N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant supplement that the body turns into glutathione, a natural defense against cell damage. Papers also spell it N-acetyl cysteine.
Small studies have tested it in endometriosis and in repeated pregnancy loss. Over three months, untreated endometriomas grew 6.6 mm on average. Treated ones shrank 1.5 mm. The women chose their own group, so that comparison is weak.1 In a controlled study of repeated loss with no known cause, 57.5 percent of women on NAC with folic acid delivered at term. On folic acid alone, 26.7 percent did.2
Antioxidant support does not remove disease. Excision remains the surgical standard for endometriosis.
Cited in this entry
- Porpora MG, Brunelli R, Costa G, Imperiale L, Krasnowska EK, Lundeberg T, Nofroni I, Piccioni MG, Pittaluga E, Ticino A, Parasassi T. A promise in the treatment of endometriosis: an observational cohort study on ovarian endometrioma reduction by N-acetylcysteine. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23737821/
- Amin AF, Shaaban OM, Bediawy MA. N-acetyl cysteine for treatment of recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18983759/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
