Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, affects about one in 10 women during their reproductive years. PCOS changes how the ovaries work and often disrupts ovulation, which can make it harder to conceive. Many people also have insulin resistance that can raise androgen hormones and alter the balance between luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which affects egg development and ovulation. While there is no single cure, targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, and certain supplements can support hormonal balance and ovulation patterns. This guide explains how supplements may fit within Australian care, the tests your GP may arrange, and how at-home tools such as ovulation and pregnancy tests can help you time intercourse or treatment. Any supplement plan should be discussed with your GP or specialist, especially if you take prescription medicines or are having fertility treatment.
Quick Answers About PCOS supplements and fertility
What are the best supplements for PCOS fertility support
Inositol, omega 3 fish oil, vitamin D, N acetyl cysteine, zinc, B vitamins including folate and B12, coenzyme Q10, chromium, berberine, alpha lipoic acid, with evening primrose oil or saw palmetto sometimes used for cycle or androgen symptoms. Speak with your GP to tailor choices and doses.
How long do PCOS supplements take to help ovulation
Many women need 3 to 6 months to see steadier cycles or clearer ovulation signs. Metabolic markers such as fasting insulin or triglycerides may shift earlier. Consistent use, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management improve results.
Can I take supplements with metformin or fertility medicines
Some products change blood sugar or hormones and can interact with metformin, clomiphene, letrozole, and blood thinners. Check all products with your GP, monitor levels, and stop anything that causes side effects.
What PCOS is and why fertility is affected
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects ovaries and ovulation. High insulin levels can push the ovaries to make more androgens such as testosterone. This shift can raise the LH to FSH ratio and disturb follicle growth. The result may be infrequent ovulation, unpredictable cycles, or anovulation, where the ovary does not release an egg. Without reliable ovulation, conception is less likely each cycle.
Symptoms vary. Some have acne, hair growth on the face or body, thinning hair on the scalp, weight gain around the middle, or mood changes. Others have few outward signs but still experience irregular cycles. PCOS is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasound, not by one single marker.
Fertility can improve with weight management if needed, cycle tracking, medical treatment, and targeted supplements that support insulin signalling, reduce inflammation, and stabilise hormones. A plan that addresses lifestyle and medical care together tends to produce the strongest results.
How supplements may help common PCOS drivers
Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which increases circulating insulin. Inositol supports insulin receptor signalling and may improve cycle regularity. Myo inositol is the most studied form for ovulation support. Some products combine myo inositol with D chiro inositol in a ratio guided by research. If you are considering a dose, ask your GP to individualise it for you.
How much inositol should I take for PCOS
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and may help sleep and stress responses, which can affect cycles. Omega 3 fish oil contains EPA and DHA, which can reduce inflammation and support lipid profiles that are often altered in PCOS. Lower inflammation can support healthier ovulation and ovarian tissue function.
Vitamin D affects many endocrine pathways. Levels below target ranges are common and may worsen insulin resistance and irregular cycles. A blood test guides safe dosing. Australian guidelines suggest keeping serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D above 50 nmol per litre, with many clinicians aiming for 75 to 100 nmol per litre in reproductive care.
Inositol is often compared with metformin in studies. Evidence suggests it may support similar metabolic goals with fewer side effects in some people. Decisions about metformin, inositol, or both should be made with your GP or specialist.
How long does it take inositol to work for PCOS
N acetyl cysteine increases glutathione, the body’s key antioxidant. It can improve insulin sensitivity and may help regulate ovulation. Typical total daily intakes studied range between 600 milligrams and 1,800 milligrams, often split across the day. Discuss the right approach with your GP, especially if you take other medicines.
Zinc supports cell growth, enzyme activity, and androgen balance. Low zinc may show as hair loss, changes in nails, poor appetite, or slow wound healing. Suitable forms include zinc picolinate or citrate. B vitamins, including folate and B12, help break down homocysteine, which when elevated is linked with poorer fertility outcomes. Folate also supports progesterone production and reduces the risk of anovulation.
