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Review
. 2021 May 15;13(5):1677.
doi: 10.3390/nu13051677.

Natural Molecules in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): An Analytical Review

Matteo Iervolino  1 , Elisa Lepore  1 , Gianpiero Forte  1 , Antonio Simone Laganà  2   3 , Giovanni Buzzaccarini  4 , Vittorio Unfer  3   5
Affiliations
Review

Natural Molecules in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): An Analytical Review

Matteo Iervolino et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous disorder characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. It is considered the most common endocrinological disorder, affecting up to 25% of women of reproductive age, and associated with long-term metabolic abnormalities predisposing to cardiovascular risk, such as insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. PCOS is also characterized by elevated serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), causing a condition of hyperandrogenism and a consequent altered ratio between LH and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Over the years, several different approaches have been proposed to alleviate PCOS symptoms. Supplementation with natural molecules such as inositols, resveratrol, flavonoids and flavones, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to overcoming PCOS pathological features, including the presence of immature oocyte, IR, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress and inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about the efficacy of natural molecule supplementation in the management of PCOS.

Keywords: D-chiro-inositol; myo-inositol; omega-3 fatty acids; polycystic ovary syndrome; resveratrol; vitamin C; vitamin D; vitamin E.

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Conflict of interest statement

Iervolino, M., Lepore, E., Forte, G. and Unfer, V. are employees at Lo.Li. Pharma srl. All other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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