Should You Take Chromium For PCOS?

Even before you were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’ve probably heard of it! But, did you know that a whopping five million women have PCOS in the United Stations alone?! 

Women with PCOS often struggle with insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance that can cause symptoms like acne, weight gain, infertility, fatigue, irregular periods, hair loss, and many more difficult symptoms. PCOS can also lead to long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix to ditch PCOS, but there are natural ways to heal your PCOS and reverse your symptoms! One of the first lifestyle changes I recommend for Cysters wanting to improve their symptoms is taking the right supplements. A high-quality multivitamin can work wonders to help your PCOS feel under control.

When you’re choosing a multivitamin, what’s included matters! (Here’s our guide to PCOS multivitamins.) One mineral that needs to be included is chromium. This naturally occurring trace mineral is found in our bodies, but also in our food. And, this little mineral can really pack a punch when it comes to managing your PCOS symptoms!

However, when researching which vitamins you should take to relieve some of your PCOS symptoms, it can feel super overwhelming with all of the confusing medical terminology and the massive selection. That’s exactly why I’m dedicating this blog post to be your one-stop spot for all the chromium info you need. Plus, I’ll share my favorite multivitamin, which includes chromium! 

Should You Take Chromium For PCOS?

Chromium picolinate is a naturally produced mineral in our bodies and is also found in certain food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grain products, and meats. But, with a recommended daily intake of 25 mcg for women without PCOS between the ages of 19 and 50 years old, getting the required dose solely through diet can be difficult as food contains only minimal amounts of chromium. This is especially true for women with PCOS who require an increased level of chromium to experience the benefits. 

When women with PCOS focus on increasing their daily intake of chromium, they may see long-term benefits in their metabolic and hormonal symptoms. That can be huge for us Cysters! Next, I’m going to dive into the details of exactly how chromium may have positive effects on PCOS symptoms and why you should consider adding this dietary supplement to your daily regimen. 

What Is Chromium Good For?

There are a number of studies showing the health benefits of chromium. Evidence shows that it increases insulin sensitivity, regular menstrual cycles and ovulation, weight loss, and healthy cholesterol levels, while also improving androgen levels and inflammation. That means chromium may be beneficial in improving overall metabolic and adrenal health in women, especially those with PCOS. 

Managing these underlying issues with dietary supplements like chromium can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to this randomized double-blind controlled trial and other similar clinical trials.

Is Chromium Good For PCOS?

Chromium has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in those who experience impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance, according to this systematic review and meta-analysis. With the main culprit of many symptoms of PCOS being insulin resistance, chromium is an excellent supplement to help Cysters. This mighty mineral can also help to manage symptoms of metabolic syndrome, high androgen levels, inflammation, high cholesterol, and weight gain. 

Here are the research-backed benefits of chromium for PCOS:

Improves insulin sensitivity.

Insulin resistance is a common root issue of PCOS. It’s a disorder where your body absorbs glucose instead of converting it to energy, leading to increased fasting blood sugar levels, weight gain, and fatigue. According to studies, chromium (and another form called chromium picolinate) can help regulate PCOS blood sugar balance and improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome.

One of the most frustrating symptoms of PCOS caused by insulin resistance is weight gain, specifically around the abdomen (AKA PCOS belly). Luckily, chromium has been shown to aid in weight loss by helping you feel more satiated after eating and reducing intense cravings!

Balances lipid profiles.

Cysters often have high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and low levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which can cause cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and other complications. Making sure you’re getting your daily dose of chromium can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease by balancing out your cholesterol levels. 

Regulates androgen hormone levels.

Another common symptom of PCOS is elevated androgen hormones (AKA high testosterone). This can lead to increased acne presence and hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth usually on the face, due to increased testosterone in the body. Taking chromium supplements has proven to significantly reduce hirsutism and acne in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to multiple studies.

Imbalanced androgen levels, which contributes to irregular periods and anovulation. So, taking a chromium supplement to get these androgen hormone levels managed could mean a more regulated menstrual cycle and improved ovulation!

Few side effects, if any!

There are a lot of prescription medications out there that help manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and hormones in women with PCOS. However, none are without side effects. However, curcumin is a natural way of improving those levels that’s usually free of any negative side effects, making it a better symptom management choice for many women with PCOS.

Best Chromium Supplement For PCOS

The best for PCOS? Ovafit’s MetaMulti vitamin. So, while chromium isn’t an all-in-one supplement that can fix all of your PCOS symptoms, it can help provide the support your body needs to improve some of the most challenging symptoms. And, that’s why we’ve included chromium in our MetaMulti supplement, to ensure you’re getting the positive effects of chromium supplements along with all the other benefits of the included vitamins and minerals! 

Ovafit’s NSF-certified MetaMulti vitamin is a dietary supplement containing a TON of essential vitamins and minerals to specifically benefit women with PCOS, target their nutrient deficiencies, and ease their symptoms. I’ve also upped the amount of chromium to 100 mcg per tablet, to ensure Cysters are getting the extra boost they need to improve their insulin resistance, cholesterol, and androgen hormone levels. 

Now, you may be wondering if 4X the daily recommended dose for females is safe to take. The answer is yes! There is no recorded tolerable upper intake level (UL) for chromium, so it’s safe to use. However, it is always encouraged to speak with your health provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it doesn’t interact with other medications.

Experience PCOS symptom relief with Ovafit’s Metabolism Plus bundle. 

When it comes to figuring out which vitamins and supplements to take to ease your PCOS symptoms, Ovafit’s Metabolism Plus supplement bundle is the way to go. Everything your PCOS body craves to start relieving your symptoms is packed into four little supplement pills and one simple powder. Take them every day, once a day, and experience the benefits of our MetaMulti (containing chromium), coenzyme Q10, curcumin, omega-3, and Ovasitol. 

Want to learn more about supplements, recipes, and lifestyle changes to help manage your PCOS? Make sure to download the Cysterhood App for meal plans, workout routines, and support to help you tackle your healing goals. You don’t have to face PCOS alone we’re here to do it together!