Patients often ask me to suggest some of the best supplements for PCOS, which is a complex endocrine disorder that can cause a long list of hormonal symptoms. While the foundational therapies remain nutritional and lifestyle intervention, supplements can help support your efforts to restore balance.
Many women are looking for alternatives to the typical lineup of prescription drugs, which only mask the root cause rather than address the concern head on. The most common treatment offered to women with PCOS is a birth control pill which can have intense side effects that often end up worsening symptoms of PCOS.
However, in a lot of cases, PCOS responds well to changes in diet and lifestyle.
I know this firsthand. Every day I help women in my clinic with PCOS reduce or eliminate their symptoms and bring their body back in balance through natural, healthy lifestyle regimens.
Supplements can be an effective way to fast track healing and support healthy hormones. A balanced hormonal system can create more predictable periods, glowing skin, healthy hair, and reduced PCOS symptoms.
In this guide, I’ll discuss which supplements for PCOS my patients have reported most beneficial while working in my clinic and a bit of the research on how they can help.
In this article:
10 Best Supplements for PCOS
Here's the list of what we'll be reviewing in this article.
- Myo-inositol
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Chromium
- Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Saw Palmetto
- Vitamin D
- Folate
What Is PCOS?
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women1. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually stem from a gynecological concern at its source. In fact, PCOS is entirely to do with the endocrine (hormone) system.
Insulin resistance and inflammation are the major causes of PCOS symptoms.
Insulin resistance that stems from inflammation may actually cause PCOS symptoms in some women, rather than being a result of the disease.
This metabolic disorder can contribute to hormonal imbalances that worsen PCOS symptoms. Having elevated testosterone is one common symptom in PCOS. While it is healthy for women to have some testosterone, excess levels of testosterone can create problems for the female body, like causing you to lose hair on your head or grow it on your chin. Moreover, an imbalance in hormones like progesterone or estrogen can also lead to heavy periods, acne, mood swings, breast tenderness, and other unwanted symptoms.
Insulin Resistance and PCOS
Insulin resistance is one of the major causes of PCOS symptoms (note that insulin resistance isn't necessarily the cause of PCOS itself). As the hormone that helps bring sugar into the cell, insulin is incredibly important. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin or isn’t using its insulin properly, sugar levels in the blood rise.
If your body is insulin resistant, your pancreas needs to make extra insulin to keep your blood sugar normal. This extra insulin and a high level of blood sugar can cause serious hormone and glucose imbalances in the body.
Insulin resistance can cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone and androgens, thus contributing to PCOS symptoms. When this type of hormonal imbalance occurs, the ovaries can develop a number of small to medium sized cysts, which is where the disease gets its name. “Poly” means many and “cystic” refers to the cysts on the ovaries. But not everyone with PCOS has cysts. I know, that is a little confusing, right?
Insulin resistance is also linked to weight gain, lack of ovulation, infertility, diabetes, gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even a possible risk for endometrial and breast cancer.
What Are The Symptoms Of PCOS?
Symptoms of PCOS can vary based on the woman and her hormonal imbalances. They can include one or multiple of the following:
- Weight gain or obesity (despite healthy eating and active lifestyle)
- Menstrual irregularities
- Absent period
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Abnormal mid-cycle bleeding
- Acne (especially back and chest)
- Hirsutism (excessive body hair)
- Hair loss
- History of ovarian cysts
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Infertility
- Anovulatory cycles (when the ovary doesn’t release an egg)
- Estrogen excess symptoms like PMS and fibrocystic breast disease
PCOS hormonal symptoms can vary and not all women will experience the same symptoms or have the same imbalances associated with PCOS, which can make it challenging to treat without taking a comprehensive view of each individual woman's case. PCOS affects your metabolism, heart health, and can lead to diabetes, plus it is messing with your hormones! It's a lot, which is why it can take time to heal.
But supplements can help reduce these symptoms for some women and fast track their body into balance. Supplements are an effective way ensure the body is getting the nutrients it needs to naturally and effectively balance the hormones, reduce inflammation and help balance blood sugar.
