According to Womenshealth.gov, approximately 5 million women in America suffer with polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly called PCOS. As well as cysts on the ovaries which gives the condition its name, other typical symptoms of PCOS include infertility, weight gain, acne, depression and excess hair growth on the face and body. Research has shown that some supplements such as inositol and chromium may be helpful for PCOS. However, a health-care professional should always be consulted before starting a supplement program.
About PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown; however there does appear to be a genetic link, as women with PCOS are very likely to have a sister or mother who suffers with PCOS as well. PCOS causes a hormone imbalance where the ovaries make more male hormones, called androgens, than normal, which effects ovulation. A blood sugar imbalance caused by too much insulin is also linked to PCOS. Excess insulin may also be associated with the increased production of androgens. Increased androgens can cause, acne, weight gain, problems with ovulation and excessive hair growth.
D-Chiro-Inositol
D-chiro-inositol, commonly called inositol, is found in fruits, beans, grains and nuts or can be taken as a supplement. In a study published in a 1999 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine," researchers studied the effect of D-chiro-inositol on obese women with PCOS. The authors found that 1,200 mg of D-chiro-inositol daily for eight weeks increased the action of insulin, improved ovulatory function and decreased serum androgen concentrations.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral. Chromium is available in tablets and capsules in several forms including, chromium histidinate, chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, and chromium-enriched yeast. In a study published in a 2006 issue of "Fertility and Sterility," researchers found that 1,000 mcg of chromium daily, improved blood sugar balance in obese women with PCOS.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are from the species Grifola frondosa and are native to the mountains of northeastern Japan. According to the American Cancer Society, it is believed that the active substance in maitake mushrooms is call beta-glucan. The maitake mushroom is eaten as a food and is also available in supplement form.
In a study published in a 2010 issue of "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," researchers found that taking maitake mushrooms daily for 12 weeks helped to induce ovulation in PCOS patients.
References
- Womanshealth.gov: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- "The New England Journal of Medicine": Ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in the polycystic ovary syndrome; Nestler JE, Jakubowicz DJ, Reamer P, Gunn RD, Allan G: 1999
- "Fertility and Sterility": Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome: Lydic ML, McNurlan M, Bembo S, et al: 2006
- American Cancer Society: Maitake mushrooms
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate: Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, et al: 2010.
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