Since we've already discussed the importance of insulin resistance, I want to focus on leptin levels (which are more difficult to treat). That's an interesting question and worth exploring. Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that … ​Because insulin resistance is so important in treating PCOS it's usually best if you use a combination of hormones plus supplements plus lifestyle changes to treat the condition. This article contains references to scientific journals and peer-reviewed research. Please take this into account when you determine which supplements would be best for you. Alpha-lipoic acid … Despite that fact, there has been a lot of recent interest in using ALA supplements. It is widely understood that alpha lipoic acid is … Obes Rev. ALA also makes your body’s network of antioxidants stronger by boosting cellular production of other antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Whenever possible I will mention which hormone abnormalities the supplements will tend to treat. I'm turning 31 in a few weeks and my hair … Alpha-lipoic acid has been called the universal antioxidant because it boosts glutathione levels in cells already within a normal range and has potent antioxidant actions. ​Next up is a very important substance known as Calcium D glucarate. It … (Most women with PCOS tend to have normal total testosterone levels but high FREE testosterone levels or high normal - the lab tests above indicate a fairly normal pattern for PCOS patients). These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Anecdotal reports have indicated that taking alpha lipoic acid for an extended period of time may lead to hair loss. high estrogen levels and low progesterone, Depression and changes in mood and/or well being, Recently the Endocrine society put out a paper, increasing liver metabolism and excretion, © 2021 Dr. Westin Childs | Thyroid & Health Supplements That Work, #4. You'll be receiving an email shortly. It serves vital functions at the cellular level, such as energy production. ​, Helps promote proper sex hormone metabolism (estrogen + testosterone), May help detox other substances and chemicals. ​It is THESE hormone imbalances that lead to the majority of the symptoms that PCOS patients experience. I’m Dr. Westin Childs. However, the hair loss in these children was caused by valproic acid… Because I believe that the majority of the problems associated with PCOS stem from 1 hormone imbalance: Insulin resistance leads to increased testosterone levels, leads to weight gain, and changes sex hormones like progesterone and estrogen levels. I go through great lengths to help my users better understand their health; however, the content you see here is not a substitute for medical advice. Bone loss was less in the group who took the antioxidant supplements (alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium). ALA provides a … Advocates of ALA make claims that range from beneficial effects for treating conditions such as diabetes and HIV to enhancing weight loss. Well, we already know that women with PCOS tend to have high levels of circulating estrogens in their body. Please contact us here. This is a substance found in fruits and vegetables (found naturally as glucaric acid). And... Second: ​Endocrine disrupting chemicals and Xenoestrogens. [1] During oxidation, O2 splits into two oxygen atoms, each of which has a single electron. Much of the research involving alpha-lipoic acid has been centered on the prevention of diabetes and the management of diabetic nerve pain. As we age, oxidative stress negatively affects cardiovascular health. As you might have noticed many of these supplements are found naturally in fruits and vegetables. [6], As you get older, your body produces less alpha-lipoic acid, which means you have less protection from free radicals than when you're young. This gives us an opportunity to treat this problem with certain adrenal adaptogens. Antioxidants are nutrients that counteract the natural deterioration of cells. ​So how does Calcium D glucarate fit into this? Supplemental servings of ALA typically range from 50 to 600 mg, which is up to 1000 times more than naturally occurs in food. Hey There! “Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid”. ​It's true that progesterone can literally be life changing for some women, but it can also be detrimental for others (leading hormone problems and weight gain). Length of treatment varies by condition, for adrenal fatigue supplementation as long as 6+ months may be required. While these therapies may be somewhat helpful you really need to layer multiple therapies in order to have the BEST effect. [1], Alpha-lipoic acid is naturally present in many foods. This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Westin Childs and is for educational and information purposes only. These type of products will NOT result in the improvement in your symptoms that you are looking for. As long as you're healthy, the body can produce all the ALA it needs for these purposes. The endothelial lining can become compromised due to illnesses, leading to poor vascular health. If you have leptin resistance your body thinks you're in a state of starvation which increases your appetite and lowers your metabolism - basically it makes weight loss impossible. This philosophy extends to supplements as well: In order to treat your PCOS using supplements, you will need to target those supplements to your body and YOUR hormone imbalances for the best results. For use as a general antioxidant, a lower dose … A 2016 study found that alpha-lipoic acid, when taken with quercetin and resveratrol, helped promote normal thyroid hormone levels and temper hormone-induced weight gain.