Taking Fish Oil for PCOS

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?BenefitsFish to EatSupplementsWho It’s For

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is It?

Benefits

Fish to Eat

Supplements

Who It’s For

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that may help relieve some conditions associated withpolycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). In fact, several studies suggest that fish oil can help ease period pain.

Research shows that fish oil reduces triglyceride levels and insulin resistance.This is an important finding for people with PCOS, as it means that taking fish oil may reduce their risk of type II diabetes andheart disease.

This article explains the benefits of fish oil for PCOS. It also covers how to add fish oil to your diet, what to know about fish oil supplements, and when to see a healthcare provider.

ZenShui / Frederic Cirou / Photo Alto Agency RF Collections / Getty Images

What Is Fish Oil?

Stored in the fat of coldwater fish, fish oil is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fat that is rich ineicosapentaenoicacid (EPA) anddocosahexaenoicacid (DHA).

EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce and can only come from diet or supplementation. These essential fatty acids are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and a building block for hormones that regulate blood clotting and inflammation.

The standard American diet tends to be lacking in omega-3 fats, while also being heavy on omega-6 fats, another polyunsaturated fat.Consuming higher amounts of omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3 fats is linked to an increasedrisk of obesity.

Benefits of Fish Oil for PCOS

A wealth of studies support the use of fish oil to treat PCOS, as well as insulin resistance and hightriglycerides.In addition to these benefits, fish oil is proven to:

Improve mood:PCOS is linked to a number of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.One study showed that taking 1,000 milligrams (mg) of fish oil twice per day for 12 weeks led to significant improvements in anxiety anddepression in people with PCOS.

Lower androgens:Hyperandrogenismrefers to heightened androgen hormone levels, which cause excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and acne, ovulation disorders, and problems with menstruation in people with PCOS.

Reduce inflammation:Chronic inflammation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and other problems commonly seen in people with PCOS.Omega-3 supplementation is proven to reduce chronic inflammation, which may reduce these risks.

Improve egg quality and ovulation:Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may improve female fertility and the odds of conceiving naturally.A study from 2023 revealed that omega-3 supplementation led to significant improvements infertility in people with PCOS, particularly among people who are overweight or obese.

Omega-3 fatty acids may be so effective for these purposes that some experts recommend it as a PCOS treatment. Still, more research is necessary to determine the long-term benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in people with PCOS.

Adding Fish Oil to Your Diet

To get the most health benefits of omega-3 rich fish oil in your diet, the best method is to simply eat more fish. Another alternative is to takefish oil supplements, although some studies show that supplements may not be as effective as eating fish.

The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of cold-water fish per week.

Mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy,sardines, herring, trout, and menhaden are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing about 1 gram of essential fats per 3.5-ounce serving, or about 3/4 cup of flaky fish.Prepare the fish grilled or broiled, not fried, to best preserve the benefits.

The 9 Best Fish Oil Supplements, According to Dietitians

Taking Fish Oil Supplements

The current recommended daily intake for adult women is 1.1 grams.

Studies suggest the following fish oil doses may be helpful for a variety of conditions:

When taking fish oil supplements, some people may experience uncomfortable side effects, such as fishy burps.Taking fish oil with mealsor storing supplements in the freezer can help to prevent this.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Prior to taking fish oil, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if supplements are right for you and how much you should take.

People who are onblood thinnerslike aspirin, Lovenox, warfarin, or heparin should not take fish oil as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

People taking medication for high blood pressure should also use caution when taking fish oil as the combination may lower blood pressure too drastically.

Birth control pills may interfere with thetriglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil and people should use caution when combining these drugs.

Do not take fish oil supplements if you are allergic to fish.

