DHA Improves PCOS

PCOS is a problem facing many women wherein too much androgen/testosterone is causing ovarian malfunction, acne, and facial hair growth. While part of this problem is caused by leptin and insulin resistance, the high androgen/testosterone profile is its own problem and increases the risk for a type of breast cancer later in life. Additionally, many women can have a high androgen/testosterone profile without full blown PCOS, typically reflected in a history of struggles with acne (and likely elevated testosterone via lab tests).  A new study shows that omega 3 fish oil¹ (of which DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. is the primary anti-inflammatory oil) can lower testosterone and improve PCOS.

The researchers found that it was the ratio of omega 6 vegetable oils to omega 3 fatty acids that was the most important variable. This means women with acne or PCOS should reduce intake of potato chips, corn chips, vegetable oil salad dressings, and packaged/processed grain products, crackers, and bread that have added vegetable oils. They should increase intake of DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement., also use olive oil (an omega 9) and eat saturated fat in appropriate amounts.

This new study supports earlier findings. In women with the overweight/obese version of PCOS supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids² (DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement.) reduced fatty liver, lowered triglycerides, and lowered blood pressure.  An earlier review points out the importance of eating in an anti-inflammatory manner³ which involves higher fiber intake, omega 3 fatty acids (DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement.), omega 9 fatty acids (olive oil), and other anti-inflammatory cofactors (this study recommended vitamin E and red wine). There are many nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties and certainly the tocotrienol Specialized form of vitamin E. Powerful antioxidant showing positive benefits for cholesterol, cardiovascular, neurological health and cancer risk reduction. form of vitamin E, grape seed extract, and resveratrol Natural phenol or type of antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine. Research has shown beneficial effects as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents along with supporting healthy blood sugar and cardiovasculature function. would be top choices.

The important point in all these studies is that various dietary components can favorably tip a person with PCOS into a more anti-inflammatory pattern, which quite interestingly lowers the output of abnormal testosterone. This has many cosmetic as well as health advantages.