N-acetyl-cysteine and PCOS

Posted on May 10, 2009 in Infertility, Irregular hormones, Natural treatments/Herbs | 0 comments

Source: Natural Health Solutions for PCOS

NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, which has antioxidant properties and is required for the body’s production of glutathione. Glutathione, along with NAC, are powerful antioxidants. We all know how important antioxidants are to everyone’s health, especially those with PCOS.

NAC is not found in the diet but is available as a nutritional supplement. It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug. It has been shown to be incredibly beneficial in controlling PCOS.

A recent study(1) evaluated the effect of NAC on insulin secretion and insulin resistance in 6 lean and 31 obese women women with polycystic ovary syndrome. They took 1.8 grams of NAC daily for 5-6 weeks. A dose of 3 grams per day was arbitrarily chosen for the massively obese. Six of the 31 obese patients were treated with placebo.

Those treated with NAC had a reduction of their insulin resistance and a significant fall in testosterone levels, both are 2 of the most common PCOS related complaints.

Those of you taking Clomid to increase your chances of concieving may also benefit from NAC. We all know Clomid is the most common IF drug prescribed by doctors, however its been shown to be less effective in more recent years….women seem to be “unresponsive” to the drug.

A very interesting study(3) of 150 Clomid-resistant women with PCOS has shown that NAC appears to make Clomid more effective. In the NAC group, 49.3% ovulated and 1.3% became pregnant. In contrast, in the placebo group, only 21.% ovulated and there were no pregnancies.

The study’s authors concluded: “N-Acetyl cysteine is proved effective in inducing or augmenting ovulation in polycystic ovary patients.”

For more information on NAC; the benefits of taking it during pregnancy, the suggested dose, and where to purchase it, click here.