PCOS Supplements to Try

PCOS is a condition that affects how your ovaries work. It’s something that 1 in 10 people in the UK lives with, some unknowingly.

PCOS symptoms vary from person to person. Commonly they include fertility issues, facial hair, hormone imbalance, and anovulation. 

We’ve been diving deep into some research to find the best PCOS supplements to try. 

Research has looked into how supplements for PCOS can help ovulation, improve fertility, reduce anxiety/depression, and balance hormones. 

Whether you are trying to get pregnant, or just looking to find a rhythm in a regular cycle, then supps for PCOS might be worth a try. 

Vitamin D for PCOS 

Many of us are walking about with a vitamin D deficiency. It’s a vitamin we get from being outside in the sunlight. However, modern living means we don’t spend so much time out in the wide world, and there’s also the issue of skin damage to weigh up. You can get vitamin D from foods such as egg yolks, fish, and mushrooms (possibly not all in the same dish?!), you can also take a supplement. 

Taking vitamin D isn’t a miracle cure for PCOS, however, having a deficiency in this vitamin may make symptoms of the condition worse. 

To help with fertility

One reason to take vitamin D for PCOS is to help with fertility. Having regular periods and ovulating is key to getting pregnant. PCOS can cause irregularities and anovulation (where your body doesn’t ovulate). Not good when you are planning a family.

Taking vitamin D every day has been shown to regulate the cycles of those with PCOS. Studies found that 3 months of taking the daily supplement was helpful in producing mature eggs, allowing conception and carrying a baby to full term. 

Often, those going through IVF are encouraged to take vitamin D. If this is you, talk with your healthcare provider before you start adding it to your daily routine. 

To boost your mood 

Many PCOS sufferers also have low mood, anxiety, and depression. This might be down to a hormonal imbalance, the stress of fertility struggles, or dealing with a condition like PCOS. 

Regardless of having PCOS or not, those with low vitamin D levels are more likely to suffer from low mood and even depression. 

Getting enough of this vitamin powerhouse may help to regulate your mood. 

Reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome

Mayo Clinic describes metabolic syndrome as “a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.”

When you have PCOS you may be more prone to these conditions. Lack of vitamin D has been directly linked to metabolic syndrome. Studies found that vitamin D helped to regulate blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels in overweight women with PCOS, and reduce blood pressure when taken with calcium. 

Magnesium for PCOS

To help balance hormones 

Hormone imbalance is a symptom of PCOS that may play a part in a low mood and irregular periods. 

To help balance hormones a PCOS supplement you might try is magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that you can get from eating a bunch of dark leafy greens. However, so many of us are deficient in this, however much spinach you’re stuffing.

Other foods you can find magnesium in are:

• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Legumes 
• Dark chocolate

To improve insulin resistance

There is evidence that magnesium may help to improve insulin resistance. This is thought to work towards regulating periods, reducing excess facial hair and oily skin, and preventing weight gain. 

What else can I do other than take PCOS Supplements?

Whether you are trying to get pregnant or not, PCOS is a frustrating condition. You might find yourself dreaming of a 28-day cycle! 

PCOS can’t be cured. However, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms.

• Keep a healthy body weight
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise
• Treatment is available for fertility such as tablets, injections, and IVF
• NHS may suggest the contraceptive pill or progesterone pills to regulate periods, but this is a decision to research yourself (have a read of Period Power. Great book!)

Other articles we think you’ll like:

• How I got my period back 
• Why more women are talking about egg freezing
• How hormonal contraception might affect your period

Women who have too little vitamin D are more likely to have depression, regardless of their general health. But if you have PCOS, you need to be more aware of this since depression increases your risk of health problems you’re already likely to develop because of your condition. Be sure to see your doctor for any changes in mood

Vitamin D deficiency can make symptoms of PCOS worse. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement with 600 IU may ease some PCOS problems such as infertility, weight gain, and anxiety. That in turn, can improve your overall health and further improve your emotional state and energy, which can lead to even more wellness gains.

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