Alkaline Water May Help PCOS Symptoms and Fertility Issues

Potential therapeutic effect of alkaline reduced water in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Research hubs: Endocrine System · Reproductive System

Evidence type
Review or commentary
Authors
Jesmin Ara, Selikem Abla Nuwormegbe, Ma. Easter Joy Sajo, Soo-Ki Kim, Kwang-Yong Shim, Kyu-Jae Lee
Journal
Medical Hypotheses
Year
2017
DOI
10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.017
Study Type
clinical
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
South Korea
Health Condition
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Body System
Endocrine

TL;DR

Researchers found that a special type of water called alkaline reduced water might help women with PCOS (a condition that causes irregular periods and makes it hard to get pregnant) by helping them lose weight and balance their hormones. This matters because there's currently no really good treatment for PCOS, so this could be a new way to help women with this problem.

Summary

Scientists published a hypothesis suggesting alkaline reduced water (ARW) could help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects women's hormones, causing weight gain, insulin resistance, and fertility problems. The researchers noted that previous studies showed alkaline water reduces obesity and inflammation. They theorize that since weight loss helps PCOS symptoms, alkaline water's obesity-reducing effects could improve hormone balance, reduce insulin resistance, and restore ovulation in PCOS patients. This is a theoretical study proposing a new treatment approach, not clinical trial results.

Abstract (excerpt)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by hormonal disturbances including hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia culminating into obesity, multiple ovarian cysts and anovulatory infertility in women. There has been no effective…

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