Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is one of the women's most common causes of fertility issues. Hormonal imbalances cause the ovulation process to be disrupted. This results in a number of other unpleasant symptoms as well. These symptoms include insulin resistance, acne, weight gain, hirsutism, etc.
The actual cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is complicated and it is not known to have a definitive cure. Although it can be managed in many ways, it helps subside the symptoms and increases chances for improved fertility. While no medicine can replace a healthy, balanced diet; it is still scientifically proven and also supported by the best gynecologist in Islamabad that some supplements help improve PCOS. Let me walk you through some of the best ones:
Myo-Inositol
It is a natural sugar that helps regulate egg quality and improves ovulation. It is a common form of inositol that improves PCOS symptoms dramatically. It helps the body to regulate hormones, especially the reproductive hormones. Unwanted hair, acne, and oily skin are the first ones to go if you take myo-inositol regularly for a few months. It can be taken during pregnancy as well to prevent gestational diabetes, a condition which may sometimes prove fatal for the mother and fetus.
Inositol is one of the best supplements out there, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant. Inositol decreases insulin resistance, which in turn stops the ovaries from making a lot of androgen hormones. Androgen hormones are the “male” hormones that are the main reason for hirsutism and other unwanted symptoms of PCOS.
It reduces sugar levels and regulates menstrual cycles. Consequently, fertility is boosted. PCOS causes a form of metabolic syndrome, which is countered for the most part, by inositol supplementation.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains essential Omega-3 acids. Fish oil has numerous health benefits some of which include improving ovulation and overall fertility. It is an anti-inflammatory and hence very important to use in PCOS. inflammation is a common symptom of PCOS which can be extremely frustrating. Fish oil lowers inflammation and helps cells to utilize insulin better. Another advantage of fish oil is that it helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol when builds up in the body, causes serious health problems and weight gain. Fish oil supplementation counters this effect. In polycystic women, leptin levels are extremely high. This causes the body to think it is in starvation. Fish oil reduces leptin levels, taking the body out of this starving mode and ultimately helps in weight loss.
Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D along with omega-3 acids. These help in the regulation of menstrual cycles and reduce belly fat as well.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in women. It is also one of the leading causes of intensifying PCOS symptoms. Vitamin D is required for normal maturation and development of eggs in females. Low vitamin D levels result in lesser fertile eggs and unhealthy follicles. In order for the ovaries to function properly and produce healthy eggs, vitamin D levels must be sufficient.
Vitamin D also helps insulin in breaking glucose and sugars. This way, it aids in glucose metabolism. Insulin sensitivity is enhanced when PCOS women take vitamin D supplements in adequate amounts.
Zinc
It is uncommon for people to understand the actual benefits of zinc in polycystic women, otherwise, they would never skip it. Women suffering from PCOS have lower levels of zinc which enhances their androgen production. Androgen production, as described above, is linked to facial hair, alopecia, acne, and mood disturbances.
Zinc eliminates the extra testosterone and this counters the symptoms aggressively. It is a critical microelement that is involved in balancing insulin resistance and also relieves menstrual cramps. Zinc is available in local drug stores in various forms.
Magnesium
Magnesium is crucial for your overall well-being, and just as important for managing PCOS. Low magnesium levels may lead to serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Taking magnesium regularly in the correct dose will help prevent these diseases and manage PCOS symptoms of bowel irregularities, hormone disruptions, etc. A study stated that taking at least 300mg of magnesium at night helps improve fasting glucose levels. Patients who experience a lot of menstrual cramps and inflammation should definitely take magnesium in appropriate amounts. It is an important mineral that reduces PMS symptoms and helps prevent migraine attacks.
Final thoughts
Hormones regulate optimal body health. Supplementation is necessary along with a healthy, balanced diet in polycystic women to help regulate these hormones for a functioning body.
