As a fertility dietitian, I spend a lot of time sitting with clients in the space between diagnosis and action. When a woman comes to me having recently been told she has PMOS or suspected PMOS, I want them to understand what’s happening in their bodies and how nutrition can play a role in supporting their reproductive health from the inside out.
One supplement that comes up consistently in both my practice and the research is CoQ10. Here's what the evidence actually says about CoQ10 for PMOS and fertility.
What Is PMOS? (Formerly PCOS)
PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, which is formerly known as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). In 2026, an international panel published their findings in The Lancet after a 14-year collaborative process involving over 14,000 individuals with the condition and multidisciplinary clinicians from around the world.1
The name change matters because “PCOS” never told the full story. The old name suggested the issue was with the ovaries and implied cysts. However, for many people, there are no cysts at all, and the condition extends far beyond reproductive health and function. It affects hormones, metabolism, insulin, inflammation, and energy production throughout the entire body.
The new name of PMOS acknowledges that this is a whole-body condition, one that involves multiple hormonal systems and metabolic processes working against each other. That matters not just for accuracy but also for how people are diagnosed, treated, and understood. When the name reflects what's actually happening, it's easier to get the right care.
How Does PMOS Affect Fertility?
PMOS can affect fertility and make it harder to conceive in several ways. It can cause irregular or absent ovulation, shift hormones out of balance with excess androgens, reduce the body's responsiveness to insulin (insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances), and raise oxidative stress (cellular damage driven by unstable molecules called free radicals).
All of these PMOS-related issues can interfere with the right tools, hormones, and pathways needed for a healthy pregnancy.
A 2024 review in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology further highlighted that energy metabolism dysfunction and oxidative stress in granulosa cells, which are the cells that surround and nourish developing eggs, are key contributors to impaired fertility in this population. This is exactly where CoQ10 enters the conversation.2
What Is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound found in nearly every cell in the body. CoQ10 helps your cells make energy and protects them from damage. Every cell has mitochondria, which is considered the powerhouse of the cell. Think of mitochondria as a tiny power plant, and CoQ10 is one of the power plant workers keeping the energy-making process running smoothly.
Basically, CoQ10 is boosting the fuel necessary for your cells to do their jobs. At the same time, CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant protecting the body from harmful toxins, neutralizing free radicals.
The body produces CoQ10 on its own, but natural levels can decline with age and tend to run lower in certain metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance, PMOS, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease. We also get small amounts from food (organ meats, fatty fish, and whole grains), though dietary amounts are modest compared with what the body makes. 3
Reproductive tissues, including ovarian follicles, require a lot of energy, and that is one reason CoQ10 is getting so much attention in the fertility space.
How CoQ10 Supports Fertility
When it comes to CoQ10 and PMOS fertility, the rationale for use is based on three primary mechanisms: supporting mitochondrial ATP (energy) production in reproductive cells, helping protect against oxidative damage, and contributing to overall cellular energy availability in developing eggs.
A 2021 review in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology looked specifically at how CoQ10 affects female fertility, and found that it may help protect and support egg quality, both by keeping the egg's energy production running well and by shielding it from breaking down due to cellular damage. 4
A more recent 2025 study reviewed the broader body of research and reached the same conclusion. CoQ10 appears to have a protective effect on reproductive health more generally. 5
For my clients navigating PMOS, I often describe CoQ10 as supporting the cellular environment in which eggs develop. Less about directly treating the condition, and more about optimizing the terrain.
CoQ10 and Egg Quality
Egg quality is one of the most common topics I discuss with clients in their 30s and 40s. Mitochondrial function is central to this: eggs require enormous amounts of energy to complete maturation and fertilization successfully, and that energy comes from mitochondria.
A landmark study published in Aging Cell demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation could help reverse age-related decline in oocyte quality by restoring mitochondrial function.6 In human research, a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that CoQ10 pretreatment was associated with improved clinical outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF.7
A 2023 study also found that CoQ10 supplementation improved fertilization rates, embryo maturation, and embryo quality in women aged 31 and over undergoing assisted reproductive technology. 8 While human research is still evolving, the mechanistic rationale is sound — and it’s a topic I regularly explore with clients focused on egg quality.
Why CoQ10 Is Used in PMOS and PCOS
Specifically in PMOS, CoQ10 is relevant for a compounding reason. The elevated oxidative stress characteristic of this condition increases the demand for antioxidant support. A narrative review of RCTs and controlled clinical trials noted that CoQ10 showed promise in improving oocyte quality, hormone levels, and PCOS-related fertility markers, with benefits potentially underpinned by its mitochondrial and antioxidant mechanisms.9
Who May Consider CoQ10 for Fertility Support?
CoQ10 is most commonly considered for individuals who have PMOS, women over 35 focused on egg quality, those actively trying to conceive, and anyone with a clinical interest in mitochondrial and reproductive health support.
