Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which a you have an imbalance of female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Numerous cysts may also grow on your ovaries and cause them to be enlarged. PCOS is the most common cause of hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, according to the Mayo Clinic. Recent studies show that fish oil may help improve symptoms of PCOS. Consult your doctor before using fish oil supplements.
The Effects of Fish Oil on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS causes your body cells to not respond to the available insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. PCOS also causes high cholesterol. According to a study published in January 2011 in the "Journal of Clinical Nutrition," fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that may help increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and also lower high cholesterol. Fish oil may also have a positive effect on female hormone levels.
Natural Sources of Fish Oil
If you have PCOS, try to increase your intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish containing beneficial oils include salmon, cod liver, herring, sardines, mackerel, tuna, anchovy, trout, sturgeon, bluefish and mullet, according to MedlinePlus. The best way to obtain healthy fish oil is to bake the fish instead of deep frying. Frying may damage the beneficial oils containing in fish.
Fish Oil Supplements for PCOS
Consult your doctor before you take over-the-counter fish oil supplements for PCOS. Fish oil supplements may interfere with other medications you are taking. MedlinePlus recommends a fish oil dose of 3 g per day for most health conditions. Doses higher than 3 g may cause clotting and bleeding problems. Fish oil supplements may cause side effects such as belching, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, nosebleeds and skin rash, according to MedlinePlus.
Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS usually begin when you start your periods. You are more likely to have PCOS if your mother or sister has the condition. You may experience symptoms such as lower abdomen and pelvis pain, multiple ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, oily skin, acne, high cholesterol levels, skin discolorations, excess hair growth and facial hair, according to PubMedHealth. PCOS may cause complications such as breast cancer and infertility.
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