Should I Take NAC For PCOS?

If you’re on a natural healing journey to reverse the symptoms of your polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you most likely have heard of the power of natural supplements! When you can address nutrient deficiencies with high-quality supplements, your body finally gets the support it needs to function at its best. 

Some of my favorite research-backed supplements for PCOS include inositol, essential vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and CoQ10! You can find Inositol Complete 40:1 and Metabolism Plus Daily Multi, which includes CoQ10 and other important nutrients, at OvaFit, my supplement line specifically formulated for women with PCOS.

Other supplements worth exploring include omega-3s, curcumin, probiotics, L-glutamine, NAC, and certain supplements marketed for adrenal support. Just remember, not every supplement is necessary or equally supported by research, so it’s important to choose what works best for your individual needs!

But, what is NAC? This may be your first time hearing it, so I wanted to give my thoughts on taking an NAC supplement as a PCOS registered dietitian and as someone who has managed my PCOS for years. I’ll explain what NAC is and how it can be helpful, and I will give my recommendation on whether you should try NAC. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Should I Take NAC For PCOS?

NAC is a popular supplement that you’ll find down the health aisles of a grocery store, but with so many supplements to choose from, how do you know if it’ll actually be helpful for you and your health goals? That’s why I’m here to help you sort through it all and figure out what makes sense for your PCOS supplement regimen. 

What Is NAC?

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement that provides your body with the amino acid, cysteine, and helps your body produce glutathione, which is an antioxidant! That means NAC is a powerful antioxidant that not only fights free radicals but also supports liver health, boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, improves fertility, and so much more!

Is NAC Good For PCOS?

YES! In fact, NAC is a natural supplement. Studies show that NAC, berberine, and Ovasitol can work just as effectively as Metformin, but without all the side effects. 

But, what does NAC do in the body that helps our PCOS? Let’s break it down! 

First of all, NAC can boost insulin receptor activity, which can help improve insulin sensitivity! As your body better processes glucose, you can get relief from symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cravings, and irregular periods while also improving your hormone balance and reducing your risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes. 

NAC is also great for improving fertility! By reducing oxidative stress, improving cellular health, lowering androgen levels, and more, a systematic review and meta analysis showed that NAC can improve ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS! 

For my Cysters who also struggle with facial hair, NAC can help lower testosterone levels! That means you not only can see improvements in fertility, but you may find relief from acne, hirsutism, hair loss, mood swings, and fatigue. Plus, high free testosterone and menstrual irregularity go hand-in-hand, so lowering androgens like testosterone can also help you finally get normal, regular periods. 

NAC can actually help hormonal balance overall to relieve many PCOS symptoms. It does this by reducing inflammation and boosting liver function. Your liver is essential for detoxing excess hormones and regulating the production of new hormones. So, many on NAC experience improved hormone balance!  

Yeah . . . that’s a lot! NAC can be a great supplement for PCOS! 

What Does NAC Do For PCOS?

• Improves Insulin Sensitivity
• Boosts Fertility
• Balances Hormones 
• Reduces Inflammation
• Supports Liver Function
• Regulates Menstrual Cycles
• Improves Cholesterol Levels
• Enhances Antioxidant Levels
• Supports Weight Management
• Improves Mood and Mental Health
• Reduces Oxidative Stress
• Enhances Immune Function
• Supports Detoxification

Best NAC Supplement For PCOS

Pure Encapsulations

A high-quality NAC supplement I recommend is Pure Encapsulations. They’re a reputable brand known for carefully selected ingredients, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to purity and potency.

Beyond that, Pure Encapsulations won’t compromise your PCOS diet, because it’s gluten- and dairy-free. It’s also free of GMOs, soy, artificial colors and sweeteners, peanut products, eggs, unnecessary binders and fillers, and preservatives. This is also a pretty affordable NAC supplement option since each bottle comes with a 3-month supply of 600 mg capsules! 

Thorne

Thorne is a science-focused supplement brand known for its high-quality ingredients, rigorous testing for purity and potency, and strict manufacturing standards. Their NAC supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making it a great fit for our PCOS Weight Loss Method. Each capsule delivers 500 mg of NAC, and each bottle contains 90 capsules!

NOW Supplements 

NOW Supplements is another great, affordable supplement brand known for its high-quality ingredients and rigorous quality testing. Their products are manufactured under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to help ensure purity, potency, and consistency. Each capsule of NOW NAC provides 600 mg of NAC and 25 mcg of selenium, an essential mineral that supports antioxidant function and overall cellular health.

These supplements are non-GMO, vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free! And, each bottle comes with enough to get you through 250 days! 

NAC is a great supplement to take for PCOS!

NAC can be a beneficial supplement for PCOS, but before adding it to your routine, make sure that you discuss dosage and safety with your doctor. And, make sure you combine your supplement routine with other lifestyle changes that help your PCOS be more manageable so that you can finally live symptom-free!

You can find resources, meal plans, workout routines, and a supportive community to help you reach your health goals on The Cysterhood app. Together, we can naturally heal your PCOS!