The body’s needs for vitamins and other nutrients can increase under times of increased stress, including inflammation and hormone dysregulation. You can “balance this imbalance” by giving your body the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Can Diet Help PCOS?
Diet can absolutely help PCOS. Remember, you can’t take supplements and expect it to make up for a poor diet and lifestyle. Supplements are meant to complement diet and lifestyle therapies and help fast track healing. Eating a nutrient-rich diet is essential to reversing symptoms and balancing hormones.
In working with patients, I’ve found a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet is one of the most effective in helping bring hormones back into balance. Many cases of PCOS relate back to insulin resistance and inflammation in some way.
A diet that focuses on whole foods is void of all processed and packaged foods. This means you’re giving your body whole nutrients, providing your body the tools it needs to operate properly.
Pesticides and other environmental toxins found in packaged foods can also disorient the endocrine system by mimicking your natural hormones. This can actually cause hormonal imbalances that can worsen PCOS.
Moreover, a diet low in carbohydrates introduces fewer complex sugars into your body. This could help keep your blood sugar level stable so your pancreas doesn’t go into overdrive creating insulin.
For this balancing diet, you should be eating primarily meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Aim to fill half your plate with veggies at each meal to meet your fiber needs and maximize nutrition. Stay away from sugar, dairy, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, grains, and legumes when possible. Learn more about this kind of diet here.
Note that not all supplements will work for all people. PCOS has a number of causes based on the type of hormonal imbalance with which you’re dealing. Thus, your body may have different needs. Different hormonal imbalances call for different supplements. Checking with your doctor is of course the best way to know your individualized need.
10 Best Supplements For PCOS
1. Myo-inositol for PCOS
Myo-inositol, or vitamin B8, is one of the best supplements for women with PCOS because of its support of health blood sugar and ovarian health. Often times, when you see inositol on a label, that is myo-inositol, but for PCOS, there are two forms that are most helpful. Most studies have shown benefits with Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) at a specific ratio of 40:1. That's why our Myoinositol Plus was formulated specifically with 2,000 mg of myo-inositol and 50 mg of D-chiro-inositol.
Myo-inositol may help improve the body’s use of insulin2, reduce sugar levels3, regulate menstrual cycles4, improve ovarian function5, promote egg quality, boost reproduction and fertility6, prevent hirsutism7,and even reduce the risk of gestational diabetes8. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder this is a favorite among women with PCOS.
Myo-inositol may also help with metabolic issues9 like inflammation and hypertension, which are part of the metabolic syndrome that causes PCOS.
A study by the Virginia Commonwealth University10 showed that myo-inositol could help reduce insulin resistance while improving a variety of PCOS symptoms. Researchers found that Myo and DCI were able to enhance oocyte (ovarian cells) follicular development and maturation— which can support ovulation and regular cycles. Other studies11 have shown that ovarian function overall increases in women supplementing with myo-inositol.
One study showed that Myo encouraged weight loss and raised good cholesterol. This could help reduce inflammation and improve metabolic syndrome, which can alleviate PCOS in tandem.
2. Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are a healthy addition to any diet, especially for those looking to lose weight. There have been numerous studies reporting the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, including it's support of health blood sugar levels.
Studies show12 that omega-3s can aid in reducing testosterone and regulating the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS. Another study found13 that, along with a decrease in testosterone, omega-3s increased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
SHBG is the protein that binds to estrogen and testosterone to normalize free-floating hormone levels. When SHBG is low, testosterone levels increase. This excess testosterone can contribute to the hormonal imbalance of PCOS.
Omega-3s can help decrease inflammation in the body. Many researchers suggest that inflammation is a possible cause for insulin resistance and PCOS. Fish oil can help lower inflammation and enable your cells to utilize insulin, which is at the root of what is driving PCOS.
Fish oil can also help with stubborn weight by reducing your leptin levels, which is linked to insulin resistance. Leptin resistance is when your brain thinks you need to conserve energy, so causes you to store energy from food, leading to excess weight gain. This extra weight can contribute to inflammation, further blood sugar dysregulation, and overall metabolic syndrome, which are at the core of PCOS.
