Are we becoming reliant on taking supplements? Are we becoming reluctant to make long-term dietary changes?
Whilst we know that lifestyle changes are the first port of call when it comes to PCOS, I am constantly getting asked about supplementation!
Following a balanced diet, including implementing the dietary patterns mentioned in my two blogs; eating for PCOS part 1 and part 2, are crucial in managing your PCOS and hormonal imbalances.
However, we do have scientific research reporting that supplementation can also play a role in the management of PCOS.
Remember, supplements aren’t your saving grace, just the icing on a cake, built on a solid foundation of good nutrition, regular movement, adequate sleep and managing your stress well.
This blog will feature a concise and scientific guide to a variety of well-known supplements for PCOS.
So, if you’re one of my PCOS ladies, and are keen for some evidence-based information – keep reading!
Disclaimer: Always speak to your medical and health care professional about any supplements before starting to ensure they are right for you and your body.
Can supplementation help?
If you have read my previous blogs mentioned, you will know that PCOS is a hormonal disorder, which may present as a combination of various symptoms.
Due to hormone irregularities, women with PCOS may have raised insulin levels, irregular menstruation and ovulation, and trouble conceiving. Some women may have all symptoms, some are lucky enough to have few, or none!
While dietary and lifestyle management is recommended (under the guidance of a health professional), supplementation during PCOS may also assist in hormone regulation and in insulin resistance.
There are LOADS of different supplements on our supermarket and pharmacy shelves today, and equally as much information on the internet telling us what to take and what not to take – it’s all TOO CONFUSING!
So, as always, here are a few supplements that have scientific research behind them.
Four Popular PCOS Supplements
1. Inositol
Inositol can help to improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS (Bizzarri., 2014).
I recently wrote a whole blog post on Inositol for PCOS, so for more information, have a read of that one!
2. Cinnamon
If anyone remembers my research Wednesday post on cinnamon a while back, you will know that has been found to be useful in PCOS! A pilot study has shown that cinnamon can help to reduce insulin levels in women with PCOS (Wang et al., 2007).
Since then, a larger and more recent study found that cinnamon can also improve the irregularities associated with the menstrual in PCOS (Kort & Lobo., 2014). With that in mind, load up on cinnamon! I like to put it in my smoothies, on oats, with banana and peanut butter, and in my baking
3. Zinc
Zinc is an element that I have spoken about in regards to boosting fertility in both males and females and in pregnancy. This amazing nutrient comes up again in regards to PCOS.
Whilst we can get zinc from our diet, think red meat, beans and seafood, 50mg/day supplementation has been shown to be effective in the larger amount of hair growth, or loss of hair associated with PCOS (Jamillan et al., 2016).
Additionally, research suggests that zinc can play an important role in the insulin resistance in women with PCOS (Gunalan et al., 2018).
4. Chromium
Chromium is an important element in regulating our glucose and insulin levels. Additionally, taking chromium supplements can help to improve our BMI (body mass index). Our BMI is a measurement that assesses whether we are a healthy weight for our size. More research is needed in this area, however chromium supplementation has seen to be beneficial in regulating insulin and free testosterone and improving BMI in women with PCOS (Fazelian et al., 2017).
These are only a FEW of the supplements that have been proposed to help with PCOS. Perhaps I will have to write a part 2, drop me a quick message via social media @the_dietologist on Instagram if you’d like to see that!
Healthline has a great article, looking at different dietary patterns and supplements. Keep in mind if reading this article, we don’t “treat” PCOS, instead, we can manage the symptoms!
Are supplements necessary?
If you are okay with taking supplements, and you feel they are working for you, then sure, go ahead, and experiment alongside dietary and lifestyle changes after speaking to your health care team.
If you’re not too keen on supplementing, that’s fine too they are not essential, in fact we can instead focus on modifying the diet to be optimal for all these nutrients for optimal health and management of PCOS.
Bottom line – speak to your healthcare professional before starting any form of supplementation, to ensure it is right for you and will fit in easily with your usual regime!
Have you been diagnosed with PCOS? Take control of your PCOS rather than letting it take control of you!
Introducing…The PCOS Project
This self-paced online course has been developed to highlight the role of diet and nutrition in managing your PCOS symptoms and taking control of the rollercoaster that is PCOS with 10 comprehensive PCOS-specific nutrition lessons. We also include BONUS PCOS-friendly 7-day meal plans and recipes! Check it out ?
What you’ll get inside The PCOS Project:
- Over 10 comprehensive PCOS-specific nutrition lessons designed & delivered by expert reproductive health dietitian & nutritionist
- Learn exactly what bloodwork you need to monitor your PCOS today and in the long-term too!
- Take control of insulin resistance and stubborn weight using the insulin resistance lesson & comprehensive workbook
- Our strategies to lower androgens driving those pesky pimples & chin hairs!
- Understand your menstrual cycle, the ways you can track it, what the “red flags” are for more help and how to nourish yourself for more regular periods!
- PLUS: supplementation considerations for PCOS (note: does not include personalised supplementary advice), mood & food for mental health, anti-inflammatory eating for PCOS, optimising gut health & how to build a PCOS-friendly meal
BONUS: PCOS-friendly done-for-you 7-day meal plans with recipes AND additional recipe resources!
You will get 2 YEARS to access this incredible VAULT of expertly crafted & delivered PCOS education.
This blog was co-written by Kaylee Slater, graduate dietitian. You can find Kaylee on Instagram and connect with her on LinkedIn.