New supplement available which may assist with PCOS symptoms and insulin resistance[1], [2]
A new supplement which contains a unique combination of ingredients clinically proven to help correct endocrine and metabolic imbalances linked to insulin resistance and associated infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now available in South Africa[1], [2], [3], [4].
Sinopol®, from iNova Pharmaceuticals, is a new three-in-one formulation to help address infertility, oxidative stress and insulin resistance associated with PCOS[5].
PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy of women in their reproductive years[6], [7] and affects as many as 15% of the female population[8]. PCOS is associated with many health conditions and has an impact on various metabolic processes in the body[7]. Left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease[9].
A study has shown that up to 82% of women diagnosed with PCOS were unaware of their condition[10].
Oxidative stress, low-grade chronic inflammation, insulin and lipid metabolism alterations are present in the background of the main clinical manifestations of this complex and multifaceted syndrome[11]. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when a patient experiences at least two of the following signs: irregular periods, excessive androgens and polycystic ovaries[9].
In fact, 60-80% of women with PCOS suffer from insulin resistance and excess body fat, 95% have some type of anovulation, 60% suffer from hyperandrogenism which could present as hair loss, acne and unwanted hair growth and 20% have infertility problems[7]. Alarmingly, more than 50% of women with PCOS will develop diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40[12]. PCOS signs and symptoms are also typically more severe if a woman is obese[9].
PCOS is the most common cause of irregular menstruation that can lead to infertility[7]. Studies have shown that amongst couples seeking treatment for infertility, 30% of cases are due to anovulation[7]. It is estimated that 90% of anovulation cases are actually caused by PCOS[7].
Sinopol®’s unique ingredient combination includes Alpha Lipoic Acid (400 mg), Myo-Inositol (1000 mg) and Folic Acid (200 µg) [5].
Myo-Inositol helps reduce insulin resistance in patients with PCOS, Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant which reduces oxidative stress and helps to promote healthy glucose metabolism and Folic Acid helps the body to metabolise proteins, helps to forms red blood cells and helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken daily prior to becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy[5].
In fact, these ingredients in various studies on certain patient profiles has been proven to reduce insulin resistance by 45.5%[2], reduce obesity by 8.4%[3] and increase successful pregnancies by 44%, in patients undergoing or on in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)[1].
Sinopol® is the only 3-in-1 formulation that can help address metabolic, endocrine and reproductive symptoms of PCOS[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Sinopol® is available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription.
Sinopol® Fast-Slow delivery ensures 24-hour coverage when a sachet is dissolved in water and taken twice daily, at least ten hours apart[5], [13].
References:
[1] Rago R, Marcucci I, Leto G, et al. Effect of myo-inositol and alpha-lipoic acid on oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome non-obese women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a pilot study. J Biol Regulators Homeostatic Agents 2015;29(4):1-11.
[2] Genazzani AD, Shefer K, Della Casa D, et al. Modulatory effects of alpha‑lipoic acid (ALA) administration on insulin sensitivity in obese PCOS patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2018;41:583–590.
[3] Carbonelli MG, Di Renzo L, Bigioni M, et al. α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation: A Tool for Obesity Therapy? Curr Pharmaceut Design 2010;16:840-846.
[4] De Cicco S, Immediata V, Romualdi D, et al. Myoinositol combined with alpha-lipoic acid may improve the clinical and endocrine features of polycystic ovary syndrome through an insulin-independent action. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017;33(9):698–701.
[5] Sinopol® package insert, February 2019.
[6] Cappelli V, Musacchio MC, Bulfoni A, et al. Natural molecules for the therapy of hyperandrogenism and metabolic disorders in PCOS. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21(2 Suppl):15-29
[7] Barthelmess EK, Naz RK. Polycystic ovary syndrome: current status and future perspective. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2014 Jan 1;6:104-19.
[8] Web MD. Why is PCOS hard to diagnose (2016) at https://www.webmd.com/women/features/pcos-polycistic-ovary-syndrome-women#1 (Website accessed on 3 July 2019)
[9] Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome (2017) at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443 (Website accessed on 3 July 2019)
[10] Sharif, E. et al. The frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome in young reproductive females in Qatar. International Journal of Women’s Health 2017:9 1–10
[11] Bellver J, Rodríguez-Tabernero L, Robles A, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome throughout a woman’s life. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018;35:25–39
[12] Medical News Today. What to eat if you have PCOS (2018) at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323002.php (Website accessed on3 July 2019)
[13] Data on File, iNova Pharmaceuticals