Fish oil may help lower these leptin levels14, so your body stops being in starvation mode. If your body doesn’t think it’s starving, it can start shedding the extra weight. This weight loss can, in turn, help reduce blood sugar levels and reduce PCOS symptoms.
In my practice, we use Omega Plus, which delivers 1500 mg of omega-3s.
3. Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that enhances the function of insulin. It can help insulin work more effectively, which can help maintain balanced hormones.
One study15 found that chromium helped reduce blood sugar levels and insulin levels in women with PCOS. Another concluded that chromium supplements can help lower blood glucose levels— and extra glucose contributes to weight gain and hormonal imbalances.
Chromium is highly effective way to support insulin-related concerns with PCOS. You'll find 100 mcg of chromium as part of our Myoinositol Plus formula.
4. Vitex (Chaste tree berry)
For centuries, Greek and Italian medicine has considered Vitex to be a fertility plant. Vitex agnus-castus supports overall hormonal balance in the body, with a particular influence on progesterone levels.
I typically use vitex as part of a hormone harmonizing herbal blend.
Vitex has an effect on the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. Basically, it influences the master pituitary gland—which is the gland that tells the ovaries how to do its job and how many hormones to make. Vitex can intercept this hormonal feedback loop.
Some studies suggest16 it can increase progesterone levels and balance testosterone. This has been shown to help with PCOS symptoms like cysts, acne, PMS, miscarriage, and endometriosis.
In my practice we use Balance—Women's Hormone Support, which contains 200 mg of Vitex.
My comprehensive women's formula designed to harmonize sex hormones and improve common hormone related issues. Formulated with B Vitamins, antioxidants and hormone supporting herbs, this product helps support the body in eliminating excess estrogens and environmental toxins.
Learn more about Balance here.
5. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and amino acid that the body needs for overall endocrine health. A study of NAC17 found that NAC treatment had a significant effect on decreasing:
- BMI (aka weight loss)
- Hirsutism (less hair on face, chest and abdomen)
- Fasting insulin (better blood sugar control)
- Free testosterone (less oily skin, acne, and hair loss)
- Menstrual irregularities
Note that they also found that NAC had similar results to metformin, a pharmaceutical that is used to treat high blood sugar. That doesn't mean you should quit your Metformin if you're taking it. That's a conversation for your doctor. And Metformin is well recognized to create a B12 deficiency so supplementing and eating a diet rich in B12 is wise if you are on this drug.
A review of studies18 found that NAC showed significant improvement in pregnancy and ovulation rate for women with PCOS as well.
Most women do best to aim for 900-1800 mg daily. In my practice we use N-Acetyl Cysteine.
6. Magnesium
Most women should be taking magnesium for overall health. Low magnesium has been linked19 to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, and other serious concerns. Taking magnesium can help reduce these risks while also improving energy, mood, hormone balance, bowel regularity, and more.
Low magnesium is associated with diabetes, since the body uses magnesium in the breakdown of sugar and usage of insulin. One study found20 that 300mg of magnesium at bedtime had a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Thus, increasing magnesium can help improve insulin resistance— and thus PCOS as well.
Moreover, magnesium can help women with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is related to chronic inflammation, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance, making it a key cause of PCOS. Reviews conclude21 that magnesium supplements can reduce this risk of PCOS-causing metabolic disease.
In my medical practice, I recommend Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate to all my patients who experience menstrual cramps. This form is highly absorbable, meaning it is quickly absorbed and better retained by the body compared to other forms. The form of magnesium in my Magnesium Plus has been shown to reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps.
A typical dose of magnesium is 300-450 mg. But I can not stress enough that you must aim for a highly absorbable form.
7. Zinc
A combination of zinc and saw palmetto can help your body eliminate extra testosterone, which causes PCOS. These supplements actually reduce the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into a more powerful androgen called DHT (which amplifies the effects of testosterone).
Zinc’s ability to contribute to reducing DHT levels22 has shown useful for reducing hairiness, acne, mood disturbances, and weight gain in women suffering from PCOS related to excess testosterone. Overall, studies conclude23 that zinc has a positive impact on metabolic profiles of PCOS women.
