presence of insulin resistance in PCOS. Additional studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin D can help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance. The take-away: keep a check on your vitamin D levels on a yearly basis and ensure they’re within the normal range (with supplementation if required) under your doctor’s guidance.
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids: When people talk about fish oil, what they really mean is a supplement containing two of the omega 3 FA, EPA and DHA. The reason that fish oil is in this short list of supplements for PCOS is because there’s A LOT of research to back it up. For years and years, studies have shown that fish oil supplementation, other than being incredibly important for brain health, helps improve the lipid profile and decreases inflammation. Therefore, it helps manage PCOS symptoms and plays a vital role against long-term cardiovascular risk. If oily fish is not a part of your daily diet, then you should consider this supplement in managing PCOS.
Supplements should be taken only under the guidance of your nutritionist and/or medical practitioner.
