Berberine for PCOS: Benefits and Risks

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may be using medication and lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.

And you may have heard that you can use the supplement berberine for PCOS.

Learn about how the popular supplement may benefit this common condition.

Does berberine benefit people with PCOS?

“PCOS is a combination of hormonal and metabolic imbalances, in addition to insulin resistance,” says functional medicine specialist Layth Tumah, MD. “Regular use of berberine individually may help those measures, which may result in a better overall management of PCOS.”

Here are some of the possible ways the supplement can help people who have PCOS.

It may improve insulin sensitivity

It’s common for people with PCOS to also have insulin resistance, which can develop into Type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps you process sugar for energy. And if you have insulin resistance, this can increase the amount of sugar in your blood. An increase in insulin can lead to weight gain (due to its anabolic effect) and cause your ovaries to make more male hormones, which can suppress ovulation.

Dr. Tumah says research shows that berberine may improve fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin, which are markers of insulin resistance.

It may help with weight management

PCOS can cause weight gain, especially around your midsection. While a well-balanced diet and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, some research shows that taking berberine as a complementary treatment may help.

“A 2022 study on women with PCOS compared berberine (500 milligrams twice a day) to other agents (including metformin). It showed that berberine may have greater potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease than metformin in PCOS patients due to its effect on body composition, lipid profile and improvement in hormone status,” reports Dr. Tumah. “Additionally, berberine shows a greater reduction in waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio compared to the metformin group.”

It may improve cholesterol

If you have PCOS, you have a higher risk of heart disease.

While more research is needed to understand the relationship between berberine and heart health, some initial research shows that the supplement may help increase your “good” (HDL) cholesterol while reducing your total cholesterol, “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

Can berberine improve fertility?

As with many of the potential benefits of berberine, again, more research is needed.

While there have been a few small studies on the topic, Dr. Tumah says that berberine may be considered a safe botanical compound to use in premenopausal women with PCOS who want to become pregnant because of its few side effects.

But its effect on increasing your chances of being pregnant is unclear and he hasn’t seen any strong evidence to support those claims.

How long do I have to take berberine for PCOS?

Dr. Tumah says that studies had participants take the supplement over a period of three to six months.

“In order to see some benefits for PCOS, I’d recommend at least three months of continued use,” he advises. “If you experience positive improvement in your markers, continuing supplementation might be reasonable.”

How much berberine should I take each day?

The supplement is available as a capsule, liquid or powder. Dr. Tumah says that he typically recommends 500 milligrams twice a day, which can be increased to 500 milligrams three times a day. It’s also best if you take each dose before a meal.

Risks and possible side effects

An important note: Berberine is a supplement, which isn’t regulated or reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also lacks long-term studies to prove the safety and efficacy of long-term use.

While berberine is safe for most people to use, there are some possible side effects, like abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea and nausea. If you notice side effects, Dr. Tumah says you can reduce the amount of berberine you take each day to minimize symptoms.

And you shouldn’t take berberine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It also isn’t recommended for babies and children.

Bottom line?

There’s preliminary research that shows berberine may be helpful in the management of PCOS. If you’re interested in learning more, Dr. Tumah recommends talking to your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance if berberine is right for you.