Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is an endocrine disorder in which multiple cysts may develop in the ovaries. Affecting 5 to 7 percent of women, PCOS can have very serious health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, uterine cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and infertility.

A women with PCOS may have any number of the following symptoms and signs: irregular menstruation and / or menstruation cycles; lack of ovulation; elevated levels of male hormones, specifically testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS); obesity, usually particularly concentrated at the torso; pain during sexual intercourse; larger than normal ovaries; excess hair on face or body; acne; sleep apnea; and insulin resistance.

There are a variety of medication options for women with PCOS. Doctors also recommend regular exercise and a change in diet, to one that is either low in carbohydrates or low according to the glycemic index. The addition of the following nutrients will add to the likelihood of success of most treatments.

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• B-complex vitamins
• Carnitine
• Chromium – Combining with the protein picolinate allows your body to absorb chromium more efficiently. However, some chromium picolinate supplements contain more chromium than necessary. Ask your doctor for a recommendation
• Copper
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
• Inositol
• Magnesium
• Taurine
• Vanadium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc