Vitamins and minerals are essential for the functioning of our body. If the body does not get them in the right amount, various problems arise in its functioning. It’s like putting diesel oil in a gasoline car – it won’t work as it should. Unfortunately, the presence of PCOS alone increases the chance of lacking certain vitamins and trace elements in our body.
Now we are writing about the relationship between PCOS and zinc – collecting the reasons why it is worth taking it in such cases.
What is the role of zinc?
Zinc is involved in many important bodily processes.
- It plays a role in the production, storage and release of insulin.
- It helps break down carbohydrates.
- It is important for thyroid function.
- It is important for the functioning of the immune system.
Zinc deficiency in women with PCOS
The research on PCOS and zinc deficiency is very interesting – in women with PCOS, zinc levels lower than necessary can be detected with a blood test. 1 In addition, taking contraceptive drugs can also cause zinc deficiency in the body. Lots of women get birth control pills from their gynecologists for PCOS to reduce symptoms. If this is the case with you, adequate zinc intake is especially important! 2
Symptoms of zinc deficiency:
- memory problems
- weakened immune system or ongoing minor illnesses (e.g. colds)
- weakening/loss of smell and taste
- sleep problems (zinc is needed for melatonin production)
- hair loss, in worse cases, baldness
- anorexia
- loss of libido
- diarrhea
- “foggy brain” i.e. slowed down/dull brain function
- slow wound healing
- white spots on the nails
- in severe cases, retarded development in children
Do you know any of them?
Hair loss, decreased libido and dull brain function are all quite common symptoms in women with PCOS.
So why should you take zinc?
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels. We know that PCOS has a negative effect on insulin production – the body overproduces it, which causes the ovaries to produce an excessive amount of testosterone. Thus, if zinc helps in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, it affects the functioning of the ovaries and thus testosterone production as well. This can indirectly reduce the symptoms associated with PCOS. 3
- It supports ovulation.Zinc is essential for follicle maturation and cracking. Supplementing with zinc can not only make your cycle more accurate, but it can also boost your fertility. 4
- Improves excessive hair growth.Many women with PCOS are affected by this extremely unpleasant phenomenon due to the excessive production of testosterone. Zinc has been shown to be anti-androgenic, meaning it helps reduce the levels of androgens and testosterone in the body, which also results in an improvement in hair growth. 5
- It results in clearer skin.Another good reason to take it. Zinc has been included in most anti-acne products for years, but it also proves to be effective when applied internally. 6
- It reduces inflammation.Women with PCOS are more prone to chronic inflammation . This inflammatory state is also linked to insulin resistance and makes PCOS symptoms even more intense. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect of zinc, it can alleviate some of the symptoms. This leads to lower insulin levels, which also results in a decrease in testosterone production.
- Reduces hair loss.As we have already written, zinc can help us with anti-androgen, i.e. hair loss of hormonal origin, and in improving the general condition of the hair, as zinc also contributes to the maintenance of the normal condition of the hair, skin and nails.
- It can be a useful supplement against depression.Zinc is found in the highest concentration in our brain. Zinc deficiency is more common in people with depression. Its replacement can improve well-being and mood swings. 7
- Supports thyroid health.PCOS is often associated with hypothyroidism, and women with PCOS are more prone to hypothyroidism. Zinc plays an important role in the functioning of the thyroid gland, so taking it can boost your thyroid gland. 8
A few more things to know about zinc supplementation
Foods rich in zinc are seafood, shellfish, fish, crabs, various meats, liver, eggs and legumes. In addition, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast and pumpkin seeds also contain a lot of zinc – but it is less well absorbed from plant sources.
The good news is that the body does not have a particularly high need for zinc, but the bad news is that long-term excessively high intake (over 200 mg per day) can already cause problems. Basically, it is worth taking 20-30 mg per day – this amount is also safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have PCOS and want to make zinc intake continuous and predictable, using a dietary supplement is the most reliable solution. Netamin Organic Zinc tablets can also help you with this – click here to find the details.