Episode #12: The Best Supplements for PCOS
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
Supplements are often one of the first places women turn when they find out they have PCOS.
You’ve searched google and read all about the nasty side effects of medications. The reports of taking supplements seem to be more pleasant.
I get asked all the time…. are supplements really helpful, are the success stories real, and if they are helpful which ones should I take?
In today’s episode, I am going to break down what supplements and when supplements might be helpful, and how to choose one.
Do you need a PCOS Supplement?
The short answer is no you do not. You cannot supplement your way past poor nourishment anyway. That said, a well-chosen supplement can support hormone balance and fertility repair.
But there are a few important things to consider before starting a supplement.
- A supplement is still medicine and can have harmful side effects.
- Supplements can be a waste of money.
- The right supplements can assist to manage your PCOS.
The role of a PCOS supplement
PCOS is a syndrome, which means a collection of symptoms. These symptoms are caused by various hormones being out of balance. There are many causes of the hormone imbalance such as insulin resistance, inflammation, or other lifestyle factors.
While a supplement can’t cure or even relieve all PCOS problems if chosen carefully it may help. Supplements can assist by restoring nutrients, improving blood sugar, reducing cravings, and helping you recover from birth control.
Don’t take a supplement and just hope it will work
In summary, don’t take a supplement in hopes it will work. Instead, take the time or get help to discover your root cause(s) and select the supplement(s) that are best suited to assist you. Below you will find a link to my complete guide to PCOS supplements to help you research further.
And be sure to listen to this episode to learn more about choosing a PCOS supplement to support your current PCOS root cause.
Here’s a glance at this episode…
[00:07]
When our health is in question and we get a diagnosis such as PCOS, the first thing we want to know is how do we fix it?
What are the best supplements? Do they work? Are they worth the money? And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about. In today’s episode.
[01:19]
So do you need a PCOS supplement? The short answer is no, you do not. And it’s really important to remember that you can’t supplement your way past poor nutrition anyway. That said, a well-chosen supplement can support hormone balance and fertility repair.
[02:24]
They can be harmful if taken incorrectly, and many have been used for hundreds and hundreds of years. Although not researched by modern medicine, they are also not well regulated, which is why it’s important to do your research before selecting which supplement to use and which company to buy from.
[03:27]
PCOS syndrome, which can have a whole collection of symptoms. It’s really the symptoms that are going to help us decide which supplements may be the best choice for you. And so again, it always goes back to understanding your PCOS root cause.
[04:40]
It [a supplement] can’t overcome other lifestyle factors that are the reason that your PCOS is struggling. Unless we address those, the supplements aren’t really going to have the effect that we want them to.
[06:47]
Magnesium is amazing. It’s going to help you sleep better. Women with PCOS tend to be low on magnesium and it has a huge amount of health benefits. And it’s really low in side effect profile. So I highly recommend that one.
[07:46]
Run it by your doctor and then try one. Give it some time to work. If you’re noticing improvement, great. You’re not sure if it did anything, maybe try the other one instead. That’s how we want to approach supplements.
Resources & References Mentioned in this episode
Get your FREE copy of the Complete Guide to PCOS Supplements
Get your FREE copy of the PCOS Fertility Meal guide
Take the PCOS Root cause quiz to learn what your body needs to heal
References:
The inositols and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Serum Vitamin D Levels and Polycystic Ovary syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Serum Vitamin D Levels and Polycystic Ovary syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Omega-3 supplementation effects on polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms and metabolic syndrome.
Results are not guaranteed. Please see Medical Disclaimer for more detail.
Similar Podcasts You Will Enjoy
Episode #178: Why PCOS Symptoms Aren’t Random (And What They’re Actually Telling You)
In this eye-opening episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover how to reframe the frustrating symptoms of PCOS, irregular cycles, fatigue, inflammation, and more, as valuable messages from your body, not random or broken disruptions. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not seeing results, this conversation will help you make sense of those patterns. By diving into the hormonal communication network behind your symptoms, including insulin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones, you’ll learn how to decode what your body is truly asking for. You’ll explore why common “healthy” strategies like calorie cutting or intense workouts can actually backfire, and how to shift toward a healing path that supports your unique root causes.
Episode #177: Diet vs. Lifestyle: The Real Key to Long-Term PCOS Health
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of PCOS diets, cutting carbs, counting calories, or chasing the latest “PCOS-friendly” meal plan, this episode is your chance to step back and breathe. In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover why food alone can’t solve your hormone imbalances and what it really takes to create lasting change. This episode breaks down the limitations of diet-only approaches and invites you to embrace a root-cause lifestyle that supports your whole body. From identifying hidden hormonal triggers to creating small, sustainable daily habits, this episode will help you shift out of diet mode and into a lifestyle that heals and empowers. If you’re ready to stop starting over every Monday and instead build rhythms that actually support your PCOS healing, this one’s for you.
Episode #176: Folate & PCOS: Not All Forms Are Equal
In this supplement spotlight, you’ll discover the powerful role folate plays in hormone balance, ovulation, mood, and pregnancy, and why not all forms of folate are created equal. From supporting methylation and reducing inflammation to improving egg quality and fetal development, folate is one of the most important nutrients for women with PCOS. But here’s the kicker: many common supplements contain folic acid, a form your body may not be able to use, especially if you have the common MTHFR gene mutation.
PCOS FERTILITY MEAL GUIDE
What I changed to finally get pregnant after almost 2 years of trying.
What the heck to eat to boost PCOS fertility
It’s not a one size fits all
Sample Meal Plan Included
Plan and Prep Guide Included
Go beyond diet & nourish your hormones to boost fertility
I share the steps I followed in this FREE MEAL GUIDE.
About the Show
Welcome to The PCOS Repair Podcast!
I’m Ashlene Korcek, and each week I’ll be sharing the latest findings on PCOS and how to make practical health changes to your lifestyle to repair your PCOS at the root cause.
If you’re struggling with PCOS, know that you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that one in ten women have PCOS. But the good news is that there is a lot we can do to manage our symptoms and live healthy, happy lives.
So whether you’re looking for tips on nutrition, exercise, supplements, or mental health, you’ll find it all here on The PCOS Repair Podcast. Ready to get started? Hit subscribe now





