CoQ10 (also known as coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound that your body produces naturally. The cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance. As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 protects the cells in the body by neutralizing free radicals, which reduces oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can cause inflammation and other side effects. There are strong links between oxidative stress and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
The effects of coenzyme Q10 on the body are significant; it’s known to lower blood pressure levels, enhance immune system functions, and play a critical role in the functioning of the reproductive system. Great for PCOS! Emerging research indicates that CoQ10 may be highly beneficial for people with PCOS, as it could help to improve ovulation, increase fertility, and lower insulin levels.
Please note this blog post is not a substitute for official medical advice and is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about your PCOS symptoms, suspect you have an underlying health condition, or wish to start a new diet/lifestyle/supplement plan, please consult your doctor first. Neither the author(s) nor the publishers of this content take responsibility for any potential health consequences or side effects experienced by any person following this educational content.
Is CoQ10 good for PCOS?
There’s growing evidence to indicate that CoQ10 could be highly beneficial for PCOS Cysters.
Studies show that CoQ10 may:
- Improve metabolism and hormonal balance in women with PCOS
- Improve insulin resistance
- Lower inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Improve egg quality
- Improve glucose metabolism
- Improve low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels
Let’s take a look at some of these benefits in more detail.
CoQ10 benefits for PCOS
CoQ10 may improve ovulation and fertility
Studies suggest that CoQ10 could improve the fertilization rate and the number of high-quality embryos in women with PCOS. As a potent antioxidant, CoQ10 is associated with improving ovulation as it neutralizes the free radicals that damage egg quality.
A randomized controlled trial studied the effect of combined coenzyme Q10 and clomiphene citrate (a medication used to treat infertility in women who don’t ovulate) for ovulation induction in clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with PCOS. A total of 101 infertile women with PCOS were randomly assigned to take a combined CoQ10 and clomiphene citrate dose or clomiphene citrate alone.
Those who supplemented the medication dose with CoQ10 experienced an improvement in follicle count and endometrial thickness. Ovulation significantly improved in the CoQ10 group, positively affecting 65.9% of the participants, compared with just 15.5% in the control group. The pregnancy rate was also much higher in the CoQ10 group (37.3%) compared to the control group (6%).
More studies need to be conducted to collate more conclusive evidence, but a promising link between CoQ10 and fertility has been established.
CoQ10 may improve insulin and cholesterol levels
PCOS Cysters are often insulin resistant, which is when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from your blood for energy. The pancreas produces even more insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to long-term health implications.
There’s evidence to suggest that CoQ10 supplements may help to lower cholesterol and insulin levels. In a randomized trial of 60 women with PCOS, subjects were given either a 100mg CoQ10 supplement or a placebo to take daily for 12 weeks.
After 12 weeks, those that took the CoQ10 supplement saw reductions in glucose, insulin, and TC/LDL cholesterol levels. Although more research is required to corroborate these findings, it’s clear that CoQ10 has blood-sugar-balancing properties, which is ideal if you have PCOS and are looking to lose weight.
CoQ10 may boost energy
A common symptom of PCOS is fatigue or sluggishness. This is typically due to insulin resistance, as the cells in the body struggle to take in enough glucose for energy. CoQ10 plays a key role in generating energy and preventing cellular degradation. CoQ10 supplementation may help to create a steady stream of energy and give you a stamina boost, as it directly influences energy synthesis in the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell).
How do I take CoQ10?
A typical supplement dose of CoQ10 is around 100mg per day. However, every individual is different, so make sure you check this with your doctor first.
Our very own Ovafit Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) formula is highly bioavailable because it has patented VESIsorb® technology that improves absorption by 300-600% compared to standard CoQ10 supplements.
- Our formula for this powerful antioxidant is designed for maximum absorption to help you fight inflammation and improve insulin resistance – two core factors for metabolic health and PCOS weight loss.
- It is independently tested and certified by NSF International to guarantee that the amounts of vitamins and minerals contained in each dose are consistent with the label.
- Our CoQ10 is combined with vitamin E. Some studies postulate that co-supplementation of CoQ10 and Vitamin E may have a strong, synergistic effect on metabolic profile and may work better than a single supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can play a key role in both metabolic and reproductive health, along with nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle factors.
You can order your Metabolism Plus supplement bundle here.
For more tips on PCOS diet dos and don’ts, check out our podcast, A Cyster and Mister, and our handy blog posts on PCOS and Chill.