Because zinc is so important in PCOS hormone support, you'll find it both our Saw Palmetto Plus and Myoinositol Plus formulas.
8. Saw Palmetto
A combination of zinc and saw palmetto has seen strong effects on reducing symptoms of PCOS. Like zinc, saw palmetto can reduce 5-alpha-reductase activity, which is the enzyme that makes DHT. As discussed, DHT is the androgen that enhances the effects of testosterone. DHT can cause PCOS symptoms like hair loss, facial hair growth, acne, and menstrual irregularities. Inhibiting this conversion of testosterone to DHT can help reduce the intensity of PCOS symptoms.
Moreover, saw palmetto may also help regulate estrogen in women with estrogen dominance. Basically, saw palmetto helps reduce androgens24 and regulate hormones.
Saw palmetto has been studied as a treatment for pelvic pain25.
In my practice I use Saw Palmetto Plus, to help women reach 450 mg daily.
9. Vitamin D
Research has proven that a deficiency in vitamin D has negative effects on women with PCOS. In fact, it has serious effects on everyone. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) include insulin resistance, increased weight gain, and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes—all of which are all linked to PCOS.
Vitamin D is also involved26 in the maturation and development of eggs in the ovaries. Thus, without enough vitamin D, the ovaries can’t properly produce fertile eggs. Vitamin D supplements can actually help create healthy follicles in the ovaries that push the eggs through, thus helping the woman ovulate and get pregnant. This is especially important in women with PCOS, whose ovaries aren’t functioning at peak capacity.
One study27 showed that a supplement of calcium and vitamin D showed positive effects on:
- Weight loss
- Follicle and egg maturation
- Menstrual regularity
- Fertility improvement
Moreover, vitamin D plays a role in glucose metabolism28. Vitamin D is insulin’s right hand partner in breaking down glucose and sugar. This can improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.
Vitamin D is a must have for women with PCOS, which is why we included it as part of our Myoinositol Plus formula.
10. Folate
Folate, aka vitamin B-9, is useful for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Research has shown29 that a combination of folate and myo-inositol can improve fertility in PCOS patients due to the combination’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity. Folate can also help women with PCOS reduce their risk of miscarriage and bring the child full term.
B-Active Plus contains 200 mcg of folate.
Best Supplements for PCOS
I generally recommend women begin with 4 key supplements: Balance, Adrenal Support, Saw Palemetto Plus, and N-Acetyl Cysteine because of their synergistic benefits.
Balance contains Vitex, in addition to green tea extract, DIM, and calcium d-glucarate to support estrogen and testosterone metabolism. Learn about Balance here.
Adrenal Support contains licorice, which has been shown to have great benefit in women with PCOS. Because the adrenal glands can be a source of excess androgens, optimizing adrenal health can be tremendously beneficial for women with PCOS. Learn about Adrenal Support here.
Saw Palmetto Plus contains zinc and Saw Palmetto, which as explained above, are important for keeping PCOS symptoms in check. Learn about Saw Palmetto Plus here.
N-Acetyl Cysteine is an important amino acid for optimizing weight, improving hair and skin, and creating clear skin. Learn about N-Acetyl Cysteine here.
All of these supplements together support a healthy menstrual cycle, glowing skin, and easier to manage weight.
Comprehensive PCOS Care
Hormones are at the core of health— including reproductive health. Women suffering from PCOS have a hormonal imbalance that is rooted in inflammation, gut health and blood sugar regulation. Supplements step in to help the body rebuild its natural functions to rebalance and renew the endocrine system.
Supplementing your diet and lifestyle with hormone-balancing vitamins is a natural and effective way to overcome PCOS.
It’s time that you take control of your hormones and PCOS symptoms.
References
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18335328 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5078644/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25268566 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17952759 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5097808/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18854115 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22122627 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19499845 ↩︎
- https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1033&context=obgyn_pubs ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15206484 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941370/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23550861 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16239836 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941367/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19070148 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21831508 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306416/ ↩︎
- http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/magnesium ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205110 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4198467/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26315303 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25868059 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15978232 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3695598/ ↩︎
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388112000060 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905396/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5011528/ ↩︎