Magnesium targets a number of key factors which can both drive or worsen PCOS. 

These include glucose regulation, pain, anxiety, inflammation and adrenal type PCOS which is worsened by stress.

Yes, in fact this is one of the key mechanisms behind Magnesiums benefits for PCOS patients. 

 Taken regularly Magnesium may help to reduce insulin resistance and help to regulate elevated blood glucose levels.

 This in turn can help with PCOS which is sometimes caused, and often worsened by insulin resistance.

The recommended daily intake of Magnesium is 320 mg daily for women. 

If you have a deficiency then you may need more, but it's important not to exceed around 400 mg per day as excessive Magnesium intake can lead to serious side effects including heart rhythm disturbances.

Because Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause stomach upsets, it’s a good idea to take them around the time of a meal or snack as this may help to minimize some of these symptoms. 

Taking Magnesium at the same time of day can help you to be consistent, and some people like to take it later in the day to support sleep.

Yes - stomach upsets can be a fairly common side effect, especially when you are starting out, and if you take certain forms such as citrate and oxide this may be more likely. 

But generally if you stay to the safe upper limit and follow your supplement guidelines you should be fine. 

But Magnesium is not something you should take too much of as in excess it can disrupt your heart functioning.

Magnesium can interfere with some blood glucose regulating medications which are sometimes prescribed as part of a PCOS management plan. 

So do check with your doctor if you are worried about any contraindications. 

This might vary depending on whether or not you have a Magnesium deficiency, as well as what is causing or worsening or symptoms. 

But there is some evidence to show that just 10 weeks of Magnesium supplementation at 250mg a day caused a positive reduction in PCOS symptoms. 

Whilst Magnesium is very effective at treating a range of PCOS symptoms, you can also benefit from adding in Green tea and Zinc as part of a holistic supplement regime. 

It’s also important to eat a hormone balancing fiber rich diet, packed with nutrient dense foods, plenty of antioxidants and healthy fats.

Magnesium rich foods include dark green leafy veg, cashews, peanuts and dark chocolate. 

Many types of magnesium can be effective. 

Some of the best absorbed include Magnesium bisglycinate, Magnesium glycinate and Magnesium citrate. 

Ideally avoid high amounts of Magnesium oxide which is more likely to cause stomach issues.

There are no specific concerns around safe ages for Magnesium supplementation when taking it for PCOS - as long as you stick to the safe upper limit for your age range, and keep note of any symptoms which may be caused by excessive intakes.

Magnesium is entirely safe to be taken during breastfeeding as long as you don’t exceed the upper limits. 

There is a possibility that high doses of Magnesium during pregnancy can delay the onset of lactation, so it’s a good idea to check with your medical practitioner before supplementing during pregnancy.

Because Magnesium is so essential for general health, it can be useful to supplement on an ongoing basis. 

This is especially true if you are stressed as stress depletes your Magnesium stores. 

As long as you stick to the safe limits of your chosen supplement, and don’t have any side effects or contraindications you can keep taking Magnesium indefinitely for your PCOS and general wellbeing.