The powerful lignans—plant compounds that have both
estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties—in flaxseed may help reduce androgen
levels in PCOS women. Flaxseed consumption have been shown to stimulate sex
hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) synthesis. Changes in SHBG concentration result
in relatively large changes in the amount of free and bound hormones.
In a 2007 study, daily flaxseed supplementation
reduced androgen levels and hirsutism in PCOS patients, leading researchers to
conclude, “The clinically-significant decrease in androgen levels with a
concomitant reduction in hirsutism reported in this case study demonstrates a
need for further research of flaxseed supplementation on hormonal levels and
clinical symptoms of PCOS.”.
Cinnamon
Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
have been studying the effect of cinnamon on blood glucose for over a decade,
leading to several interesting discoveries, including that of unique compounds
in cinnamon bark that in laboratory studies produce a 20-fold increase sugar
metabolism (Broadhurst 2000, Cao 2010). According to one government expert, “These polyphenolic polymers found in cinnamon may function as
antioxidants, potentiate insulin action, and may be beneficial in the control
of glucose intolerance and diabetes.” .
In a 2003 study, 60 diabetics taking 1, 3, or 6
grams/day of ground cinnamon for 40 days lowered their fasting serum glucose by
18% to 29%; triglycerides by 23% to 30%; LDL cholesterol by 7% to 27%; and
total cholesterol by 12% to 26% (Khan 2003).
A 2007 study by researchers at Columbia University
found that cinnamon reduced insulin resistance in fifteen women with PCOS. In
the study, the women were divided into two groups: one group took cinnamon
extract while the other group took a placebo. After 8 weeks, the cinnamon group
showed significant reductions in insulin resistance while the placebo group did
not. The authors did point out that, "A larger trial is needed to confirm the findings of this
pilot study and to evaluate the effect of cinnamon extract on menstrual
cyclicity."
Licorice Root
A 2004 study by Italian researchers investigated the
effect of licorice on androgen metabolism in nine healthy 22-26 year old women
in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle and found that licorice reduces
serum testosterone. The authors suggested that licorice could be considered an
“adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome." This study
was the first to follow up on earlier trials, which found that an herbal
formula containing licorice reduced testosterone secretion in women with
polycystic ovary syndrome .
Spironolactone (Aldactone), an antagonist of
mineralocorticoid and androgen receptors, is used as a primary medical
treatment for hirsutism and female pattern hair loss. It is also associated
with several side effects related to the diuretic activity of spironolactone.
Interestingly, licorice was shown in a study of women with PCOS to counteract
the side effects of spironolactone when the two were used in combination .
Green Tea:
(epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG)
Green tea may be of benefit to women with PCOS. Green
tea is known to have positive effects on glucose metabolism ,In both human and
animal studies, green tea has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity .
Animal research suggests that green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may
help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and slow its progression . A clinical
study from Japan found that daily supplementation of green tea extract lowered
the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in individuals with borderline diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c is a form of hemoglobin that is used to help identify plasma
glucose concentration over a period of time.
Green tea also is thought to lower TNF-alpha .
TNF-alpha or tumor necrosis factor is involved with systemic inflammation.
Green tea is a potent antioxidant and, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that
just 90 mg of EGCG before each meal increased the body’s 24-hour metabolism
rate by 4% and the metabolism of fat by an impressive 40% .
Spearmint
A recent study by British researchers published in the
journal Phytotherapy Research found a
positive link between spearmint tea consumption and a reduction in hirsutism in
PCOS women. In the study, 42 women were divided into two groups: one that took
spearmint tea twice a day for a 1-month period and the other a placebo herbal
tea. The spearmint tea group showed significant decreases in free and total
testosterone levels and an increase in LH and FSH, leading the researchers to
conclude that “spearmint (tea) has the potential for use as a helpful and
natural treatment for hirsutism in PCOS.” .
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto inhibits the activity of an enzyme,
5-alpha reductase, thereby reducing the conversion of testosterone to
dihydrotestosterone, the more androgenic form of male hormone. This may have
implications for reducing acne, excess facial and body hair, as well as male
pattern hair loss. Oral administered saw palmetto has been studied as part of a
formula that slowed hair loss and improved hair density in patients with
testosterone related hair loss .
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Life Style and Diet
Changes Recommendation
For women with polycystic ovary syndrome, daily
physical activity and participation in a regular exercise regimen are
essential for treating or preventing insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar
levels and for helping weight-control efforts.
Since a majority of PCOS women are obese, and
insulin resistance plays a critical role in the development of PCOS, a diet
that is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting
phytonutrients, and low in saturated fatty acids may reduce certain risk
factors and improve overall well-being.
Additional research may determine which specific
dietary approach is best for PCOS, but it is clear that losing
weight by reducing total caloric intake benefits the overall health of women
with polycystic ovary syndrome.
A clinical study, short-term treatment of obese PCOS
women on a ultra low calorie diet (350-450 kcal per day) decreased androgen
signaling and reduced serum insulin .
A study by Italian researchers concluded that
comprehensive dietary change designed to lower insulin resulted in a
significant decrease in testosterone, body weight, waist/hip ratio, total
cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin .
Diets high in monounsaturated fats have been shown
to increase insulin sensitivity and lower the overall glycemic index. High
fiber foods are slowly absorbed, causing less insulin to be released. High
fiber diets increase SHBG, which binds to and lowers free testosterone.
Fibers also can lower PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor, a glycosylated
protein that plays a significant role in metabolic syndrome) as well as
cholesterol and blood lipids .
A study reported that just a moderate reduction in
dietary carbohydrates reduced fasting and post-challenge insulin
concentrations among women with PCOS, improving reproductive/endocrine
outcomes . Echoed a 2005 report, "On
the balance of evidence to date, a diet low in saturated fat and high in
fiber from predominantly low-glycemic-index-carbohydrate foods is recommended
[in the dietary management of PCOS]" .
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