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Studies Red wine in women can reduce polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
A natural compound in red wine could help women to positively influence their estrogen levels. Researchers have now discovered that the compound called resveratrol may help women with hormone imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that a natural compound in red wine can help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to restore estrogen levels. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism".
If women have problems with their hormone levels, maybe a glass of red wine could help them. Physicians discovered positive effects of a natural compound in red wine on women with PCOS. (Image: contrastwerkstatt / fotolia.com) PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility
In the United States alone, between five and six million women suffer from PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine diseases and the leading cause of female infertility, experts in the US explain. Women with PCOS have higher concentrations of testosterone and other androgen hormones in the body, which promotes the development of cysts in the ovaries, the doctors add.
Impact of PCOS
A higher concentration of hormones in women with PCOS may be a factor leading to irregular or total menstruation, weight gain, infertility, acne, and excessive hair growth on the body and face, the authors explain. Affected women also have an increased risk of developing other health problems, such as type 2 diabetes.
Impact of PCOS on the children of those affected
An earlier study also looked at possible effects of the disease on the offspring of those affected. Progeny of women with PCOS are therefore at increased risk for the development of autism spectrum disorders, explain the researchers. Maybe people should drink a glass of wine from time to time to protect themselves and their children.
Study examines effects of resveratrol on hormone imbalance
For the new study, the researchers analyzed the blood samples of thirty women with PCOS. The physicians wanted to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the existing hormone imbalance. Resveratrol is part of a group of herbal compounds, scientists say. These are called polyphenols and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Such a compound is also present in nuts, for example.
Effects of taking Resveratrol
When women took resveratrol supplements, their total testosterone levels dropped by 23.1 percent. In the placebo group, on the other hand, testosterone levels increased by 2.9 percent, say the authors. The level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) fell by 22.2 percent for the resveratrol group, and increased by 10.5 percent in the placebo group. The hormone DHEAS can convert to testosterone.
Resveratrol compound reduces the likelihood of diabetes
The tested dietary supplement can help to balance the hormone imbalance, which is a key feature of PCOS, explains the author. Antoni Duleba from the University of California, San Diego. In addition, administration of the resveratrol compound may also reduce the risk of diabetes, the expert adds. Resveratrol significantly reduces so-called ovarian and adrenal androgens. This effect can at least partially improve insulin sensitivity, the researchers explain in their study. (As)