Summary

16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sadeghi N, Paknezhad F, Rashidi Nooshabadi M, et al.Vitamin E and fish oil, separately or in combination, on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Sep 2;34(9):804-8. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1450377Lepretti M, Martucciello S, Acevas M, Putti R, Lionetti L.Omega-3 fatty acids and insulin resistance: Focus on the regulation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Nutrients. 2018 Mar;10(3):350. doi:10.3390/nu10030350Simopoulos AP.An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity.Nutrients. 2016 Mar;8(3):128. doi:10.3390/nu8030128Yang K, Zeng L, Ge J.Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;16(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0346-xChaudhari A, Mazumdar K, Mehta P.Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2018 Jun;40(3):239-246. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_561_17Amini M, Bahmani F, Foroozanfard F, et al.The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;19(1):1-9. doi:10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282Mobeen H, Afzal N, Kashif M.Polycystic ovary syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016 May;2016(1):4071735. doi:10.1155/2016/4071735Bland J.Therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids for immune disordersIn Search of the Ideal Omega-3 Supplement.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2022 Nov;21(5):14-18.Ye W, Xie T, Song Y, Zhou L.The role of androgen and its related signals in PCOS.J Cell Mol Med. 2021 Feb;25(4):1825-1837. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16205Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim E, Shawki H, Amer S.The role of chronic inflammation in polycystic ovarian syndrome—a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Mar;22(5):2734. doi:10.3390/ijms22052734Stanhiser J, Jukic A, McConnaughey D, Steiner A.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and fecundability.Hum Reprod. 2022 May;37(5):1037-1046. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac027Trop-Steinberg S, Heifetz E, Azar Y, Kafka I, Weintraub A, Gal M.Omega-3 intake improves clinical pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A double-blind, randomized study.Isr Med Assoc J. 2023 Feb;25(2):131-136.Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al.Marine n− 3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.New England Journal of Medicine. 2019 Jan 3;380(1):23-32. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1811403American Heart Association.Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals.Gao H, Geng T, Huang T, Zhao Q.Fish oil supplementation and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lipids in Health and Disease. 2017 Dec;16(1):131. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0528-0

16 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sadeghi N, Paknezhad F, Rashidi Nooshabadi M, et al.Vitamin E and fish oil, separately or in combination, on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Sep 2;34(9):804-8. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1450377Lepretti M, Martucciello S, Acevas M, Putti R, Lionetti L.Omega-3 fatty acids and insulin resistance: Focus on the regulation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Nutrients. 2018 Mar;10(3):350. doi:10.3390/nu10030350Simopoulos AP.An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity.Nutrients. 2016 Mar;8(3):128. doi:10.3390/nu8030128Yang K, Zeng L, Ge J.Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;16(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0346-xChaudhari A, Mazumdar K, Mehta P.Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2018 Jun;40(3):239-246. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_561_17Amini M, Bahmani F, Foroozanfard F, et al.The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;19(1):1-9. doi:10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282Mobeen H, Afzal N, Kashif M.Polycystic ovary syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016 May;2016(1):4071735. doi:10.1155/2016/4071735Bland J.Therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids for immune disordersIn Search of the Ideal Omega-3 Supplement.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2022 Nov;21(5):14-18.Ye W, Xie T, Song Y, Zhou L.The role of androgen and its related signals in PCOS.J Cell Mol Med. 2021 Feb;25(4):1825-1837. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16205Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim E, Shawki H, Amer S.The role of chronic inflammation in polycystic ovarian syndrome—a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Mar;22(5):2734. doi:10.3390/ijms22052734Stanhiser J, Jukic A, McConnaughey D, Steiner A.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and fecundability.Hum Reprod. 2022 May;37(5):1037-1046. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac027Trop-Steinberg S, Heifetz E, Azar Y, Kafka I, Weintraub A, Gal M.Omega-3 intake improves clinical pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A double-blind, randomized study.Isr Med Assoc J. 2023 Feb;25(2):131-136.Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al.Marine n− 3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.New England Journal of Medicine. 2019 Jan 3;380(1):23-32. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1811403American Heart Association.Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals.Gao H, Geng T, Huang T, Zhao Q.Fish oil supplementation and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lipids in Health and Disease. 2017 Dec;16(1):131. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0528-0

