Living With PCOS: Supplements to Support Your Health and Fertility Goals

One of the most common causes of female infertility worldwide, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves hormonal imbalances as well as the development of numerous cysts along the ovary’s outer edges. It can have a dramatic impact on reproductive health, including ovulation and endometrial development. While this can make getting pregnant challenging, patients with PCOS can support their fertility and overall health by following a healthy lifestyle (e.g., eating a PCOS-friendly diet¹, exercising regularly, etc.). Fortunately, there is a wide range of fertility-boosting supplements that can easily be integrated into a healthy PCOS regimen.

The Impact of PCOS on Female Fertility 

The primary hallmark of PCOS is an imbalance of various hormone levels, such as insulin (which regulates the conversion of sugar into energy in the body) and androgens (sex hormones that play important supportive roles in female reproductive processes). PCOS often causes insulin resistance, in which the body produces insulin, but cannot use it properly. This in turn can cause irregular ovulation, menstruation issues, and abnormalities of the endometrial lining, all of which can complicate or prevent conception and pregnancy from happening.

Supplements That May Benefit PCOS-Related Infertility

Certain nutrients may improve PCOS and its related infertility symptoms, many of which are antioxidants (i.e., nutrients found to defend against unstable molecules² called free radicals). Higher levels of free radicals can cause inflammation and oxidative damage, harming reproductive health. These nutrients include:

CoQ10 – A natural substance, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve insulin resistance³ and sex hormone levels in PCOS patients. CoQ10 may also increase the quality and number of ovarian follicles⁴ and improve ovulation. 

Folate – Recommended for all women of reproductive age, folate is the natural form of folic acid⁵. An essential nutrient for pregnant women, folate has also been shown to support reproductive health for women with PCOS by regulating elevated homocysteine levels, which is common in PCOS patients⁶.

Grape seed extract – This flavonoid⁷ is a plant-based compound that has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It may promote normal cell development, restore hormonal balance, and improve inflammation and PCOS symptoms⁸. Supplementation may support oocyte maturation and the development of ovarian hormones⁹, like androgen. Resveratrol¹⁰, a grape seed extract compound, may also reduce insulin resistance. 

Inositol – This naturally produced sugar has multiple forms, the two most effective being myo-inositol (MI), which converts into D-chiro-inositol (DCI). These antioxidative nutrients may improve PCOS symptoms¹¹, including insulin resistance, and hormonal balance. Myo-inositol, when combined with folic acid, may improve patients’ ovulation and pregnancy rates¹². 

Lycopene – A carotenoid (plant-based pigment), this powerful antioxidant reduces PCOS’ chronic inflammation. Lycopene can stimulate the pancreas¹³, generating additional insulin, which may benefit insulin resistance.

Prebiotics and probiotics – These plant fibers and organisms¹⁴ may improve the health of gut microorganisms and digestive health. Research suggests¹⁵ that supplementation may improve hormonal activity, inflammation, and lipid disturbances. 

Vitamin D3 – This essential nutrient and antioxidant supports ovarian follicle function. Vitamin D3 may promote the development of human granulosa cells, which produce female hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. Vitamin D3 may also improve conception and egg quality while supporting the production of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)¹⁶. 

Shop Fertility-Boosting Supplements for PCOS 

NutraBloom® offers several fertility supplements that have been scientifically shown to support fertility in women with PCOS. Our supplements are expertly formulated to have the optimal levels of nutrients shown to promote better fertility and pregnancy outcomes for all. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, daily supplementation with our PCOS Conception Kit and PCOS Support Kit may relieve symptoms. However, discuss any nutritional changes with your doctor or fertility specialist to determine any health concerns.

Sources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/pcos-diet
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28822266/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35941510/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210096/#
5. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972590/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7697716/#
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28868839/
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/grape-seed-extract
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000218#
11. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17425255.2020.1737675?journalCode=iemt20
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29498933/
13. https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/10-best-foods-for-those-with-pcos/
14. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384396/#
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7486884/