[8]. Because the supplement industry isn't regulated like the pharmaceutical industry some brands can slap low-quality ingredients in their products and call it a day. [22, 23], As you age, oxidative stress takes a toll on cells and causes what we describe as "aging." They provided the participants with a 300 mg dose of alpha lipoic acid each day for three months, 180 mg plus docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid… Production of estrogen in the body, and the ratio of progesterone to estrogen. Most patients with PCOS have some degree of the following hormone imbalances: Obviously, we can't put all women with PCOS into this box, but the vast majority of women with PCOS will experience 1 or more of the hormone imbalances listed above. Alpha-lipoic acid is produced in small amounts in the mitochondria, which, you may remember from science class, is the “powerhouse” of a cell. Alpha-lipoic acid is also called thioctic acid or just lipoic acid and abbreviated ALA — but don't confuse it with the other ALA, alpha-linoleic acid — which is an omega fatty acid. The tricky part is targeting your supplements to YOUR body (more on that later). An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2011-2012, Alpha-Lipoic acid-based PPARgamma agonists for treating inflammatory skin diseases, Effect of alpha lipoic acid on smoking-induced skin damage, A comparison of melatonin and α-lipoic acid in the induction of antioxidant defences in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells, (R)-α-Lipoic acid treatment restores ceramide balance in aging rat cardiac mitochondria, Dietary supplementation with (R)-alpha-lipoic acid reverses the age-related accumulation of iron and depletion of antioxidants in the rat cerebral cortex, Chronic treatment of (R)-α-lipoic acid reduces blood glucose and lipid levels in high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in Sprague-Dawley rats, Safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment in pregnant women: a retrospective observational study, Alpha-Lipoic Acid Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-Induced Remodeling and Weakening of Human Fetal Membranes, Tolerability in the elderly population of high-dose alpha lipoic acid: a potential antioxidant therapy for the eye, Selenium Benefits, Foods, & Deficiency: Everything You Should Know, Argan Oil: Health Benefits for Your Skin, Heart, & Beyond, A Guide to Iodine for Women’s Health: Breast Health, Pregnancy, & More, 10 Resveratrol Benefits for Heart, Mind, & the Fountain of Youth, Protects muscles from exercise-related stress. Read more here. Dr. David Sneid answered. ​Women with PCOS tend to have low progesterone levels at baseline and higher estrogen levels at baseline. Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural compound with antioxidant properties and other potential health benefits. This resource is dedicated to helping people with thyroid problems (and other hormone imbalances) find the help that they need. These compounds are known as xenoestrogen (meaning foreign estrogen-like molecules) and they can sit on top of estrogen receptors in your body and make your body think that it has more estrogen than it really does. Some health care professionals use alpha lipoic acid supplements to further help prevent their patients from experiencing neuron damage, memory loss… The aim of the study was to test three antioxidants — alpha lipoic acid, metformin, and glimepiride. 4. Take up to 4 capsules daily as tolerated: Next up is a more controversial topic and that is adrenal function. Healthy endothelial cells help to relax blood vessels. You can read more about his own personal journey here. that you may have come into contact with and this method of use may be superior to taking it daily, Take up to 60mg per day of zinc (max) - Zinc can also help promote proper thyroid function and immunity, Combine both therapies for maximum benefit, Reduces insulin resistance (and has been shown to help with weight loss), Reduces leptin levels (which again helps with weight loss), Reduces systemic inflammation which improves all hormonal systems, Recommended dose ranges from 2,000mg to 6,000mg per day (depending on condition), Start titration at 1,000mg per day and increase up to therapeutic dosage as recommended, Duration of therapy should be consistent for at least, Dosage varies from 500-2,000 mg per day depending on tolerance and degree of symptoms. #2. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. If your body doesn't produce enough ALA or you don't get enough in your diet, which is especially true in Western culture where people consume processed foods and are exposed to environmental toxins, a nutritional supplement that contains ALA can help. lipoic acid of 51.9 hrs and that of i.v. Exercise is one of the best ways to achieve weight loss, healthy blood circulation, and higher energy levels. You can feel confident in knowing that the information within this article is sound. This is also why many of the treatments for PCOS target insulin resistance. According to a study in the medical journal Cell Reports, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found that the dietary supplement alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may be able to … One of its most important functions is to produce hormones that regulate maturation, growth, and metabolism. Believe it or not, there are studies that show how certain supplements can improve these hormone imbalances. If you are suffering from fatigue in some way, or any of the symptoms listed above, you should seriously consider using Ashwagandha in appropriate doses: ​, May also improve Mood + Depressive symptoms. Calcium d-glucarate helps the body eliminate more than just estrogen metabolites - this will also help your body eliminate medications, cortisol, testosterone/androgens and bile acids (anything that is eliminated via, Calcium d-glucarate can also be used in short bursts to help eliminate medications, chemicals, etc. ​The only downside to using Calcium d glucarate is that it provides a temporary boost to elimination which means you will need to keep taking the supplement for best results. Symptoms of estrogen excess like fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis, PMS/PMDD, etc. How else can you explain that Ashwagandha helps with ALL of the conditions, ranging from sleep issues to weight loss and metabolism? For more information, please read our Privacy Policy. Fish oil has actually been shown to help reduce leptin levels (13) and reverse leptin resistance - this, in conjunction with its effects on insulin resistance, is why fish oil can directly help with weight loss. [1] Talk with a healthcare professional before taking supplemental ALA, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements. Low progesterone or relatively high estrogen levels, Usually some degree of leptin resistance and hypothyroidism, Weight gain, despite eating clean/healthy and cutting your calories. [17, 18] Other studies found alpha-lipoic acid supplementation promoted a healthier liver after exposure to various toxins. (ii. While increasing your dose monitor for negative side effects or "detox" like reactions: flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, acne, etc. The central nervous system includes your spinal cord and your brain. User