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A New Supplement Available Which May Assist With Fertility and Insulin Resistance(1,2)
A new supplement which contains unique ingredients clinically proven to correct endocrine and metabolic imbalances linked to insulin resistance and 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 address infertility, oxidative stress and insulin resistance(5).
PCOS is a common reproductive disorder(6) that effects as many as 15% of the female population(7). It is defined as a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age(8).
Studies have shown that up to 85% of women diagnosed with PCOS were unaware of their condition(9).
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown(8). In fact, even though this condition was first discovered over 80 years ago, there is still no definitive test to diagnose it, no cure and no clear agreement among health professionals about what causes it(7).
What is known is that PCOS is associated with many health conditions and has an impact on various metabolic processes in the body(6). Left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease(8).
While signs and symptoms of PCOS vary from patient to patient, a diagnosis of PCOS is made when a woman experiences at least two of the following signs: irregular periods, excessive androgen (elevated levels of this male hormone) and polycystic ovaries(8), (when ovaries may be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs, which may result in the ovaries not functioning correctly(10)).
In fact, 60-80% of women with PCOS suffer from insulin resistance and excess body fat, 95% have irregular periods and may not ovulate, 60% suffer from hair loss, acne and unwanted hair growth and 20% have infertility problems(6). Alarmingly, more than 50 percent of women with PCOS will develop diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40(11).
PCOS signs and symptoms are also typically more severe if a woman is obese(8).
While the health effects of PCOS can severely affect a woman’s quality of life(6), it is the effect on fertility that can be particularly heart-breaking. In fact, polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of irregular menstruation that leads to infertility(6).
Studies have shown that amongst couples seeking treatment for infertility, 30% of cases are due to anovulation(6), a term which means that a woman does not ovulate during menstruation(9). It is estimated that 90% of anovulation cases are actually caused by PCOS(6).
Sinopol®’s unique three ingredients include Alpha Lipoic Acid (400mg), Myo-Inositol (1000mg) and Folic Acid (200µg)( 5).
Myo-Inositol reduces 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, this combination of ingredients in various studies on certain patient profiles have been proven to reduce insulin resistance by 45.5%(2), reduce obesity by 8.4%(3 ) and increase successful pregnancies by 44%(1).
While there is no cure for PCOS(6), medical treatments are available which may address individual symptoms of the condition(7).
These include oral contraceptives in younger woman who do not want to fall pregnant. Not only do these pills regulate the menstrual cycle, but they also decrease the production of adrenal androgens, or male hormones(6). For a woman showing signs of insulin resistance, diabetes medications might be prescribed(7). For women with fertility issues, doctors may prescribe medications to promote ovulation(7).
While there is currently no standard diet for PCOS, research has found that what people eat has a significant effect on PCOS(10). Some recommendations include following a low glycaemic index (GI) diet and including natural unprocessed foods and plenty of high-fibre foods(11).
If you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you are experiencing infertility or if you have signs of excess unwanted hair, acne and male-pattern baldness, you need to go and see your doctor(8).
How much does it cost?
The recommended retail price is R370 but it will vary depending on the pharmacy (as at February 2020).
Where to find Sinopol®?
Sinopol® is the only 3-in-1 formulation that can address metabolic, endocrine and reproductive symptoms of PCOS1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Sinopol®, which is available over the counter at pharmacies (such as Dischem and Clicks) without a prescription, has been shown to be safe and well tolerated1. For optimal results, a sachet dissolved in water taken twice a day is recommended5.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Visit www.sinopol.co.za
Follow Sinopol on Facebook
DISCLAIMER:
This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional.
Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. Name and business address: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07. 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za
IN3430/19.
References:
- 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.
- 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–
- 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.
- 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.
- SinopolR approved package insert, February 2019.
- Barthelmess EK, Naz RK. Polycystic ovary syndrome: current status and future perspective. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2014 Jan 1;6:104-19.
- 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)
- Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome (2017) at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443 (Website accessed on 3 July 2019)
- 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
- Anovulatory Cycle: When You Don’t Release an Oocyte (2018) at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/anovulatory-cycle (Website accessed on 3 July 2019)
- Medical News Today. What to eat if you have PCOS (2018) at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323002.php (Website accessed on 3 July 2019)
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.