Testosterone is one of our main sex hormones and it plays an important role in fertility in both male and female bodies. However, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have elevated testosterone levels, and since this is an androgen (male sex hormone), it can cause a number of negative symptoms.
Side effects of high testosterone levels can include excess body hair, baldness, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, infertility, and obesity. Additionally, long-term testosterone imbalances can increase women’s chances of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic disease. That being said, finding ways to lower and balance your testosterone levels may be necessary if you have PCOS.
If you’ve been looking for a testosterone fix for a while, you may have seen zinc mentioned as a possible remedy for high testosterone levels. However, there has been some confusion as to whether or not it lowers or raises your androgen levels. So today I have dedicated this post to answer whether zinc will help increase testosterone levels.
Does Zinc Increase Testosterone?
After a little research on the internet, you will find sources that say zinc increases testosterone and other sources that say it decreases it. So what is it? The answer is both.
Zinc actually helps regulate your body’s hormone levels, meaning whether your testosterone is low or high, zinc will help you reach the appropriate levels. So, if you are a woman with PCOS who is concerned about high testosterone levels and related symptoms, then a zinc supplement may be a good thing to consider.
What is zinc?
Zinc is considered a “trace mineral,” meaning we only need low levels of zinc for healthy human body function. (You only need about 8 milligrams of zinc.) However, zinc is an essential mineral responsible for nearly 100 biological chemical reactions. This means that zinc deficiency can easily lead to a number of negative side effects. However, a healthy amount of zinc from a proper diet or zinc supplement helps your body;
- Develop a strong immune system
- Regulates hormones
- Manage blood sugar
- Maintaining a healthy thyroid
Because zinc does so much, you may see improvements in a number of PCOS symptoms when you get the recommended amount of zinc. Here are some ways you may see improvement in your PCOS symptoms with zinc:
The effect of zinc on testosterone
Does zinc increase testosterone in women?
Although zinc can increase testosterone levels in men, it does not increase testosterone in women. This is because rather than simply raising or lowering testosterone in the body, zinc actually works to regulate it. So no matter what your body needs, as far as androgens go, zinc can help you achieve a healthier balance.
With the right balance of androgens, you can see improvements in many symptoms. Research has shown that zinc can help regulate the menstrual cycle, promote healthy ovulation, reduce inflammation, and balance other hormones as well, including stress and thyroid hormones. All of this makes zinc one of the best supplements for PCOS, as hormonal imbalances are common in almost all types of PCOS.
Before taking zinc, consult your doctor to determine the correct dosage. I will list my top zinc supplements below. However, you can also take a multivitamin that includes zinc, such as Metabolism Plus from Ovafit, that includes other beneficial supplements or PCOS such as circumin, CoQ10, and omega-3.
Best Zinc Supplements for PCOS
Pure coils Zinc 30
Besides our personal Ovafit supplements, Pure Encapsulations vitamins and minerals are my number one recommendation. Each capsule, as the name suggests, includes only the necessary ingredients and nothing extra. No wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coatings, shellac, GMOs or other unnecessary binders, fillers or preservatives. Just one capsule a day provides your daily zinc requirements.
NOW zinc gluconate
NOW Foods also makes high-quality vitamins that are vegan, soy, kosher, non-GMO, halal, and sugar-free. They also come at a great price. Each bottle is GMP quality assured as A-rated, which basically means that the capsules have been checked for quality at every stage of the manufacturing process. Plus, these zinc supplements are packaged by a family-owned business in the USA
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc
This zinc supplement contains more than your daily allowance of zinc, it also includes vitamin C and probiotics. All vitamins included are made from whole foods and are organic, certified vegan, non-GMO, NSF gluten free, Star K Kosher and carbon free. There are also no synthetic binders, additives and fillers or artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Garden of Life truly uses only the best ingredients.
Designs for Health Zinc Supreme
This is another nutritional supplement in the vitamin mix. It includes zinc, molybdenum, vitamin B6, riboflavin, taurine and malic acid. Designs for Health maintains a high standard of quality, and all ingredients are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly. Their supplements are made in the USA and come in premium glass packaging. This blend is an excellent source of zinc and other high-quality vitamins.
Zinc can help balance your testosterone and reduce PCOS symptoms.
One of the best benefits of zinc for PCOS is its androgen-balancing properties, which can help alleviate a number of PCOS symptoms. You can find more ways to lower testosterone and treat PCOS symptoms naturally on the PCOS Weight Loss blog and the Cyster & Her Mister podcast.