Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by:

1. Irregular or absent menstruation (anovulation/oligoovulation).
2. Excess androgens (acne, hirsutism, male-pattern hair loss, or elevated levels in tests).
3. Ovaries with multiple microcysts visible on ultrasound.

For diagnosis, according to the Rotterdam (2003) criteria, at least 2 of the 3 criteria above are required, after excluding other causes.

PCOS means the ovaries no longer function regularly, produce too many androgen hormones, and have small cysts, often associated with insulin resistance and increased metabolic risk.

PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility,

PCOS is not just a gynecological problem but also a metabolic one. The key is balancing insulin, not just regulating hormones.

📊 Prevalence

• PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in young women.
• It affects between 8–13% of women of reproductive age (depending on the diagnostic criteria used).
• Unfortunately, many cases remain undiagnosed (it is estimated that up to 70% of women do not know they have PCOS).

🔗 Link with insulin resistance

• 70–80% of women with PCOS and obesity have insulin resistance.
• Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more testosterone, leading to classic symptoms (hirsutism, acne, irregular cycle).
• It is a vicious cycle: insulin resistance → hyperinsulinemia → hyperandrogenism → menstrual disorders and infertility.

⚠️ Clinical manifestations

• Rare, irregular menstruation or even absence of menstruation (oligo-/amenorrhea).
• Infertility (chronic anovulation).
• Excess androgens:
  • hirsutism (excessive hair on face, chest, lower abdomen);
  • persistent acne;
  • androgenic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss).
• Enlarged ovaries with multiple small follicles (“string of pearls”) on ultrasound.
• Frequently associated with:
  • central obesity;
  • increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome;
  • emotional disorders (anxiety, depression).

🌿 Adjunct natural protocol

(note: does not replace medical treatment but can be an important support)

1. Diet and lifestyle

• Intermittent fasting or regular meals with low glycemic index → reduce insulin.
• Moderate low-carb diet (not extreme, but focused on vegetables, proteins, healthy fats).
• Avoid sugar, ultra-processed foods, and refined flours.
• Exercise: strength training + cardio (sensitize insulin receptors).
• Weight loss even by 5–10% can normalize menstrual cycles.

2. Useful supplements

• Inositol (myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol) → regulates ovulation, reduces insulin resistance.
• Vitamin D3 + K2 + Magnesium → many women with PCOS have vitamin D deficiency. Dose: 2 capsules per day. Periodically measure (every 6-8 months) vitamin D in blood and stop if it reaches 80 ng/ml. Resume when it drops below 50 ng/ml.
• Luteolin Pro Liposomal MCS (1-2 capsules per day) - influences numerous biological pathways involved in inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cellular metabolism. 
  See the study
• NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) → regulates the cycle and has antioxidant effects.
• Zeolite (detoxification, reducing chronic inflammation). Dose: 6 capsules per day. 
• AHCC (immune modulation, indirect hormonal balance by reducing systemic inflammation). Dose: 2 capsules per day (AHCC Vitals) or 3 capsules per day (AHCC Mycelcaps)

3. Hormonal phytotherapy

• Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry) → may stimulate progesterone secretion, regulates the cycle.
• Red clover / flax seeds (mild phytoestrogens).
• Peony + licorice (traditional Chinese combinations for hormonal balance).

Dietary supplements do not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Dietary supplements do not cure and cannot replace treatments prescribed by a doctor.