Reviews for Alpha-lipoic acid to treat Dietary Supplementation. The worse your symptoms, the more hormone imbalances you have. This low-grade chronic stress can really impact your hormones and energy levels. First and foremost, the cells in your body naturally produce it. Alpha lipoic acid: a new treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes? Most of the supplements require very high doses to be effective (I will go over those below), so if you've used them in the past but at lower doses and without combination therapy then that may explain why you didn't get your desired results. Beneficial effects of alpha-lipoic acid and ascorbic acid on endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in diabetic patients: relation to parameters of oxidative stress, Uptake, recycling, and antioxidant actions of alpha-lipoic acid in endothelial cells, Alpha-lipoic acid improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a placebo-controlled randomized trial, The protective effect of lipoic acid on selected cardiovascular diseases caused by age-related oxidative stress, Exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans: cause and consequences, Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation: tissue glutathione homeostasis at rest and after exercise, Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease, Molecular hepatoprotective effects of lipoic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Hepatoprotection at molecular level, The impact of air pollution to central nervous system in children and adults, Alpha-lipoic acid-mediated activation of muscarinic receptors improves hippocampus- and amygdala-dependent memory, What's new in acne? ​Most of the focus is put on the production of estrogen in your body. Studies have investigated the antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid and how they might help balance the effects of aging. Start off by taking 500mg per day and slowly increase your dose up to 3,000mg per day. Learn how to properly use PCOS supplements to help balance your hormones, lose weight, increase your energy, reduce hair loss and get rid of the unwanted symptoms associated with PCOS: Targeted supplements can actually help treat many of the problems associated with PCOS. But this can help quickly eliminate any excess endocrine disrupting chemicals you may come into contact with. In the case of ALA, it's no surprise, as ALA is an important nutrient that offers many positive health benefits. Which hormone imbalances am I talking about? Alpha Lipoic Acid, commonly referred to as ALA, is a powerful fatty acid and antioxidant that is produced naturally in our bodies in small amounts. Just remember that these supplements only represent ONE part of a complete treatment regimen for patients with PCOS. So how do you know if you have too much testosterone? To get the best results with DIM it's often helpful to combine this therapy with other supplements like Calcium D Glucarate. Berberine + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Chromium, Help with weight loss and increase metabolism, Hair Growth Vitamins That Actually Work to Boost Hair Growth & Volume, 7 Step PCOS Natural Treatment Guide – Fix your Hormones Starting Now, You may benefit from taking more DIM right before ovulation and towards the end of your cycle when estrogen levels are highest, Monitor your symptoms while taking DIM to ensure that you tolerate the supplement, Take this supplement in addition to consuming more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy. [24, 25] Other research showed that ALA might be beneficial in keeping excessive iron from accumulating in the cerebral cortex — which is linked to age-related oxidative stress and memory lapses. US National Library of Medicine. [15] Oxidative stress contributes to the soreness you feel after strenuous exercise. And that's where Zinc and saw palmetto step in: ​Both of these supplements help your body ELIMINATE (get rid of) testosterone in a way that doesn't activate testosterone receptors. Because of these changes insulin resistance has been implicated as one of the primary causes of PCOS. ​. While animal tissue, especially organ meats like the kidneys, liver, and heart, contain a lot of this nutrient, there are also plant-based sources, including vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and walnuts. 5) There may be another potential beneficial effect of alpha lipoic acid … The nervous system has two primary components: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. ​Just in terms of raw numbers, the female body has more progesterone than it does estrogen. As you go through the list and read the studies that I've provided I think you will find that ALL of these hormones are somehow connected in your body. Lastly, it's worth mentioning the supplement (or hormone rather) progesterone. You can learn all of the ins and outs of fish oil supplementation in the article above, but for now, just realize that you can really boost the effects of fish oil on leptin resistance by adding in the right type of exercise. This is where most providers and patients get it wrong: They treat insulin resistance with something like metformin or a single supplement like chromium. “Lipoic Acid: its antioxidant and…”. This elimination process results in estrogen by-products that are still somewhat active on your cells! So starting from age 35 progesterone levels fall until women reach menopause at which point progesterone levels tend to fall to zero. Also known as: Alpha-Lipoic-Acid-300 Alpha-lipoic acid has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 26 ratings for the … Due to high volume with shipping carriers, orders may experience a 2-3 day delay in delivery. Alpha Lipoic Acid and Hair Loss. Before we discuss whether or not you should use it, we need to talk about progesterone facts. †Results may vary. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a mitochondrial compound involved in energy metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in diabetes, Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential, Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: Part 1: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity, Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Cardioprotective effects of lipoic acid, quercetin and resveratrol on oxidative stress related to thyroid hormone alterations in long-term obesity. I hope you found my recommended list of PCOS supplements helpful.

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