What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries of women produce an abnormal amount of androgens. (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility. 

When a woman's body does not make enough hormone for ovulation, the ovaries can develop many small cysts which produce hormones called androgens. Women who have PCOS often have high levels of androgens.

However, not all women who have PCOS develop cysts in their ovaries. Some women with this disorder might not have cysts in their ovaries, while some women without this disorder might have cysts in their ovaries.

What causes PCOS?

The exact causes of PCOS are unknown. However, 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. The insulin levels built up in a woman's body may cause high levels of androgens.

Obesity is one of the factors of high insulin levels and makes PCOS symptoms worse.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.
• Ovaries that are large or have many cysts.
• Hirsutism
• Weight gain, especially around the belly
• Acne or oily skin
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• Infertility
• Skin tags
• Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the next, in the armpits and under the breasts.

What is the complication of PCOS?

Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Problems with the heart and blood vessels
• Uterine cancer
• Infertility

Top 5 Supplements For PCOS

Inositol

70% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance. Inositol is a member of the B-vitamin family. It helps to:

• increase insulin sensitivity
• restore insulin resistance
• decrease hyperandrogenism
• normalise ovarian function
• improve ovulation rates
• regulate the menstrual cycle
• improve egg quality (prior to IVF treatments)

Products

Concevoir by ImproWell^TM

Choline 250 Inositol 250

B-Complex Vitamin

B-Complex vitamin is very important in energy production, hormone regulation, metabolism, and immune activity. When B-complex vitamin is taken regularly, hormonal and metabolic patterns become more stable and can influence positive reproductive outcomes. B vitamins such as folate, B6 and B12 provide optimal hormonal balance and reduce inflammation in our body.

Products

BiO-LiFE Executive B Complex

VitaHealth Vitamin B Complex

Fish oil

Fish oil is a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids. It helps reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Products

Blackmores Fish Oil 1000

Kordel's Fish Oil 1500mg Plus Vitamin D3

Zinc

Insulin resistance and high cholesterol may be associated with lower zinc levels. By increasing zinc levels in your body may alleviate PCOS symptoms such as hair loss and acne. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant, meaning it can help to reduce inflammation.

Products

BiO-LiFE Bio-Zinc Complex

21^st Century Cal Mag Zinc

Calcium/Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D is the key to maintaining healthy bones. They can also improve PCOS symptoms such as infertility, insulin resistance, and inflammation and may even reduce androgen production. Women with PCOS are 3 times more likely to have a deficiency in vitamin D. A vitamin D deficiency can increase insulin resistance and menstrual irregularities. 

Products

Caltrate 600 Plus Calcium with Vitamin D & Minerals

Swisse Ultiboost Calcium + Vitamin D3