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Sadeghi N, Paknezhad F, Rashidi Nooshabadi M, et al.Vitamin E and fish oil, separately or in combination, on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Sep 2;34(9):804-8. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1450377Lepretti M, Martucciello S, Acevas M, Putti R, Lionetti L.Omega-3 fatty acids and insulin resistance: Focus on the regulation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Nutrients. 2018 Mar;10(3):350. doi:10.3390/nu10030350Simopoulos AP.An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity.Nutrients. 2016 Mar;8(3):128. doi:10.3390/nu8030128Yang K, Zeng L, Ge J.Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;16(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0346-xChaudhari A, Mazumdar K, Mehta P.Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2018 Jun;40(3):239-246. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_561_17Amini M, Bahmani F, Foroozanfard F, et al.The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;19(1):1-9. doi:10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282Mobeen H, Afzal N, Kashif M.Polycystic ovary syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016 May;2016(1):4071735. doi:10.1155/2016/4071735Bland J.Therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids for immune disordersIn Search of the Ideal Omega-3 Supplement.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2022 Nov;21(5):14-18.Ye W, Xie T, Song Y, Zhou L.The role of androgen and its related signals in PCOS.J Cell Mol Med. 2021 Feb;25(4):1825-1837. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16205Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim E, Shawki H, Amer S.The role of chronic inflammation in polycystic ovarian syndrome—a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Mar;22(5):2734. doi:10.3390/ijms22052734Stanhiser J, Jukic A, McConnaughey D, Steiner A.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and fecundability.Hum Reprod. 2022 May;37(5):1037-1046. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac027Trop-Steinberg S, Heifetz E, Azar Y, Kafka I, Weintraub A, Gal M.Omega-3 intake improves clinical pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A double-blind, randomized study.Isr Med Assoc J. 2023 Feb;25(2):131-136.Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al.Marine n− 3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.New England Journal of Medicine. 2019 Jan 3;380(1):23-32. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1811403American Heart Association.Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals.Gao H, Geng T, Huang T, Zhao Q.Fish oil supplementation and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lipids in Health and Disease. 2017 Dec;16(1):131. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0528-0

Sadeghi N, Paknezhad F, Rashidi Nooshabadi M, et al.Vitamin E and fish oil, separately or in combination, on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Sep 2;34(9):804-8. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1450377

Lepretti M, Martucciello S, Acevas M, Putti R, Lionetti L.Omega-3 fatty acids and insulin resistance: Focus on the regulation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Nutrients. 2018 Mar;10(3):350. doi:10.3390/nu10030350

Simopoulos AP.An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity.Nutrients. 2016 Mar;8(3):128. doi:10.3390/nu8030128

Yang K, Zeng L, Ge J.Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;16(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0346-x

Chaudhari A, Mazumdar K, Mehta P.Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2018 Jun;40(3):239-246. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_561_17

Amini M, Bahmani F, Foroozanfard F, et al.The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;19(1):1-9. doi:10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282

Mobeen H, Afzal N, Kashif M.Polycystic ovary syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016 May;2016(1):4071735. doi:10.1155/2016/4071735

Bland J.Therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids for immune disordersIn Search of the Ideal Omega-3 Supplement.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2022 Nov;21(5):14-18.

Ye W, Xie T, Song Y, Zhou L.The role of androgen and its related signals in PCOS.J Cell Mol Med. 2021 Feb;25(4):1825-1837. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16205

Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim E, Shawki H, Amer S.The role of chronic inflammation in polycystic ovarian syndrome—a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Mol Sci.2021 Mar;22(5):2734. doi:10.3390/ijms22052734

Stanhiser J, Jukic A, McConnaughey D, Steiner A.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and fecundability.Hum Reprod. 2022 May;37(5):1037-1046. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac027

Trop-Steinberg S, Heifetz E, Azar Y, Kafka I, Weintraub A, Gal M.Omega-3 intake improves clinical pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A double-blind, randomized study.Isr Med Assoc J. 2023 Feb;25(2):131-136.

Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al.Marine n− 3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.New England Journal of Medicine. 2019 Jan 3;380(1):23-32. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1811403

American Heart Association.Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals.

Gao H, Geng T, Huang T, Zhao Q.Fish oil supplementation and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lipids in Health and Disease. 2017 Dec;16(1):131. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0528-0

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