In my practice, we discuss supplementing with CoQ10 across a variety of fertility goals. It may be worth a conversation for:
● Anyone in the preconception window
● Women and couples who've faced recurrent pregnancy loss
● Those undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF or IUI
● Individuals with PMOS
● Women over 35 who are focused on egg quality
● Male partners looking to support sperm health
Essentially, anyone whose fertility journey involves optimizing cellular energy and reducing oxidative stress may benefit from a conversation about CoQ10.
Safety and Considerations
CoQ10 has a strong safety track record. According to a StatPearls review via the NIH, CoQ10 is generally safe and well tolerated, with the most common side effect being mild stomach upset. 10
That said, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, actively trying to conceive, or managing other health conditions or medications, I always recommend speaking with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Context and personalization matter, especially in the preconception window. Additionally, the standard recommended dose of CoQ10 is 200 mg per day, so ensure you consult with your nutritionally informed healthcare provider about the dose that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMOS?
PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the newly established global consensus term for PCOS, published in The Lancet in 2026.1 It reflects a broader understanding of the condition as a multisystem endocrine and metabolic disorder, not solely an ovarian condition.
Is PMOS replacing PCOS?
Yes. According to the 2026 Lancet consensus, PMOS is being adopted globally as the updated term for PCOS. During the transition period, PCOS will continue to appear in clinical and research settings.
Can CoQ10 help fertility?
CoQ10 supports cellular energy production and antioxidant protection — both important for reproductive health. It is commonly discussed in fertility-focused nutrition protocols, particularly for individuals with PMOS or those focused on egg quality.
Can CoQ10 improve egg quality?
Egg quality is closely tied to mitochondrial function and energy production. CoQ10 plays a central role in both, and research suggests it may support oocyte health, particularly in the context of reproductive aging and conditions like PMOS.6
How long does CoQ10 take to work for fertility?
Egg development (folliculogenesis) takes approximately 90 days to complete. For this reason, CoQ10 is typically considered in the context of consistent use over several months rather than as a short-term intervention.
Is CoQ10 safe when trying to conceive?
CoQ10 is generally well tolerated. Anyone trying to conceive should consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if managing existing health conditions or medications.
CoQ10 for PMOS & Fertility
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant with an impactful role in mitochondrial energy production. For individuals with PMOS, it may help support reproductive health by addressing two challenges women with this condition face: oxidative stress and high cellular energy demands.
While CoQ10 is not a treatment for PMOS, it is one of the more evidence-based supplements that presents great benefits for fertility-focused nutrition work.
As always, the goal is to support your body’s unique, individual needs. You should seek support and guidance from healthcare providers who understand the full story that is uniquely yours.
References
- Teede H, Khomami M, Morman R et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. The Lancet, 2026; 407, 2329-2339
- Li Y, Wang Y, Ding Y, et al. Energy metabolism dysfunction and oxidative stress in granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2024.
- Barcelos IP, Haas RH. CoQ10 and Aging. Biology (Basel). 2019 May 11;8(2):28. doi: 10.3390/biology8020028. PMID: 31083534; PMCID: PMC6627360.
- Rodríguez-Varela C, Labarta E. Does Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Improve Human Oocyte Quality? Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 2;22(17):9541. doi: 10.3390/ijms22179541. PMID: 34502447; PMCID: PMC8431086.
- Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, et al. The role of Coenzyme Q10 in female fertility: a review of the literature. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2021;9:681934.
- Ben-Meir A, Burstein E, Borrego-Alvarez A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015;14(5):887–895.
- Lin G, Li X, Jin Yie SL, Xu L. Clinical evidence of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2024 Dec;56(1):2389469. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2389469. Epub 2024 Aug 12. PMID: 39129455; PMCID: PMC11321116.
- Brown AM, McCarthy HE. The Effect of CoQ10 supplementation on ART treatment and oocyte quality in older women. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2023 Dec;26(6):1544-1552. doi: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2194554. Epub 2023 Apr 27. PMID: 37102567.
- Derbyshire E (2024) CoQ10: The Potential Role in Female and Male Subfertility. A Narrative Review of RCTs and Controlled Clinical Trials. Gynecol Women’s Health Res 4(1): dx.doi.org/10.16966/2689-3096.125
- Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M. Coenzyme Q10. [Updated 2024 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
About the Author
Jordan Langhough RD, CPT
Jordan Langhough, RD, CPT, is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer specializing in fertility, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition and movement for women. She holds degrees from the University of Kansas and Metropolitan State University of Denver, and draws on both clinical expertise and lived experience with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss to support women through their reproductive health journeys. A trusted voice in women's health, Jordan has been featured in Food & Wine, Women's Health, Prevention, and Eating Well. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two daughters.