Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to experience irregular periods and other symptoms. But can magnesium help women with PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disease that usually affects women of reproductive age. Irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, and weight gain are some of the problems women with PCOS face. Magnesium, an important mineral, is often associated with PCOS. It is thought that magnesium may help women with PCOS, which is characterized by reproductive hormone imbalance.
What is PCOS?
PCOS, short for polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that particularly affects people who have ovaries during their reproductive years, says gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Rijafin R. This involves an imbalance of hormones, especially androgens (such as testosterone) and insulin. Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin, which can lead to increased levels of insulin in the blood. This stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, which can interfere with the normal ovulation process.
The exact cause of PCOS is not completely understood, but it is thought to be due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the onset or worsening of PCOS symptoms, experts say. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Irregular menstruation
- acne
- oily skin
- infertility problems
- weight gain
Are women with PCOS deficient in magnesium?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that women with PCOS are generally deficient in magnesium. However, in some women, several factors associated with PCOS may contribute to deficiencies in various nutrients, including magnesium. Here’s why women with PCOS are at risk for magnesium deficiency.
1. Insulin resistance and metabolic disorders
Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which can lead to impaired glucose metabolism and changes in mineral metabolism. These can affect magnesium levels in the body.
2. Dietary factors
Women with PCOS may have a dietary pattern that is low in magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium is found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. If PCOS patients do not consume adequate amounts of these foods, they may be at risk for magnesium deficiency.
3. Increased stress levels
Stress is a common factor in the lives of many women with PCOS, and experts say chronic stress can deplete magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium plays a role in regulating the body’s stress response, and prolonged stress increases urinary excretion of magnesium, which can contribute to deficiency.
4. Drug use
Some medications commonly used to manage PCOS symptoms, such as oral contraceptives and certain insulin resistance medications, may interfere with magnesium absorption or increase magnesium excretion from the body. There is likely to be.
5. Gastrointestinal problems
Gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation are more common in women with PCOS. These conditions impair the absorption of nutrients such as magnesium, which can lead to deficiencies over time.
Should women with PCOS take magnesium?
Studies have reported conflicting results regarding the relationship between PCOS and magnesium. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Gynecology and Endocrinology found that women who are deficient in magnesium are 19 times more likely to suffer from this condition. However, in a 2023 study published in Health Science Reports, researchers found that a single dose of magnesium supplementation had no beneficial effect on symptoms in women with polycystic disease.
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Still, women with PCOS may benefit from magnesium, as it plays a potential role in managing symptoms and supporting overall health. Here are six health benefits of magnesium for women with PCOS:
1. Insulin sensitivity
Magnesium plays an important role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, and magnesium may help improve insulin sensitivity, says Dr. Rijafin. It may reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, a common complication associated with PCOS.
2. Hormone balance
Magnesium influences the production and activity of various hormones such as insulin, estrogen, and progesterone, contributing to hormonal balance. Eating magnesium-rich foods may help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as menstrual irregularities and acne, which are common in women with PCOS.
3. Stress management
Magnesium plays a role in the body’s stress response and helps regulate the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Women with PCOS often feel stressed due to issues related to their condition. Magnesium may reduce the effects of stress and promote relaxation and overall health.
4. Strengthens bone health
Magnesium plays an important role in bone formation and is therefore essential for maintaining bone health. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of osteoporosis, a disease characterized by weakened bones and increased risk of fractures, especially due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
There are foods rich in magnesium, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and you can also take magnesium supplements. However, consult your doctor before taking it.
