The female reproductive system is a complicated network that requires harmony between all physiological systems to function properly. It relies on, and is affected by, metabolic function, cardiovascular function and the nervous system. Any environmental changes that negatively impact these systems can result in decreased female reproductive health, including irregular menstrual cycles, diminished ovulation and poor egg quality. Cycle Matrix by Cyto-Matrix combines a selection of natural health ingredients, including Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree, to target and improve these parameters in females experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or other signs of hormonal imbalance.

A common clinical picture of hormonal imbalance in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Physiologically, women with PCOS present with insulin resistance and subsequent elevations in androgens and suboptimal progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This can often result in irregular menses, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain and difficulties with conception. Fortunately, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes and a number of nutritional supplements have been demonstrated to improve this dysfunctional pattern. One great example of a well-studied nutrient to benefit PCOS is inositol. 

Inositol is a naturally occurring isomer of glucose and an important nutrient in the B-vitamin family. It is a key component of the cellular membrane and increases the sensitivity of cell receptors to serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones and insulin. At doses of 1-4 grams/day, inositol has been shown to improve insulin and glucose control, regulate ovulation, improve egg quality, lower androgens and improve fertility in women with PCOS. When combined with folic acid, inositol has been demonstrated to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. Moreover, one study found that this same combination of nutrients was more effective at inducing ovulation and achieving pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS when directly compared to metformin. 

Research has shown that folate also plays a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy preparation along with its importance in the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. Studies have found that higher folate levels are associated with improved oocyte development, embryo quality and implantation, clinical pregnancies and live birth rates. In addition, research has found that lower levels of folate may be accompanied with a higher risk of early miscarriage. The high prevalence of genetic modifications in the 5-MTHFR gene strongly suggests that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), as opposed to synthetic folic acid, is the necessary form for supplementation in all women to ensure proper absorption and utilization. 

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is another promising treatment for PCOS. NAC is the rate-limiting substrate needed for the production of endogenous glutathione, one of our body’s most powerful antioxidants and detoxifying compounds. NAC has been used extensively in clinical trials to support optimal health, particularly in cases of liver protection and respiratory conditions. In the context of women’s health, NAC has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, restore ovulation and improve egg quality in PCOS, often leading to cycle regularity. Finally, NAC has been shown to improve pregnancy rates when used adjunctively with clomiphene citrate in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles for women with unexplained infertility.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, as a result of any number of environmental toxins, disease states or ageing, is another identified mechanism behind female hormonal imbalances and cycle irregularity. Recent research has shown Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient known to support mitochondrial function and increase ATP energy production in cardiovascular health, improves conception rates by supporting egg quality, embryo implantation and embryonic growth. These factors help regulate menstrual and ovulatory cycles. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a unique antioxidant that has been shown to have synergistic beneficial effects on mitochondrial function when used alongside CoQ10.

L-arginine has been supplemented principally for its ability to upregulate nitric oxide and improve blood flow, explaining its benefits on intermittent claudication and exercise performance, but it also has demonstrated merit for women’s health. Increased nitric oxide supports blood flow to the pelvic organs, supporting endometrial receptivity, endometrial thickness and follicular growth. 

Finally, select cases of menstrual irregularities may be linked back to low progesterone levels, independently of PCOS. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree, has long been used for raising progesterone levels and addressing women’s health concerns. Diterpene compounds and flavonoids found in vitex have been demonstrated to exhibit dopaminergic action, thereby reducing prolactin levels and increasing endogenous progesterone. Collectively, these actions would explain why clinical research has found that vitex can improve menstrual cycle regularity and PMS symptoms. 

Cycle Matrix combines all of these evidenced based nutrients to support cycle regularity through regular ovulation, oocyte quality, and hormonal balance. Cycle Matrix is offered in a convenient peach mango flavoured powder for improved compliance and ease of use. Each 276 gram bottle contains a 30 day supply. It’s vegan and free from gluten, soy and dairy.