Best Supplements for PCOS & Hypothyroidism

Supplements offer a lot of benefits to women having PCOS & Hypothyroidism and aid in weight loss along with improving your overall health.

Have you been tired of not losing weight in-spite of eating healthy food, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle. There are many women, girls in the world suffering from both the Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hypothyroidism.  There is no cure for these yet.  But Symptoms can be manage and controlled by Supplements along with healthy Lifestyle.

I learnt the fact that a normal person would lose weight easily by eating healthy food and daily exercise but for a person with Hypothyroidism, PCOS , bad cholesterol this is not the case. Due to hormonal imbalance in the body, what we eat is not properly utilized by the body.

Supplements work the best in improving overall health along with making a lifestyle change including physical activity. 

Here are 10 reasons why you should take supplements daily:

• Apart from eating healthy, Supplements are a natural way to boost immune system and
  effective way to keep yourself healthy.
• Supplements in liquid, powder and tablets are easy for body to absorb and utilize.
• Supplements aids in keeping the hormones balanced.  They help to reduce acne, dark patches on
  skin.
• Do you think we get same amount of magnesium from banana compared to the banana
  that our great great grandmother ate?  Our food source isn’t as whole as it once was, and the consumption and requirement for fruits and veggies has doubled in the past years.
• Supplementation may help in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and may reduce high
  cholesterol.
• Most of the regular medications deplete essential nutrients from body and interfere
  with absorption of nutrients in body. Supplements help to restore balance.
• Supplementation helps to transport vitamins to the proper place in body and feed your muscles.
  It also helps with deficiencies in body. A common deficiency most women have is
  Vitamin D and low Haemoglobin.
• Supplements helps with regular menstrual cycles and improving symptoms during cycles. Supplements
  helps in fertility issue and aids in conceiving and getting pregnant.
• Supplementation provides anti-oxidants that we can’t get 100% from fruits and vegetable.
• Supplements help with calming down and relaxing the body by reducing Emotional stress and Oxidative
  stress.

In short, Supplementation along with healthy food and exercise are key to healthy and immune body.

In this blog post I have gathered all the Supplements that I have researched on and have tried, tested myself. As mention in my other blog post I have managed to lose weight with both of this hormonal disorders -PCOS and Hypothyroidism. I do take Supplements regularly depending on what works best for me and suits my body.

Supplements for PCOS and Hypothyroidism

Inositol

Many women with PCOS suffer from Insulin resistance, which is when your blood sugar levels are too high (fasting glucose and insulin), putting you at a very high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes and causing irregular cycles and infertility.

Most of the doctors prescribe Metformin to treat this kind of PCOS.  There are many and different side effects that come with prescription medications.  I was on Metformin for a decade and was suffering with many of these side effects.  Being tired of Metformin and its side effects, after long research I took the path of natural things.   Within few months of use of natural one, I was feeling the change in my body.  Not only I managed to lose weight but also, I found myself more energetic and observed lot of improvements in mood. That’s why I recommend Inositol, a vitamin-like substance found in fruits, beans, grains and nuts that helps detoxify your liver.

Inositol or Vitamin B8 is one of the best supplements for women with PCOS.   There are many studies that shows benefits of using Myo-Inositol with D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI).  Inositol helps to reduce sugar levels, regulate menstrual cycles, improve overall health of reproductive organs, prevent hirsutism, improve insulin resistance, improve triglyceride levels and may improve chances to lose weight. This is also called as Natural Metformin (without side effects of Metformin). Inositol also helps in metabolic issues like inflammation and hypertension.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex are considered as the building blocks of healthy body. Vitamin B complex is a supplement that contains all eight of the vitamins namely Vitamin B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (Riboflavin), B-3(Niacin), B-5 (Pantothenic acid), B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-7(Biotin), B-9 (Folic acid) and B-12(Cobalamin). Vitamin B Complex contributes to overall body function and have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Common signs of Vitamin B deficiency are tiredness, Confusion, Depression, Stomach issues, weak immune system, low energy levels.
For girls and women of any age, Vitamin B complex is very important and must be taken regularly. It is recommended to take either Vitamin B Complex in powder or Liquid formula as women with PCOS have slower metabolism with digestive issues. So the simpler form is easy to absorb by body.

