Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility go hand-in-hand, but advances in research and medicine have made it so much easier for women with PCOS to achieve a healthy pregnancy. If you’re hoping to get pregnant soon, be sure to discuss family planning and reproductive health with your doctor. In the meantime, check out a few supplements that can help support your fertility.
PCOS and Fertility Supplements*
There are plenty of ways to support your fertility, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. But, certain nutritional supplements may offer extra support.
1. Inositol
Inositol is a nutrient made within the body, and it’s also found in small amounts in certain foods, including fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. There are nine different forms of inositol, but only two have been shown to support women with PCOS: myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol.*
Different tissues in your body have varying ratios of these two inositols, but they’re most commonly found in a 40:1 ratio of myo to D-chiro-inositol. Studies indicate that this specific ratio can help support healthy hormone levels, menstrual regularity, healthy ovarian function, and healthy egg quality – all of which support fertility.* Research also suggests that inositols play a role in metabolic health, supporting healthy blood sugar, insulin, and lipid levels.*
2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like nutrient found in nearly every cell of your body. It’s involved in energy production, and it also acts as a powerful antioxidant, tasked with keeping your cells healthy.* Both of these characteristics make CoQ10 a great option to support healthy egg quality and fertility.*
CoQ10 isn’t just for fertility, though. Maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels is also beneficial for metabolic health.* Research suggests that it helps promote healthy blood sugar, insulin, and hormone levels.*
3. Melatonin
Melatonin is a well-known hormone that helps set your internal clock and support healthy sleep patterns, but it offers benefits beyond sleep, too.*
Like CoQ10, melatonin exhibits strong antioxidant activity, and it’s present in follicular fluid, which surrounds developing eggs. So, it makes sense that this key hormone is linked to healthy egg quality.* Research also suggests that healthy levels of melatonin help support menstrual regularity and healthy androgen levels, both important factors in fertility.*
Melatonin and myo-inositol
Myo-inositol and melatonin have been studied together and found to work synergistically to support healthy egg and embryo quality in women with PCOS.*
Key Takeaways
As more research emerges, the evidence suggests that inositol, CoQ10, and melatonin all play a role in egg quality and fertility, and they may even help support metabolic health, too.*
As you navigate life with PCOS, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. PCOS awareness is growing, and there are so many women in the community learning along with you. Lay your foundation with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits, and consider inositol, CoQ10, and melatonin for extra support if you’re trying to start a family.*
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