6 Components of Nutritional Management for PCOS
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that affects about 7% of women in Western countries. The diagnosis is given by having two out of the following three symptoms: elevated androgens, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods. As a syndrome, there are a collection of symptoms that are patient-dependent. Due to this, PCOS can present very differently from person to person. It is essential to understand the root causes driving your condition and receive proper treatment for each cause. Many recent studies have postulated that nutrient deficiency could be a cause of PCOS. Here we will discuss those nutrients and how supplementing them can help with PCOS.
Source: NIH
Here are 6 components of nutritional management of PCOS:
1. Myo-inositol
One of the parts of nutritional management of PCOS is Myo-Inositol. With PCOS, fertility is a big issue due to irregular ovulation and periods. This vitamin B like compound has been shown to improve egg development and quality and improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is another common complication in women with PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that carries sugar from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. Many women with PCOS have some form of insulin resistance which occurs when the cells don’t allow the insulin to bring in the sugar for energy resulting in fatigue, low energy levels, and high blood sugar. High insulin in the blood can influence the ovaries to produce more testosterone, an androgen. Though it can be supplemented, Myo-inositol is found naturally in fruits like cantaloupe and citrus, but also in beans, brown rice, and other fiber-rich foods. Restoring all these mechanisms allows inositol to help regain ovulation which is one of the important issues with PCOS.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are another part of the nutritional management of PCOS. Probiotics are defined as live cultures in food and are found in yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. These foods help build a strong gut bacteria profile. Bacteria in the gut help enormously with digestion, fighting off infectious bacteria, mental health, and hormone balance. Inflammation is very prevalent in patients with PCOS and can impact insulin functions and androgen synthesis. Probiotics help to reduce inflammation because there will be more good bacteria in the gut to fight the bad ones. To prove the power of probiotics on hormone levels, during a rat study, researchers transplanted probiotics into rats with PCOS. Results showed that the transplantation rats had improved estrogen cycle and decreased production of androgens.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another part of the nutritional management of PCOS. This fat-soluble vitamin is known for its benefits on eye sight, but it also benefits PCOS. Vitamin A is found most potently in red bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. This vitamin has strong antioxidant properties to fight inflammation and it protects and matures egg development.
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4. Vitamin E
Another part of the nutritional management of PCOS is another fat-soluble essential vitamin which is vitamin E. Found in many nuts and vegetable oils, vitamin E is a strong antioxidant. It can improve endometrial health in women with infertility. Combining vitamin E supplementation with other powerful nutrients has also shown beneficial impacts on androgen levels and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Coenzyme Q10 and Omega 3s are two of the powerful nutrients that amplify vitamin E’s benefits.
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5. Carnitine
Carnitine is a compound made in the body that aids in the nutritional management of PCOS. Research has found that carnitine is lacking in women with PCOS when compared to women without PCOS. Low carnitine levels may lead to high androgen levels and insulin resistance. A study found that 12 week supplementation of carnitine had beneficial effects in decreasing inflammation due to oxidative stress.
6. NAC
NAC, which is a form of the amino acid cysteine, is another part of the nutritional management of PCOS. This compound is a precursor to an antioxidant substance called glutathione which will help fight inflammation in PCOS. NAC has many PCOS benefits, including supporting egg quality, and insulin secretion. Administration of NAC for 6 weeks resulted in decreased androgen levels and increased insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. NAC has also been part of the nutritional management of PCOS because it can help increase pregnancy rates in women with PCOS.
