September is PCOS Awareness Month. While I don’t know a lot about PCOS, because I don’t personally have it. I wanted to share what I do know and hopefully help others understand and be more compassionate to those who are suffering.
**Before I get started I did want to mention that I use several affiliate links throughout this post. I make a small commission on any links used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.**
What is PCOS? How do you know if you have it?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is having enlarged ovaries with small cysts that grow on the outside of the ovaries. It is believed that if you have PCOS you are obese (though I know of many who are not), have acne, excessive hair growth, and have irregular menstrual cycles.
And from what I’ve read it is a disease and cannot be cured. Though it is manageable with diet and supplements to help regulate hormones.
Since there isn’t one specific test for a PCOS diagnosis, you would discuss your medical history with your doctor. They can run a blood test to check hormone levels including LH, FSH and Testosterone to name a few. The doctor would also do a pelvic ultrasound to check your ovaries for uterine lining and size of your ovaries.
Supplements to regulate hormones
If you are doing fertility treatments, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding/changing any supplements to your list. I know there are loads of other vitamins/supplements you could be taking, but this is what I’ve personally taken.
Myo-Insitol
A substance from the B complex family. It acts as an insulin-sensitizing agent (promotes proper use of insulin in the body) which helps healthy ovarian function, egg quality and menstrual cycle regularity. This is a supplement that is to be taken 3x a day (says so on the bottle).
This study suggests taking over a period of time. After 14 weeks women had an increase on ovarian function for those that have polycystic ovaries.
This article suggests women who have PCOS will benefit from taking this supplement.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that helps support the immune system, and involved in collagen formation (joint health). Vitamin C can aid with hormone regulation, sperm health helps egg quality, and plays an important roll in regulating menstrual cycles.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates cell growth, and create much needed sex hormones. Those that are deficient in vitamin D could potentially have PMS, PCOS, and infertility. This study at Yale on infertile women suggested that women with PCOS had a deficiency in Vitamin D. If you do need to supplement, then supplement with Vitamin D-3 because most D supplements end up not having enough actual Vitamin D in them.
Maca Root
Maca root is an herb and is used for energy and stamina, and the endocrine system. While maca helps both men and women, it does not contain any hormones, it helps progesterone and Estrogen in women. Best taken before 3pm as it can interfere with your sleep schedule.
Conception
This is a multivitamin that has a good prenatal complex and the majority that are listed help with regulating hormones. Included are: Myo-Inositol, Chaste Tree Berry Extract (Vitex), Ashwagandha Extract, Shatavari Root Extract, Stinging Nettle Root Extract, and Choline. It also contains Selenium.
DIM (diindolylmethane)
DIM is a molecule that is found in vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower (your cruciferous vegetables). DIM has been found to “most notably for regulating estrogen metabolism, reducing estrogen dominance” and too high of estrogen (imbalance of estrogen and progesterone) can cause PMS like symptoms.
Maternal Symmetry
Is a high potency multivitamin. Maternal Symmetry contains a gentle form of Iron, Methylated folate (L-5-MTHF), Ginger, Stinging Nettle leaf, Lemon balm, Oatstraw, and Dandelion root.
Gifts/Awareness
Here are some cute items that I have found on Etsy that relate to all things PCOS.
P.S. Would there be anything that you would add about PCOS that I haven’t?
P.P.S. Be sure to check out my Etsy Shop with other PCOS apparel!
