Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. This medical condition is caused by an overproduction of hormones in the pituitary gland, which causes an imbalance in sex hormones and an increase in male hormones. Women with this condition, suffer from symptoms such as weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, male pattern hair growth and infertility. If these symptoms are not manageable, it may become necessary to use medications or vitamin therapy.
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are a form of multivitamin that is more widely used by women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. These multivitamins contain many of the same vitamins and minerals as complete multivitamins; however, they contain folic acid and a higher amount of iron. This is due to a pregnant woman's increased need for these vitamins and minerals. Prenatal vitamins are taken once a day with milk and on a full stomach.
Calcium for Weight Loss
Prenatal vitamins contain 100 percent of your recommended daily allowance of calcium. This is important, especially for women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are often overweight. Calcium is a mineral used to protect and strengthen the teeth and bones. However, in addition to these benefits, calcium has also been shown to aid in weight loss. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, taking calcium supplements increased weight loss, although the biggest increase came from dietary calcium. Meeting the daily recommended allowance of calcium also prevents osteoporosis.
Iron for Anemia Prevention
Women with PCOS often suffer from irregular menstrual cycles due to an imbalance in the hormone estrogen and an increased amount of androgens. These menstrual cycles are usually sporadic and heavy. Heavy bleeding increases the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, which can cause serious health complications if not treated. If the anemia is caught before it gets worse, you may be told to take iron supplements. Some doctors may even suggest taking prenatal vitamins, since they have a higher amount of iron in them.
Folic Acid Benefits
Since women with polycystic ovary syndrome have irregular menstrual cycles and do not often know when they ovulate, they may become pregnant without knowing it. Folic acid is an important vitamin to have in this case, since it can prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Doctors recommend taking folic acid or prenatal vitamins with folic acid up to three months before you try to conceive. According to the Harvard Medical School, folic acid may also lower the risk of developing heart disease.
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