First thing is first before we chat about one of my favorite supplements NAC (or full name N-Acetyl Cysteine), let me clarify that supplements alone are not a well rounded strategy or treatment plan when working to heal from endo.
I know, I know… we want to take a pill and have all of our ills go away. But it’s just not that simple.
Here in 2020 we are FINALLY starting to understand that endometriosis is not a hormonal condition even though it is affected by hormones. It is instead a multisystem dysfunction with strong immune system and microbial diversity components.
I will explain more of what that means in another article. For now remember endo is an epigenetic, immune system issue with several root causes.
That said, what value does NAC offer women with cysts and endometriosis?
Well quite a lot!
Here are some of the reasons NAC can always be found in my supplement cabinet.
1. NAC Blocks Inflammation and Slows Aging
NAC is an amino acid that is a precursor to glutathione (the master antioxidant) and can raise your antioxidant levels quickly (like within a week in some studies). It slows down aging at the cellular level and makes you more resistant to inflammation and premature aging (hello endo).
2. NAC can Reduce Cyst size and Halt Endometrioma Growth
In one of my favorite NAC studies a group of Italian women with ovarian endometriomas found:
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- After 3 months of using the supplement they had a reduction in endometrioma cyst size vs an increase in cyst size in the control group
- 24 of the NAC-treated women cancelled scheduled laparoscopy due to cyst decrease/disappearance and/or relevant pain reduction
- 8 of the NAC-treated women fell pregnant
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Those results are better than artificial hormonal treatments which frequently fail to stop growth or reduce endometrioma cyst size without major long term side effects.
3. NAC Supports Fertility in Women AND Men
Let’s be honest most women with endo are looking to boost fertility and increase egg quality and the good news is NAC does just that!
It supports egg quality and has been shown to increase pregnancy rates in women with PCOS.
In men it appears as though NAC improves sperm quality and in some cases even reverses infertility.
So if you are battling male factors of infertility as well you might want to see if your partner wants to explore NAC with you!
Dosage and Where to Buy
If you’ve been around me long enough you know how I feel about quality supplements. I NEVER buy my supplements from the big box stores unless by happenstance they carry a brand I trust.
Supplements aren’t regulated so you need to buy from brands you OR your doctor trust. I personally like Seeking Health’s NAC. There are lots of good brands out there, but do your homework.
Now as far as dosage this is a good time to remind you I’m not a medical professional, so remember to consult with your Doc before starting anything and I am not recommending you take NAC. I am educating you on options for you to explore and sharing what I do personally for my body.
Under the direction of my Doc I follow a similar protocol to the one outlined in the above Italian study. You can remember it with 3, 3, 3, 6.
I take NAC on an empty stomach, 3 times a day, 3 consecutive days a week for 3 months at 600mg. You can also do 500mg. The reasoning behind taking it that way is the researchers found 1.8g was virtually free of side effects and provided a nearly constant plasma level.
Cycle Sync TIP:
If you are at risk of heavy menstrual bleeding or have had heavy periods be aware NAC can cause blood thinning so you don’t want to take it during the luteal phase of your cycle to avoid heavy bleeding.
Join me over on our Beyond Endo FB Group and tell us have you tried NAC?
Did it help with your endo? We want to hear your story.
