Many people first discover they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when they try unsuccessfully to conceive. PCOS ovulation can stop as your eggs may not mature, and so can’t be released either regularly or at all. And sadly, without an egg, there can be no conception and baby.
However, hope may be found in some wonderful natural supplements that can boost PCOS ovulation.
Let’s take a look…
Berberine
Berberine is extracted from several plants, including goldenseal, Oregon grape and European barberry. It can be used topically to prevent infection and may be useful in treating congestive heart failure. For treating PCOS fertility, though, it’s berberine’s antidiabetic properties and significant improvements in glucose tolerance that are of great interest, as insulin resistance is a significant cause of ovulatory dysfunction.
Some studies have shown that “berberine is an effective insulin sensitiser with comparable activity to metformin.” Studies of berberine as an adjunct to fertility treatment for PCOS indicate it works better than fertility treatment alone or fertility treatment combined with metformin. Berberine plus fertility treatments achieved a better therapeutic effect and had higher live birth rates than metformin. Berberine is generally considered to be safe with few side effects.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a plant related to the buttercup. Extracts from the roots of black cohosh are widely used to control the symptoms of menopause. But it’s not solely beneficial in this phase of life.
Research has shown there are improvements in hormone regulation and endometrial thickness when supplementing with black cohosh compared to taking clomiphene citrate (CC). Randomised controlled trial noted improved pregnancy rates when these two were combined: black cohosh plus CC.
Black cohosh may cause headaches and stomach upset. Its safety during pregnancy is unknown, so it is best to discontinue its use as soon as possible after conception.
Vitex Castus
I’ve saved the best until last!
I love Vitex Castus, or chasteberry. I have recommended this herb for years and helped many with PCOS to both better balance their hormones and increase their fertility.
This herb is commonly used to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and irregular menstrual cycles. It has also been used by natural healers to prevent miscarriages and to increase the production of breast milk.
Vitex acts primarily to increase the amount of progesterone in the body, but also affects other reproductive hormones. People with disrupted menstrual cycles often find they return to a normal cycle after taking vitex for several months.
Normalising the menstrual cycle increases the chances of ovulating normally and conceiving. Most studies on Vitex have not been conducted on women with PCOS per se, but on a heterogeneous group of women with disrupted menstrual cycles.
However, the review study Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/ amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings found that Vitex was effective at improving menstrual regularity, boosting fertility, and lowering the high levels of prolactin not uncommon in this syndrome.
As with any treatment, they work because they change our biology, so I always recommend seeking professional support. Saying that there are some wonderful, proven and natural ways to boost PCOS ovulation, and we can’t wait to hear your successes!
Had any experiences with these supplements? Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear!
From PCOS to perfect health, with love,
Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com
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