Several nutrients and supplements have been linked to improved female reproductive and mental health.  

Recently, inositol (also known as vitamin B8, though it isn’t technically a vitamin) has been gaining traction as an effective PCOS-management supplement. Inositol is a sugar that is made in the body and can also be found in some foods. It may help to balance chemicals that influence both your blood sugar and your fertility. Inositol also affects your metabolism.

When taken in safe and correct doses, it’s possible that inositol might help to restore ovulation in some women who are having missed periods. If you’re keen to give it a try, Nature’s Truth Inositol Complex could be the supplement for you – but remember, always talk to your GP before starting a new supplement regimen.  

In the B family, vitamin B6 may also be helpful, as deficiencies have been linked to hormonal imbalances – a key trigger for PCOS. 

If you’re looking for a fully rounded supplement to support with PCOS, try Levagen+ Ova. It contains vitamin B6, inositol and folic acid (which has been linked with a greater chance of becoming pregnant), for fully rounded support.  

Levagan+ (made from palmitoylethanolamide or PEA) is a natural pain-relief ingredient that can also help to reduce stress and lower inflammation.  

Can lifestyle changes help with PCOS?

Lifestyle elements can also contribute to PCOS – meaning positive changes can help to manage symptoms. 

In women who are classed as overweight, the symptoms of PCOS can be greatly improved by losing excess weight, according to the NHS. It says that weight loss of even 5% can lead to a significant improvement in PCOS.

Exercising regularly will help with any weight-loss goals, and lack of physical activity is also thought to be a potential contributing factor to insulin resistance – which has been linked to developing PCOS. 

Diet can also play a role, thanks to the link with insulin resistance – those affected can produce insulin (the hormone that allows sugars from carbohydrates to be used as energy), but it may not be utilised as effectively. Hence, stabilising your blood sugar levels might help. Eating healthy, fibre-rich whole foods at regular intervals is a good place to start, while avoiding high-sugar snacks is advised. 

Before embarking on any drastic lifestyle changes, speak to your doctor for guidance on how to safely reach your goals. 

Can surgery help with PCOS?

Surgery won’t be the recommended course of action for most women with PCOS. But some women with PCOS are candidates for a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling. This is where heat or a laser is used to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that are producing androgens (sex hormones such as testosterone, typically found in higher levels in men). 

The most important thing, if you think you might have PCOS, is to seek medical advice from your GP, so you can get the support you need.

Shop Nature’s Truth Levagan+ collection here.