Polycystic ovary syndrome, an endocrine disorder also referred to as PCOS, is a condition affecting the ovaries of many women of child-bearing age. For many women with PCOS, the condition becomes apparent soon after the start of the first menstrual cycles while others may not realize they have it until later on, perhaps while trying to become pregnant. The sooner the diagnosis is made the better, as there does seem to be a link to developing type 2 diabetes because of insulin insensitivity. There are a number of medical treatments, but also talk to your doctor about which vitamins can be beneficial.
About PCOS
In most cases of PCOS, the ovaries become larger and develop a number of small cysts along their outer edges. According to Dr. Marilyn Grenville, a British women's health expert, the cysts are follicles that have become filled with fluid. These follicles rarely produce mature eggs, which results in infrequent or absent menstrual periods. These cysts, which typically appear in clumps, lead to a hormonal imbalance by causing an overabundance of male hormones, called androgens. This leads to the classic PCOS symptoms which include hirsutism, or excess facial and body hair, insulin resistance, infrequent menstruation, acne and fertility problems.
Vitamin B Complex
Some of the problems associated with PCOS are hormonal imbalance, insulin insensitivity, infertility and weight gain, and taking a vitamin B complex may provide some help. "The Ultimate PCOS Handbook" states that taking a vitamin B complex, which includes B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6, helps the liver get rid of excess hormones by degrading them for excretion. The B vitamins also help regulate blood sugar levels and control weight gain in PCOS. Vitamins B-2 and B-5 assist fat metabolism, while vitamin B-3 is directly involved with glucose tolerance. B-6 appears to improve fertility, and along with vitamins B-2 and B-3 is required for production of thyroid hormone.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is needed for normal follicle development and proper maturation of the egg in each menstrual cycle. Vitamin D plays a critical role in the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream. When vitamin D is lacking, follicle development and egg maturation may not take place. In a 1999 study performed at Columbia University, researchers found that women given supplements of vitamin D and calcium experienced normal menstrual cycles within two months. Low levels of vitamin D also appear to affect insulin secretion and sensitivity in women with PCOS.
Antioxidant Vitamins
The antioxidant vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E; antioxidants protect your cells from damage by free radicals. They also are important for reducing insensitivity to insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, a problem for women with PCOS. The antioxidant vitamins can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and whole grains, as well as in multivitamin supplements. Harvard Health Publications recommends women get 700mcg of vitamin A, 75mg of vitamin C and 33 IU of vitamin E each day.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Polycystic ovary syndrome; December 2009
- The Natural Health Website for Women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- "The PCOS Handbook"; Colette Harris and Theresa Chung; 2008
- "Steroids"; Vitamin D and Calcium Dysregulation in the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; S. Thys-Jacobs et al.; June 1999
- Harvard Health Publications: Listing of Vitamins
