Are Reishi Mushrooms Good for PCOS? Are There Any Benefits?
Reishi mushrooms, or “Ganoderma lucidum,” are medicinal mushrooms that have been used by humans for over 2,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, they were originally used to support physical health, enhance longevity, and replenish the flow of energy, also known as “Qi.”
The Reishi mushroom has also been shown to significantly lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS. It also has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties that support the body and immune system, which can be great if you have PCOS. In this article, we will explore the use of Reishi mushrooms for PCOS and what types of supplements you can try to incorporate Reishi into your wellness routine.
Are Reishi Mushrooms Good for PCOS?
Yes, Reishi mushrooms are beneficial for PCOS for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, , Reishi mushrooms have been proven effective in lowering testosterone and androgen levels. They also have a unique pathway specifically designed for sleep — and when you have PCOS, good sleep is crucial in managing your PCOS symptoms!
Reishi has also proven to be very effective in rebalancing the gut microbiome. It works by repopulating “good” bacteria in your gut, especially since the mushrooms themselves contain a specific type of fiber that helps to “feed” healthy gut bacteria.
Hormones affect our overall health and well-being, and PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can be gently supported with natural supplements that contain scientifically proven fungi, like medicinal mushrooms.
What are the Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms for PCOS?
According to studies, Reishi mushroom extract has exhibited estrogen-like activity that allows it to successfully bind to human estrogen alpha and beta receptors and activate them. This means that Reishi mushroom for PCOS shows huge potential in treating estrogen-related imbalances.
Additionally, some of the benefits of Reishi for PCOS are:
1. Reduced Testosterone Levels
Studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms have strong testosterone-inhibiting effects and can reduce levels of 5-alpha reductase. This means that it can prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen that causes PCOS symptoms like acne, hair loss, and hair thinning.
2. Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support
One of Reishi’s most important properties is its powerful anti-inflammatory capacity, which has been proven effective among people suffering from gout, arthritis, and headaches. Reishi reduces inflammation in the body, which causes several chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. In women with PCOS, studies have shown higher markers for inflammation, which Reishi can help support.
3. Improve Gut Microbiome
Reishi mushrooms can also help promote gut health, lower body fat, and can help prevent ulcers from forming in the gut. This is because the beta-glucans in the mushroom encourage probiotic growth and support a strong and diverse gut microbiome. An improved gut microbiome also means less inflammation and better overall health.
4. Acts as an Adaptogen
By supporting the body with adaptogens your body can better respond to stressful situations. This helps women with PCOS benefit from having reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), lowering inflammation, improving digestion and supporting lower androgens.
5. Provides Antioxidant Protection
Reishi mushrooms have been touted as an effective aid in improving antioxidant levels in the body. Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells against damage, and reishi can raise antioxidant levels in the blood, as well as balance hormones by promoting liver function. By helping the body metabolize hormones, Reishi aids in removing, inactivating, and excreting excess hormone levels in the bile.
6. Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Reishi has also been proven to have a hypoglycemic effect, which means that it can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. It is essential, however, to monitor blood sugar levels when taking Reishi alongside other diabetes medications, as it may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
7. Antagonizes Androgen Effects
Reishi is also specifically good for PCOS because it can help reduce androgens. According to a study, Reishi’s properties as a medicinal mushroom are among those with the most robust anti-androgenic properties compared to other mushrooms. It also had the strongest testosterone-inhibiting action.
Reishi mushrooms were also found to greatly decrease levels of 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into a more potent androgen, DHT. Because Reishi has antagonizing androgen effects, it can help manage PCOS symptoms related to high levels of androgen, such as acne, hair thinning on the head, excess male pattern hair growth, and irregular periods.
How to Incorporate Reishi Mushrooms into PCOS Management
Here’s how you can safely incorporate Reishi mushrooms into your diet:
Take a PCOS Supplement Containing Reishi Mushroom
Taking a PCOS supplement with Reishi and other natural ingredients is a safe and effective way to incorporate Reishi mushrooms into your diet.
One good example of this is Nourished Natural Health’s Androgen Blocker Plus for PCOS. Nourished Natural Health formulates PCOS supplements with science-backed formulations for all PCOS symptoms and subtypes, so you know that what you’re taking is safe, clinically tested, and proven effective.
The Nourished Androgen Blocker is a vegan capsule containing the ideal ratio of natural nutrients to help support PCOS. It contains ingredients that can naturally lower high androgen levels, slow testosterone conversion into DHT, promote regular ovulation, and improve acne:
Zinc: To support healthy androgen levels, reduce unwanted facial hair, and treat acne
Reishi Mushroom: Supports healthy androgen levels, slows testosterone conversion to DHT, and supports immunity
Saw Palmetto: Supports healthy androgen levels, reduces hair loss, and hair thinning
Green Tea: Supports healthy androgen levels, reduces hair thinning and hair loss, and blocks testosterone
Nettle Root: Improves insulin levels, skin health, acne and supports healthy androgen levels
Recommended Dosage and Consumption Guidelines
The most commonly used form of Reishi is dried mushroom extract. This extract is generally measured ten times less than the quantity of mushroom itself. For example, 50 grams of Reishi mushroom would be equivalent to 5 grams of Reishi mushroom extract. The recommended dose will vary, but the general recommendation is 1.5 to 9 grams daily.
If you’re new to Reishi mushrooms, it’s always best to consult your doctor first or consider picking up a supplement that has Reishi and has been scientifically proven safe for consumption. This way, you’re getting all the benefits of Reishi, plus all the other ingredients that can support your health.
Potential Interactions and Precautions
Taking Reishi mushrooms can be risky for those with low blood pressure or those who are taking medications to raise blood pressure, as well as diabetes and immune system disorder medications. Instances of bleeding may also occur in people with very low platelets, so you may need to discuss this with your healthcare practitioner for more individualized advice and support.
Extra care must also be taken before consuming Reishi mushrooms, especially for those taking anticoagulants like Heparin, Aspirin, Warfarin, and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reishi mushroom?
Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma Lucidum, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It has several healing properties that can also help support PCOS symptoms.
Are reishi mushrooms effective for all subtypes of PCOS?
Yes, Reishi mushrooms are helpful for all subtypes of PCOS, especially when included in synergistic blends like the Nourished Androgen Blocker.
How much reishi should I consume daily to see benefits for PCOS?
The recommended doses are different per type of mushroom. However, for PCOS specifically, we would recommend taking a special PCOS blend that already has Reishi mushrooms incorporated in safe amounts.
What's the easiest form of reishi mushroom to take for PCOS?
Taking a supplement that has Reishi mushrooms, like the Nourished Androgen blocker, is the best way to consume Reishi mushrooms for PCOS. You don’t need to measure mushrooms by yourself, and it also comes formulated with other natural ingredients designed to support PCOS.
Can reishi mushrooms alone cure PCOS?
No, while Reishi has been proven helpful in managing several PCOS symptoms, addressing the syndrome still entails changes in lifestyle, movement, diet, and supplementation. However, taking a PCOS supplement with Reishi is a great step in your journey to manage your PCOS symptoms.
Are there any potential side effects associated with consuming reishi for PCOS?
Reishi is generally safe, but there are precautions against taking it alongside medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and immune system disorders. As such, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplement.
Is it safe to consume reishi mushrooms if I am taking medications for PCOS?
There have been no contraindications between Reishi mushrooms and popular medications for PCOS (like the pill), but it’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure safety.