Supplements to Ease PCOS Symptoms

Hey, lovely ladies! If you’re navigating the challenges of living with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), then this blog is for you. PCOS is a complicated hormone disorder that causes symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, unhealthy blood sugar spikes, and skin issues. While it can seem frustrating to be dealing with these symptoms, there’s hope and ways to manage it without the contraceptive pill. Stick around to learn about the five researched and trusted supplements that can ease your PCOS symptoms.

What is PCOS?

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably searching for a solution, which means you know precisely what PCOS is. Without going into too much detail, PCOS occurs when women have elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) and insulin resistance. It typically starts during adolescence when women are of reproductive age, but symptoms may fluctuate over time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS is a significant public health concern and is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting 8-13% of women, with 70% of cases remaining undiagnosed.

PCOS presents a wide range of health implications: 

• Metabolic (obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance)
• Reproductive (miscarriage, infertility, neonatal and pregnancy issues)
• Psychological (stress, depression, and anxiety).

What supplements are best for PCOS?

While no pill can substitute a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, a study indicates that taking the correct dietary supplements can help ease PCOS symptoms. That’s because women with PCOS have been found to be lacking in several vitamins and minerals, many of which have an impact on fertility and insulin resistance. 

If you’re pregnant or in the process of trying to get pregnant, your doctor might prescribe specific medication, so we suggest consulting with your doctor before beginning a new supplement routine with any of the below.

Vitamin D

There is evidence that a lack of vitamin D may be a cause of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in women suffering from PCOS. Vitamin D receptors, which are both vitamins and hormones, are in practically every tissue and cell in the human body. Moreover, this vitamin has been linked to follicular egg maturation and growth, making it an essential supplement for women attempting to conceive. 

If you’d like to buy a high-quality Vitamin D in Malta, check out +boost’s range here. 

Curcumin

Curcumin is a dietary polyphenol that comes from Curcuma longa (turmeric). It is a widely used spice in several Asian nations. It works as an antioxidant, increasing the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Many of you will be relieved to learn that Curcumin can help improve glucose and insulin levels, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.

If you’d like to buy high-quality Curcumin, check out this NOW Foods Turmeric Curcumin available from +boost Malta.

Inositol

Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, is a highly recommended supplement for women suffering from PCOS because it can promote healthy blood sugar levels and ovarian health. People with PCOS may have a deficiency in “secondary messengers” that relay insulin signals, which contributes to insulin resistance. 

When we consume nutrients (mostly carbs), our bodies turn them into glucose in our bloodstream to be absorbed by our cells for energy production. As blood glucose levels rise, a signal (like a doorbell ringing) is transmitted from the cell door to the nucleus. This signal instructs it to open. However, with PCOS, the doorbell signal doesn’t work well. It takes longer for cells to open their doors to glucose, requiring more insulin to be released. Secondary messengers repair the doorbell, allowing cell doors to open in response to glucose and requiring less insulin to be released. Inositol works as these secondary messengers.

Read this blog to learn more about the evidence-based benefits of Inositol.

Berberine

Berberine acts as an insulin sensitizer, and its strength has been comparable to that of metformin. Additionally, this herb helps to lower cholesterol and fat in the liver. Berberine has been explored in clinical trials in PCOS patients both alone and in combination with medicines such as metformin. In these research studies, berberine reduced insulin resistance, lowered cholesterol levels, and improved ovulation. Berberine has been proven to have some synergistic effects with metformin.

It can be challenging to come across high-quality supplements for PCOS in Malta. Luckily you’ve come to the right place. +boost offers a variety of vitamins and supplements, including Berberine Glucose Support.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an enzyme that helps muscle cells produce energy. Emerging evidence indicates that CoQ10 may provide several benefits to women with PCOS. This supplement can help improve fertility and pregnancy in women with PCOS by enhancing egg quality and regulating insulin levels. 

You can purchase CoQ10 from +boost Malta.

How to prevent weight gain with PCOS

Unfortunately, it can be hard to manage your weight with PCOS. The hormonal shifts that come with PCOS can lead to increased insulin resistance, which makes it easier to put on weight and even harder to lose it. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle remains the cornerstone for managing PCOS-related weight gain. 

Move your body

We recommend 2 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week, including muscle-strengthening exercises and cardio (walking, jogging, cycling).

Nourish your body

Eating less sugar and carbohydrates can benefit women with PCOS. This is helpful since it can aid with insulin resistance, which is significant for women with PCOS. A doctor or dietitian may recommend foods with a low glycemic index, which releases insulin slowly.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Incorporating these researched supplements like Vitamin D, Curcumin, Berberine, Inositol, and CoQ10 into your routine can help ease your PCOS symptoms. Always remember that supplements work best when paired with a healthy lifestyle: proper nutrition and daily movement.

Common FAQs

Is there a cure for PCOS? 

PCOS is a hormonal disorder which cannot be cured. However, as a PCOS sufferer, you can alleviate some of the symptoms with lifestyle modifications, medication, supplements, and fertility treatment.

What is the primary cause of PCOS?

Researchers and healthcare providers understand that genetic and environmental factors play a significant part in the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but they don’t know exactly what causes it. Insulin resistance is a common underlying issue where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, increasing insulin production. This can result in elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body, disrupting the normal function of the ovaries and leading to the symptoms associated with PCOS. 

What are the best supplements in Malta for PCOS?

+boost Malta provides a range of well-researched natural supplements that can help ease PCOS symptoms. These are Curcumin, Vitamin D, Inositol, Berberine, and CoQ10.