Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Top Ingredients for Ovarian Wellness

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as hyperandrogenic anovulation (HA) or Stein–Leventhal syndrome, is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. (3)(10) It is estimated that PCOS affects 4-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, (3)(6) placing a significant burden on the healthcare system. In the United States, PCOS affects approximately five million women, and the cost of screening and treating PCOS-related conditions is an estimated four billion dollars annually. (3)(12)

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder that involves excess androgen (hyperandrogenism), menstrual irregularity, and/or polycystic ovaries. (3)(12) PCOS is typically characterized by high circulating levels of certain hormones (e.g., testosterone, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone), as well as 12 or more follicles between 2-9mm in diameter in each ovary and/or an ovarian volume exceeding 10ml. (3)

The clinical presentation of PCOS may vary, however the Rotterdam criteria, one set of guidelines for PCOS diagnosis, divides the condition into the following four phenotypes:

• Frank or classic polycystic ovary PCOS: characterized by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation, and poor metabolic and cardiovascular risk factor profiles (e.g., insulin resistance, lipid profile) compared to non-classic phenotype
• Classic non-polycystic ovary PCOS: characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, but ovaries are normal/non-polycystic
• Non-classic ovulatory PCOS: characterized by hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries, but menstrual cycles are regular
• Non-classic mild or normoandrogenic PCOS: characterized by chronic anovulation and polycystic ovaries, but androgens are normal (3)

The table below provides an overview of the clinical presentation of the four PCOS phenotypes.

Signs, symptoms, and comorbidities

PCOS typically presents with a variety of symptoms associated with excess androgen and menstrual dysfunction, (3) including:

• Acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches on the skin)
• Acne
• Alopecia and androgenetic alopecia (hair loss)
• Anovulation
• Amenorrhea
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and back)
• Oligomenorrhea
• Pelvic pain (10)(3)(12)
• Skin tags

PCOS symptoms often differ by age; young women typically present with reproductive and psychological problems, while older women predominantly experience metabolic symptoms. (3)

• Cancer (e.g., endometrial)
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Dyslipidemia
• Fatty liver
• Infertility or subfertility
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Obesity
• Psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse, disordered eating, psychosexual dysfunction)
• Sleep apnea
• Type II diabetes (3)(6)(12)(10)

PCOS causes and risk factors

PCOS involves dysfunctions in ovarian function, insulin metabolism, and hypothalamic-pituitary axis function. While the cause of PCOS is unknown, the condition is believed to develop as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. (6)(12) Some identified risk factors include:

• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Family history
• Inactivity, sedentary lifestyle
• Infectious agents and toxins
• Obesity
• Poor dietary choices (6)(12)

View Fullscript’s PCOS handout for more information.

Ingredients for PCOS

PCOS treatment typically involves the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team and a combination of lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise) and pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., insulin-sensitizing agents). Commonly prescribed medications include metformin, thiazolidinediones, and spironolactone. (3) Certain dietary supplements have also been shown to be effective in supporting the treatment of PCOS.

Berberine

Berberine is the primary active component of several medicinal herbs, including Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), Phellodendron amurense (Amur corktree), and Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal). (10)(12) Berberine has been used traditionally in the treatment of a number of conditions, including gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., diarrhea), metabolic conditions, and infertility. Recently, berberine has been used to enhance the effectiveness of certain medications, namely cyproterone acetate (CPA), clomiphene (CC), and letrozole (LET).

Berberine supplementation has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. (10)(14) Further research has demonstrated the effectiveness of berberine supplementation in reducing some of the negative effects of PCOS, including total testosterone, free androgen index, fasting glucose, and insulin. (1)(15)

D-chiro-inositol and myo-inositol

An important component of cell membranes, D-chiro-inositol (DCI), and myo-inositol (MI) are the two most abundant inositols of the inositol stereoisomer family. MI and DCI are found abundantly in nature, particularly in fruit and beans. The effectiveness of MI and DCI in PCOS is believed to be attributed to their role in ovarian function and in maintaining normal levels of hormones, such as insulin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Imbalances or deficiencies in MI and DCI have been shown to contribute to PCOS. Therefore, correcting these imbalances through supplementation may help address the features and symptoms of the condition. (9)

Research has demonstrated that DCI may improve acne, menstrual cycle regularity, and insulin resistance in young PCOS patients. (5) DCI supplementation also demonstrated effectiveness in improving ovarian function and metabolism in patients with PCOS. (13) A meta-analysis demonstrated that MI improves the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance and increases E2 (estradiol) levels. These results suggest that MI may be beneficial for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance and may help improve symptoms associated with decreased estrogen. (16) MI has also been shown to significantly decrease serum total testosterone, modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mF-G) scores, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (7)

Chromium picolinate

Chromium is a trace mineral found in small amounts in a wide variety of dietary sources, including meat, whole grains, and some vegetables, fruit, and spices. Unfortunately, dietary intake of chromium is difficult to determine as it is significantly affected by agricultural and manufacturing processes. Chromium is found in two primary forms, biologically active trivalent chromium found naturally in food and toxic hexavalent chromium, a bi-product of industrial pollution. (11) Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) can also be obtained in various supplemental forms, the most popular being chromium picolinate which contains 12.4% elemental trivalent chromium. (2) Chromium has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, (8) BMI, testosterone concentrations, cardiometabolic risk factors, and oxidative stress in cases of PCOS. (4)

The bottom line

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder commonly treated with lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions. Research has shown that certain dietary supplements, including berberine, D-chiro-inositol, myo-inositol, and chromium, may be beneficial for individuals with PCOS. A protocol using natural supplements can be used therapeutically on its own or as an adjunct to existing treatment. If you’re a patient, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to find out if these supplements are right for your wellness plan.

If you’re a practitioner, view our ovarian wellness protocol.