Here's what research shows about PCOS and oxidative stress: Women with PCOS have significantly elevated oxidative stress and depleted antioxidant defenses compared to women without PCOS—and this oxidative damage directly worsens insulin resistance, accelerates metabolic dysfunction, impairs egg quality, and increases long-term disease risk.

Yet oxidative stress is rarely addressed in conventional PCOS treatment.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when your body produces more free radicals (reactive oxygen species) than your antioxidant systems can neutralize. Think of it like rust forming inside your cells—damaging cellular structures, DNA, proteins, and lipids.

Why oxidative stress is particularly severe in PCOS:

Women with PCOS face a "perfect storm" for oxidative damage:

• Insulin resistance generates oxidative stress (high insulin and glucose create free radicals)

• Chronic inflammation produces oxidative stress (inflammatory markers like CRP correlate with oxidative damage)

• Androgen excess increases oxidative stress (elevated testosterone contributes to free radical production)

• Mitochondrial dysfunction (the cellular "powerplants" don't work efficiently, creating more oxidative byproducts)

• Depleted antioxidant reserves (glutathione, SOD, catalase levels are lower in women with PCOS)

The vicious cycle:

Oxidative stress worsens insulin resistance → worsening insulin resistance generates more oxidative stress → creating a downward spiral that accelerates metabolic dysfunction.

How oxidative stress damages your health in PCOS:

1. Worsens insulin resistance: Oxidative damage impairs insulin receptor function and glucose metabolism

2. Impairs ovarian function: Free radicals damage ovarian follicles, disrupting ovulation and reducing egg quality

3. Reduces fertility: Oxidative stress in follicular fluid damages eggs, reducing conception rates and increasing miscarriage risk

4. Accelerates metabolic disease: Oxidative damage to blood vessels, pancreatic beta cells, and liver cells accelerates progression toward diabetes and cardiovascular disease

5. Increases inflammation: Oxidative stress and inflammation feed each other in a destructive cycle

6. Causes premature aging: Cellular oxidative damage is a primary mechanism of aging

The Role of Glutathione: Your Body's Master Antioxidant

Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant your body produces. It:

• Neutralizes free radicals before they damage cells

• Recycles other antioxidants (Vitamin C, E) so they can keep working

• Supports detoxification (binds toxins in the liver for elimination)

• Protects mitochondrial function (critical for energy production)

• Reduces systemic inflammation

• Supports immune function

The problem: Women with PCOS have significantly lower glutathione levels than women without PCOS—leaving them vulnerable to oxidative damage.

Research shows: Restoring glutathione levels improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, improves ovarian function, and enhances fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.

Our Approach to Glutathione Optimization:

Step 1: Measure Oxidative Stress & Antioxidant Status

We assess:

• Glutathione levels (when testing is available)

• Inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity CRP, homocysteine)—inflammation and oxidative stress correlate closely

Step 2: Support Endogenous Glutathione Production

Your body makes glutathione from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. We optimize production through:

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) and other Eterna proprietary micronutrient blends:

• The most effective oral supplement for raising glutathione levels

• Research in PCOS shows NAC improves insulin sensitivity, restores ovulation, and improves pregnancy rates

• Well-tolerated, evidence-based, cost-effective

Step 5: Track Improvement

We monitor response through:

• Symptom improvement (energy, cycle regularity, skin, hair)

• Metabolic markers (fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipids)

• Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

• Hormone levels (often improve as oxidative stress decreases)

• Fertility outcomes when relevant

Expected Outcomes from Eterna Glutathione Optimization Protocols:

Most women notice:

• Improved energy (mitochondria function better with less oxidative damage)

• Better insulin sensitivity (often see fasting insulin drop within 2-3 months)

• Reduced inflammation (CRP decreases)

• Clearer skin (less oxidative damage and inflammation)

• Improved cycle regularity (better ovarian function)

• Enhanced fertility (better egg quality, improved conception rates)

• Better overall wellbeing (reduced cellular stress translates to feeling better)

Why This Approach Works:

Oxidative stress isn't just a consequence of PCOS—it's an active driver of worsening metabolic dysfunction. By addressing glutathione depletion and oxidative damage, we break the vicious cycle and allow other treatments (insulin sensitization, hormone optimization, anti-inflammatory protocols) to work more effectively.

This is cellular-level healing—not just symptom suppression.