Women's Health

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Restore ovulation, lower androgens, and reverse insulin resistance — the metabolic root of PCOS — with inositol, spearmint, berberine, and targeted nutrient repletion.

Prevention

Key nutrients: Myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol (40:1 ratio), vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium, zinc, chromium, NAC, B-complex.

Eat regularly: Leafy greens, wild salmon, eggs, berries, cinnamon, flaxseed, sprouted nuts, fermented foods, cruciferous vegetables. Reduce sugar, refined carbs, dairy, and seed oils.

Strength training 3×/week, walking after meals, prioritize sleep, and manage stress — all directly lower androgens and improve insulin sensitivity.

Myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol (40:1)

OtherStrong evidence

2 g myo-inositol + 50 mg D-chiro-inositol 2×/day — restores ovulation, improves egg quality, and lowers androgens in PCOS (gold standard).

Spearmint tea

HerbStrong evidence

2 cups strong spearmint tea daily — clinically shown to reduce free testosterone and improve hirsutism over 30 days.

Berberine

HerbStrong evidence

500 mg 2–3× daily before meals — improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile; comparable to metformin in PCOS trials.

Vitex (chasteberry)

HerbModerate evidence

20–40 mg extract daily in the morning for 3+ months — normalizes prolactin and supports progesterone in the luteal phase.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine)

OtherStrong evidence

600 mg 3×/day — improves ovulation, egg quality, and insulin sensitivity in PCOS.

Cinnamon

HerbModerate evidence

1–2 g Ceylon cinnamon daily — improves menstrual regularity and insulin sensitivity over 6 months.

Vitamin D3

VitaminStrong evidence

2000–5000 IU/day to a serum level of 50–80 ng/mL — deficiency is near-universal in PCOS and worsens every aspect.

Saw palmetto

HerbModerate evidence

320 mg extract daily — blocks 5-alpha reductase, reducing hair loss and acne driven by DHT.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.