Coenzyme Q10 supports mitochondrial energy production in cells, including in ovarian tissue. Ubiquinol is the active form, while ubiquinone must be converted in the body. Some people achieve higher blood levels with ubiquinol. Improved mitochondrial function may support egg quality and ovarian response, which can matter in natural conception and during IVF.
Chromium, berberine, and alpha lipoic acid have insulin sensitising actions. Berberine also has anti inflammatory properties and has been studied for ovulation and metabolic benefits. Evening primrose oil provides gamma linolenic acid, which the body turns into prostaglandins that can support menstrual comfort. Saw palmetto may reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which can support management of androgen related skin and hair symptoms. If you are planning pregnancy or already pregnant, ask your GP about stopping saw palmetto and other herbal products at the right time.
Choose products that meet Australian quality standards. Look for clear labelling, batch testing, and reputable suppliers that follow TGA and FSANZ requirements. If a product upsets your stomach or makes you feel unwell, stop and ask your GP for advice.
How PCOS is diagnosed and what your GP may check
Diagnosis in Australia is based on a pattern of symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasound. Your GP will ask about cycle length, acne or hair growth, weight changes, family history, and any previous pregnancies. They may check body mass index and blood pressure, examine skin and hair patterns, and look for signs of insulin resistance such as skin changes on the neck or underarms.
Blood tests often include total and free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid function, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and a lipid profile. A pelvic ultrasound looks at the number and appearance of follicles and ovarian volume. The Rotterdam criteria are commonly used, which means PCOS can be diagnosed when two of three features are present after other causes are excluded. Your GP will also rule out other conditions that can look similar, such as thyroid disease or high prolactin.
For people trying to conceive, doctors may also order anti Mullerian hormone to gauge ovarian reserve, mid luteal progesterone to check for ovulation, and vitamin D to guide dosing. Understanding these results helps tailor lifestyle, supplements, and any fertility medicines you may need.
What common tests involve and how to prepare
A fasting blood test usually means no food for 8 to 12 hours, with water allowed. Tests that assess sugar control may include a glucose tolerance test. For this, a fasting sample is taken, you drink a measured glucose drink, then more blood samples are taken over time. Some clinics also measure insulin levels to estimate insulin resistance. A lipid profile measures triglycerides and cholesterol fractions. A vitamin D test helps set a safe supplementation plan and is often repeated to confirm you have reached target levels.
Pelvic ultrasound may be done through the abdomen or transvaginally. The transvaginal approach often provides the best view of the ovaries and uterus. It is a short scan, and you can ask for a chaperone. Timing may be scheduled in the early days of a cycle, or as needed.
If you track ovulation at home using urine LH tests, your GP can compare your tracking with a mid luteal progesterone blood test. This combination can confirm whether you ovulate and how long your luteal phase lasts. These details help time intercourse or treatment and help your doctor decide on medicines such as letrozole if needed.
Home management that supports ovulation and conception
Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity and lowers inflammation. Aim for a mix of cardio and resistance activity most days. If weight loss is recommended, even a modest reduction can restore ovulation for some women. A simple starting point is to prioritise whole foods, lean protein, high fibre vegetables, legumes, and low glycaemic index carbohydrates. Spread protein evenly across meals to stabilise hunger and blood sugar. Good sleep and stress management also help hormones settle and may improve cycle regularity.
Supplements can be added to a lifestyle plan. Myo inositol is commonly used for cycle support. Fish oil with a known amount of EPA and DHA can benefit metabolic health. Vitamin D is adjusted to blood levels, which keeps dosing safe. NAC is often started at 600 milligrams daily and titrated if needed. CoQ10 can be considered if egg quality is a concern, especially if you are planning IVF. Zinc and B vitamins can address common micronutrient gaps. Chromium, berberine, and alpha lipoic acid are options when insulin resistance is present. Always check interactions with current medicines, and pause non essential supplements once pregnancy is confirmed unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Some people use evening primrose oil in the follicular phase to support cycle comfort, then stop after ovulation. Saw palmetto is used for androgen symptoms but is not usually continued in pregnancy. Your GP or fertility specialist can help you decide what to use and when to stop.
