So this is one of the most frequent questions I get asked. “I am not ovulating, what supplement can I take?”
In choosing supplements, you first have to understand why you are not ovulating. There are several reasons and I talked about it in a previous post: 13 reasons for not ovulating. You can read it here
Once you are able to find the root cause of anovulation, only then can you begin to consider supplements. What works for Madam A may not work for Madam B. So there are a few things to consider.
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Here are some important points to note:
1. If you are trying to conceive, consider a prenatal supplement with all the extra vitamins in addition to what I’ll be listing
2. Supplements are for support. It is not the foundation for a healthy cycle. You still need to exercise, manage your stress and eat healthy for good and lasting results.
3. Lastly, a disclaimer. This article only suggests based on my experience using some of these supplements myself and for some of my clients with whom I have gotten results. Always consult with your doctor or a health professional!
1. Vitex/Chasteberry
This is one of the most common supplements. It works very well. Personally I've used it and had my cycle move from 35, 37 days to about 30 days. It works like magic. If you are having very long cycles, it is very likely that you are not ovulating. Vitex helps to increase the production of reproductive hormones; essentially it facilitates the communication between your brain and ovaries. It is a herb, natural but can take as long as 3-6 months before you begin to see changes. You will need to exercise patience.
It is not advised if:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- undergoing IVF because it can cause overstimulation of the ovaries.
- you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) because it increases the luteinizing hormone (LH). Most women with PCOS already have high levels of LH. It may not be best for you. What then can you use if you have PCOS?
2. Inositol
It is believed that most women with PCOS are insulin resistant. The ideal way your body works is, you eat certain foods that increase blood sugar, your body senses it and releases insulin. Insulin then helps to get the glucose to muscles and cells to store or use it for energy after which blood sugar reduces and a signal is sent to your pancreas to stop the production of insulin since the job is now completed.
But in women with insulin resistant PCOS, blood sugar goes up, insulin is released but not used up and remains in the system. Insulin remains very high causing the body to produce too much testosterone from the ovaries. And when this happens it affects the ovulation process. It becomes impossible for the body to get to ovulate because the testosterone causes an imbalance in the LH:FSH Ratio.
Inositol improves insulin sensitivity. In other words, your body becomes able to use up insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. The level of testosterone reduces, LH:FSH ratio is improved bringing about hormonal balance and ovulation starts again. Guess what! It also aids weight loss.
With PCOS, supplements work perfectly with adjusting your diet. There are different types of inositol. A good blend will include two types Myo and D-chiro inositol in the ratio 40:1
To learn more about diagnosing PCOS correctly, read my article ; How to know if you have PCOS: 4 Factors to consider
3. Ubiquinol or COQ10
Before you buy a supplement, always take the time to read the label to know what it contains and how it works.
Again, consult your health professional for the right dosage. When it comes to supplementation, dosage plays a huge role in order for it to be effective. In subsequent videos, I will be reviewing a few supplement brands.
In the next article, I'll be talking about the different types of PCOS. Knowing the type of PCOS a woman has helps in choosing the right treatment plan. Click here to read
See you then.
Are your periods irregular?
You can read my free guide 'Period Reset' below to learn the 4-step process for getting irregular periods back on track
You can learn more from this E-book I put together called “Period reset,” a guide showing a 4-step process for getting irregular periods back on track. Click here to get it
Do you have questions and concerns about your cycle and would like to speak to me about it to see if I can be of help. Click here to book a FREE 20minute discovery call
Would you like to learn how to chart your fertility signs correctly in order to track ovulation and time sex right? Get my short E-book 'How to get pregnant faster'
I am also the founder of Women's Health Platforms Foundation, an NGO clinic in Abuja providing women with low-cost preventive healthcare services.
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