Vitamin B Complex prevents chances of getting infections and majorly helps and support with

• growth of red blood cells
• healthy brain function
• good digestion
• improve energy levels
• improve eyesight
• lighten dark pigments on face or body parts
• nerve function
• cardiovascular health
• reduce zits, pimples and boils
• good hair health
• and many more..

Magnesium

Magnesium is the most important and critical supplement for PCOS as women with PCOS aren’t getting enough of it. Recent Study in the Journal of Gynecology and Endocrinology shows that Women with PCOS are 19 times more likely to have a Magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium reduce pain and inflammation, promote better sleep, and relieve PMS Symptoms.  Women with PCOS often suffers from depression, anxiety and Insomnia.  The biggest benefits of magnesium for women with PCOS may be its ability to reduce anxiety and reduce blood pressure and insulin. Having low levels of magnesium is believed to be an underlying cause of Anxiety, Insomnia and Osteoporosis.

Check for Signs to find out if you may have a Magnesium Deficiency

Every woman with PCOS is different, but these are some common symptoms in those with low levels of magnesium:

• Irregular or Painful menstrual periods or severe PMS symptoms
• Difficulty falling sleep, difficulty staying asleep, difficulty getting deep sleep.
• Brittle bones and development of stones
• Memory issues, forgetting things, difficulty focusing, problems maintaining attention
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Intense cravings for sweets, especially chocolate or ice cream
• Muscle cramping or frequent pain
• Frequent headaches
• Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, anger, or irritability
• High blood pressure
• Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
• Low energy levels or chronically fatigued

Magnesium is a critical supplement for PCOS. Magnesium can help women to reduce the metabolic syndromes like inflammation, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance, which is  a key cause of PCOS.  Taking magnesium can help reduce these risks while also improving energy, mood, hormone balance, bowel regularity, and more.  Magnesium Supplement is beneficial for overall women health.

Cellular magnesium deficiency can result in fatigue and low energy; inability to sleep; muscle tension, spasms and cramps; anxiousness and nervousness; headaches; constipation and abnormal heart rhythms.. I recommend Natural Calm Magnesium-Calcium Drink, as it is a fruity, effervescent drink that have magnesium in highly absorbable, quick acting form that promotes healthy magnesium levels in body and balances calcium intake that helps you to feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 known as Sunshine vitamin is naturally synthesized when skin is exposed to sunlight. But the modern day lifestyle does not allow us to get the amount our body need for healthy functioning.

Most women in the world are deficient in Vitamin D3.  A study in “European Journal of Endocrinology” shows that 70-85% of women with PCOS have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels are lowest in the women with more severe complications associated with PCOS, such as insulin resistance and difficulty losing weight.

Vitamin D3 is common name for Cholecalciferol and is one form of Vitamin D that is a fat-soluble vitamin whose main role in body is to promote absorption of Calcium from intestines.  Girls and Women who have low level of Vitamin D are more likely to have insulin resistance and obesity.  Vitamin D3 supports the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, supports a healthy immune system and supports cardiovascular function and calcium absorption.

It is recommended for Women in their 30s to begin thinking about preventing future disease such as thinning of bones, osteoporosis and Obesity. Vitamin D3 is most recommended vitamin for Women to prevent and reduce the signs of aging, be youthful and boost immunity.

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is common name for Menaquinone (MK-7) is a more absorbable form of Vitamin K found in certain fermented foods and supplements.  
Vitamin D3 does absorption of Calcium from intestines and transporting calcium into bones is done with the help of K2. Vitamin K2 (as MK-7) directs the calcium to your bones instead of soft tissues, heart tissue where too much calcium could be problematic.

Vitamin K2 is an essential vitamin that many people never hear of.  Vitamin K2 is a group of compounds largely obtained from meats, cheeses, and eggs, foods that are synthesized by bacteria like fermented pickles, fermented vegetables.  Vitamin K1 is obtained from leafy greens and some other vegetables.  Vitamin K2 act as a guide in the body helping in showing directions to other vitamins to reach proper place. 