When to see a GP or specialist in Australia
Book a GP appointment if your cycles are longer than 35 days, you skip periods, or you have acne, unwanted facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, or pelvic pain. If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months under 35 years, or 6 months 35 and over, see your GP sooner. Seek earlier care if you have diabetes, a high body mass index, known male factor concerns, or a history of pregnancy complications.
Your GP can arrange tests, guide lifestyle changes, and discuss supplements. For conception, letrozole is often used first to induce ovulation. Metformin is considered when insulin resistance is present or if letrozole alone does not lead to ovulation. If you need advanced care, your GP can refer you to an endocrinologist or fertility specialist. Medicare rebates apply to many tests and appointments with a valid referral. If you are on prescription medicines, ask about interactions with berberine, inositol, fish oil, NAC, or other supplements before starting them.
How ovulation and pregnancy tests fit into PCOS care
Ovulation predictor kits detect a rise in LH, the hormone that triggers egg release. In PCOS, LH can be higher at baseline, which may cause false positives or multiple surges. Testing at the same time daily helps, and some people test twice daily near the fertile window. Pair kits with cervical mucus changes and basal body temperature. A mid luteal progesterone blood test from your GP confirms that ovulation occurred. If LH tests are not reliable for you, your doctor may suggest ultrasound tracking in a monitored cycle.
Conception can happen only if ovulation occurs and sperm meet the egg in time. Accurate timing matters, so home tracking tools are useful between clinic visits. Sensitive home pregnancy tests can detect early pregnancy. If you have a delayed period, test every few days. If your cycles are very irregular, talk with your GP about when to test and whether to use a serum hCG test.
What does saw palmetto do for a woman with PCOS
During IVF or ovulation induction, your clinic will set timing based on scans and blood tests. Supplements such as CoQ10 may support mitochondrial function, which is relevant for egg development. Keep your care team updated on everything you take so they can advise you safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS supplements and fertility Australia
Is inositol safe to take while preparing for IVF
Many clinics allow inositol during preconception and stimulation, however individual protocols differ. Share brand and dose with your specialist and stop if they advise a change.
Do I need to test vitamin D before supplementing
A blood test helps set a safe dose and checks that you reach the target range. Your GP can repeat testing and adjust the plan to avoid high calcium levels.
Can fish oil thin the blood
Fish oil has mild antiplatelet effects. If you take anticoagulants or have surgery booked, tell your doctor. They may adjust doses or timing.
Will berberine replace metformin
Berberine and metformin target similar pathways but they are not interchangeable for everyone. Your GP will decide based on your blood results, side effect profile, and treatment plan.
What form of CoQ10 is better for egg quality
Ubiquinol is the active form and can reach higher blood levels in some people. Others do well on ubiquinone. Discuss options, dose, and cost with your specialist.
Are there signs I should stop a supplement
Stop if you develop rash, breathing trouble, severe stomach pain, diarrhoea, or marked dizziness. Seek urgent care for severe symptoms. For milder effects, pause and speak with your GP.
Your next steps in Australia
If you suspect PCOS or you are finding it hard to conceive, start with your GP. Ask for cycle, hormone, and metabolic tests, and a vitamin D level so dosing is safe. Build a daily routine that supports ovulation. Aim for regular movement, high fibre meals with steady protein, and consistent sleep. Add supplements that match your blood results and goals. Inositol, fish oil, vitamin D, NAC, zinc, B vitamins, CoQ10, chromium, berberine, and alpha lipoic acid each play a different role. If androgen symptoms bother you, ask about options such as saw palmetto and how to time use around pregnancy plans. Use home ovulation tests and early pregnancy tests to track progress between visits, and confirm ovulation with a mid luteal progesterone blood test through your GP.
Fertility2Family offers clear information and locally relevant products that align with Australian standards. If you need a plan tailored to you, book with your GP or fertility specialist, share everything you are taking, and review progress every few months. Small, steady changes can shift cycles and improve your chances over time.
References
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos
https://ranzcog.edu.au/womens-health/patient-information-resources/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-d
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ovulation-calculator
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/fertility-and-pregnancy/trying-to-conceive
https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/mchri/pcos/guideline
Evan Kurzyp
Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.
