As women with PCOS transition through menopause, managing symptoms like insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormonal imbalances becomes increasingly important. While a holistic approach—including diet, exercise, and stress management—is crucial, certain supplements have been shown to provide therapeutic benefits during this stage of life. Below are some evidence-based supplements that can support women with PCOS during menopause.
1. Inositol (Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol)
Inositol is known for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and restore ovulatory function in women with PCOS. For those entering menopause, it continues to be valuable in managing insulin resistance, which is often exacerbated during this life stage. Studies have demonstrated that myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity and can also help manage weight gain and mood disorders associated with menopause【Nordio & Proietti, 2012, 2020】.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 supplements, particularly from fish oil, are essential for reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. This is especially important for women experiencing both PCOS and menopause, as they are at higher risk for cardiovascular issues. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall metabolic and cardiovascular health【Zeng et al., 2021】.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS, and levels often drop further during menopause. Vitamin D helps improve insulin sensitivity, balances reproductive hormones, and supports bone health, which becomes critical post-menopause. Studies suggest that Vitamin D plays a significant role in supporting insulin sensitivity and maintaining bone density during menopause【He et al., 2015】.
4. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress. For women with PCOS transitioning through menopause, NAC also supports cellular health, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall metabolic function. NAC has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation in both PCOS and menopause【Fulghesu et al., 2002】【Garg et al., 2017】.
5. Probiotics
Gut health plays a vital role in managing both PCOS and menopause symptoms. Probiotics can help enhance gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, providing multifaceted support for women dealing with hormonal and metabolic changes. Probiotics have been shown to positively impact gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic markers【Ahmadi et al., 2017】.
6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function and improves insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and ovarian function. These benefits extend into menopause, where energy levels and metabolic health can decline. CoQ10 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism in women with PCOS and during menopause【Samimi et al., 2017】.
7. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, but it may also benefit women with PCOS by helping to balance hormones. It can reduce androgen levels and improve ovulation in pre-menopausal women while alleviating vasomotor symptoms during menopause. Studies suggest black cohosh helps reduce hot flashes and balances hormone levels during menopause【Shahnazi et al., 2013】.
8. Berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid found in plants like Berberis. It's highly effective at improving insulin sensitivity, reducing androgen levels, and promoting weight loss in women with PCOS. For women transitioning into menopause, berberine continues to support metabolic health and weight management. Berberine has been found to be as effective as metformin in improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health【Wei et al., 2012】.
9. Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for regulating insulin and glucose levels, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep quality. It plays a significant role in calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality—key concerns for women during menopause. Magnesium supplementation has been linked to reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and better insulin regulation【Rondanelli et al., 2020】.
Conclusion
The transition from PCOS to menopause presents unique challenges, but with the right supplements, many symptoms can be managed effectively. From improving insulin sensitivity to reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, these supplements provide evidence-based solutions for women at this crucial stage of life.
References
1. Nordio, M., & Proietti, E. (2012). The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation alone. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 16(5), 575-581
2. Nordio M, Proietti E. The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in postmenopausal women with PCOS. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2020;36(12):1050-1054. doi:10.1080/09513590.2020.1776830
3. Zeng C, Zhong P, Xiao X, Zhang X, Zhou Q. The impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2021;19(1):97. doi:10.1186/s12958-021-00786-2
4. Irani M, Merhi Z. Role of vitamin D in ovarian physiology and its implications in reproduction: a systematic review. Fertil Steril. 2014;102(2):460-468. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.046
5. Wehr E, Pilz S, Schweighofer N, et al. Association of hypovitaminosis D with metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2009;161(4):575-582. doi:10.1530/EJE-09-0432
6. Guerrero-Romero F, Rodríguez-Morán M. Magnesium improves the beta-cell function to compensate variation of insulin sensitivity: double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Eur J Clin Invest. 2011;41(4):405-410. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02422.x
7. Garg D, Tal R, Seifer DB, Cho M, Tal O. N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2017;72(11):743-753. doi:10.1097/OGX.0000000000000506
8. Ahmadi S, Jamilian M, Maktabi M, et al. Effects of synbiotic supplementation on metabolic parameters and reproductive hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Ovarian Res. 2017;10(1):63. doi:10.1186/s13048-017-0365-z
9. Samimi M, Zare Z, Izadi A, et al. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;86(4):560-566. doi:10.1111/cen.13387
10. Shahnazi, M., Nahaee, J., Sarsangi, V., Keshavarz, M., & Abadi, A. (2013). Effects of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) on the menopausal symptoms and its adverse effects. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association, 14(3), 152-155.
11. Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, F., Meng, X., ... & Li, Y. (2012). A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. European Journal of Endocrinology, 166(1), 99-105.
12. Rondanelli, M., Faliva, M. A., Miccono, A., Naso, M., Nichetti, M., Riva, A., & Peroni, G. (2020). Update on the role of magnesium in the prevention and therapy of insulin resistance syndrome. Nutrients, 12(3), 672.
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