For years we have been taking Calcium and other vitamins.  And few people suffer from stones as calcium get deposited in place where it should not stay.  Vitamin K2 acts a Signal guide in body. It helps other vitamins and minerals to reach the destination place in the body.
It is recommended to go with Perfect pair of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 supplement. D3 helps your body absorb the all-important calcium, and Vitamin K2 (as MK-7) directs the calcium to your bones instead of your joints and arteries.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace element, which is vital for normal growth, development of the body, repair damage cells and support healthy metabolism. It is an essential mineral commonly found in seafood, seaweed.  People who live in countries where soil is deficit of Iodine, Pregnant women and People who follows vegan or Vegetarian diet are at most risk of having iodine deficiency.

Iodine is needed to make the thyroid hormones.  Low levels of thyroid are cause of abnormal weight gain, slow or sluggish metabolism, hair loss, dry flaky skin, difficulty remembering things and many more. In short, Iodine deficiency is the main reason for developing Hypothyroidism. 

Check for Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

A deficiency of iodine can have serious effects on the body.  Below are the few symptoms of Iodine deficiency.

• Feeling cold than usual
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Abnormal weight gain or Inability to lose weight
• Hair loss
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Inability to Conceive
• Depression and frustration
• Mental fogginess
• Difficulty learning and remembering things
• Fibrocystic Breast
• Goiter
• Coarse dry Skin

If you are on thyroid medication, you can consult your doctor for starting with natural source of Iodine. I personally take and recommend J. Crow’s Lugol’s Iodine solution.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is known as a Liver Cleansing Herb and is an important supplement if you suffer from PCOS. This is because many menstrual problems and infertility concerns are made worse because of the backup of hormones within the liver. Milk Thistle will keep your liver working efficiently and will help eliminate toxins and compounds that the body does not require.

Studies shows that Milk Thistle may also provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels and improving symptoms for people who have type 2 diabetes or risk of developing it. You can get Milk Thistle in tablet form or in a liquid extract form which can be added to plain water or to smoothies and consumed.

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Fish oil is important because it contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Omega-3’s are great for reducing inflammation, reducing insulin resistance, and improve risk factors for heart disease.  Omega 3 fish oils have many benefits to women with PCOS, including reducing depression, reducing testosterone levels and helping to regulate menstrual cycles.  Research shows that supplementing with 1200 mg of Omega-3’s a day can be beneficial for women with PCOS. I use and recommend Omega-3 Wild Alaskan Fish oil that is Non GMO and gluten-free.

Vitex (Chaste tree Berry)

Also known as Chasteberry or Vitex Agnus-Castus have been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for female fertility and hormonal health.  It is powerful for women with PCOS who have low progesterone levels, as Vitex raises LH (luteinizing hormone) levels, which increases progesterone levels and suppresses prolactin levels, resulting in increased ovulatory cycles.  Vitex can actually worsen PCOS for some because their LH levels are already high.  If you have PCOS with normal LH levels and high prolactin levels, you might consider using Vitex.  Choose good brand, I recommend Gaia Vitex and give it a try for at least 3 months to see impact on your cycles.

Supplements works in great way when followed with Healthy lifestyle and are the most natural remedies. Along with the supplements one can try the herbs and various spices as Natural Remedies that helps with hormonal imbalance issues. There are important tips that I have gathered based on my experience and manage to lose weight with PCOS and Hypothyroidism. Do give a read “Weight Loss Tips for PCOS & Hypothyroidism”.

Look and search for your Supplements and start adding them in your daily routine depending on the need one at a time.  Give your body a chance to adjust. Observe how you feel.  Don’t overdo it by throwing more at one time. Track your progress and watch your body change for the better! You are the best judge of your body.

I believe that you can, by taking some simple and inexpensive measures, lead a longer life and extend your years of well-being. My most important recommendation is that you take vitamins every day in optimum amounts to supplement the vitamins that you receive in your food.

Linus Pauling

Stay Healthy and Happy.

Disclaimer: The items listed in this post have affiliate links, that means I will earn a little tiny commission if you purchase through these links. This has no extra cost to you.  Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them, and they are from companies I trust.

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