5 Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss

Women who struggle with PCOS know just how hard it can be to lose weight. These are my top 5 best supplements for PCOS weight loss.

There are a number of hormone challenges associated with PCOS including insulin resistance, estrogen dominance, low progesterone, high testosterone, (high androgens) and cortisol dysregulation. This hormonal chaos is what makes it so challenging for women with PCOS to lose weight.

The best supplement for PCOS weight loss is going to be a supplement that supports you to resolve your personal underlying drivers of stubborn weight gain. In addition to supplements, it is essential to optimise your diet and nutrition while addressing the other drivers of PCOS.

Working with a naturopath can support you in uncovering and resolving your unique drivers which will allow you to resolve the symptoms associated with PCOS including stubborn weight gain.

Please understand, this article is not medical advice or a replacement for professional support.

1. Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss: Inositol

Inositol is a sugar made in the body often referred to as vitamin B8. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are two forms on inositol that are commonly used as supplements for PCOS.

These “inositols can reduce insulin resistance, improve ovarian function, and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.” (1)

“Myo-inositol has been found to improve the number of good quality oocytes (immature ovum/eggs), clinical pregnancies, and delivery rates in overweight women with PCOS. Thus, it modulates the reproductive axis in a beneficial manner. In all these trials, a daily dose of 2 g myo-inositol was used over an observation period of 3–6 months. The biochemical, endocrine, and clinical benefits of myo-inositol were thought to be due to its insulin-sensitising action.” (1)

“Combination inositol therapy (Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) has the potential to improve all symptoms, signs, and laboratory anomalies of PCOS.” (1)

“Myo-inositol administration improves endocrine parameters and insulin sensitivity. It may be considered as a first-line option in PCOS patients with insulin resistance without prediabetes or diabetes.” (3)

Inositols positive impact on insulin resistance can support weight loss when used in combination with the right diet and lifestyle strategies. Inositol can help to reduce cravings for carbs and sweets while also supporting appropriate hunger signals. It is a supplement I consider for every PCOS and insulin resistant client.

2. Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss: Magnesium

Stress is a common driver of PCOS. Magnesium can quickly become depleted when we are exposed to high levels of stress or prolonged periods of stress. Magnesium can help to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety and support sleep.

Addressing the drivers of stress and your resilience to stress is important for weight loss. Learn more here: Stress, Cortisol and Weight Gain

3. Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss: Zinc

“In women with PCOS, zinc supplementation has a positive effect on many parameters, especially those related to insulin resistance and lipid balance.” (2) Addressing and resolving insulin resistance must be a high priority for anyone wanting to release, stubborn, unwanted weight.

4. Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss: White Peony & Licorice Root

White peony and licorice are herbal remedies known to assist with PCOS management. They function by balancing the ratio of LH and FSH hormones produced by the pituitary gland. These herbs can aid in reducing inflammation, regulating ovulation, lowering testosterone levels, and alleviating symptoms such as hair loss.

When used together, white peony and licorice are also effective for adrenal PCOS, as they can decrease DHEA-S levels and promote healthy cortisol levels.

Regulating ovulation is important for progesterone production. This helps to bring the progesterone and estrogen ratio into balance. Failure to ovulate regularly can cause low progesterone levels leaving us estrogen dominant. This may mean estrogen levels are elevated beyond the healthy range or estrogen levels may be normal but “dominating” progesterone which still leaves us with the unwanted symptoms of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance can lead to stubborn weight gain especially around the buttocks, hips and thighs.

A high fibre diet and optimal gut and liver health can also support optimal estrogen clearance. Herbs like milk thistle, dandelion and globe artichoke can support estrogen clearance if levels are elevated beyond the healthy range.

5. Best Supplements for PCOS Weight Loss: Berberine

Berberine is a compound found in various plants, including barberry and golden seal. It aids in balancing blood sugar, supporting gut health, promoting weight loss, lowering androgen levels, reducing acne, decreasing facial and body hair growth, and regulating menstrual cycles. In two recent studies, berberine surpassed metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for PCOS, in effectiveness.

One study showed “berberine may have greater potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease than metformin in PCOS patients due to its effect on body composition, lipid profile, and improvement in hormone status.” (3)

Like most supplements, berberine isn’t suitable for everyone. It can interact with certain medications and shouldn’t be used long-term. It’s crucial to use berberine under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

Summary

Addressing and resolving the underlying cause of the hormone imbalances associated with PCOS is key.

Achieving hormonal harmony will support you to manage unwanted symptoms while you work towards your weight loss goals.

Supplements can help to manage hormone related symptoms and best results are achieved when supplements are using in conjunction with the right diet and lifestyle changes for you.

If you are looking for support to manage the symptoms associated with PCOS including stubborn weight gain, irregular periods, acne and insulin resistance, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. Work with me! Book a consultation in person (Evandale, SA) or AUS + NZ wide online via Zoom

2. Listen to the Holistic Weight Loss Podcast

3. Connect with me on Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040057/
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468694/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35251851/