Berberine for PCOS Symptoms – Does it REALLY Work? [Research Review]

Berberine is a plant alkaloid that may have benefits for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Although research on this topic is limited, preliminary studies have shown that berberine supplements may be beneficial for helping to minimize the negative metabolic effects linked to PCOS.

This natural herbal extract has been shown to improve insulin resistance, support healthy fasting glucose levels and promote healthy cholesterol levels. It may also improve hormonal balance in women with this condition.

Some studies have indicated that it can reduce waist-to-hip ratio and support healthy weight management in these patients with results comparable to metformin.

However, it is important to note that this herbal alkaloid may not be appropriate for everyone with PCOS, and side effects are possible.

Below is some basic information about berberine for PCOS, relevant research studies, potential side effects and recommendations for taking the supplement safely if you have PCOS.

Berberine

Herbal Extract

Heart Health

Immunity

Gut Health

How It Works:

• Supports immune function & digestion
• Supports blood sugar metabolism
• Maintain cardivascular health & lipid levels

Dosage:

Between 900 - 1200 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is Berberine?

Berberine is a yellow substance that can be extracted from several different plants, including Berberis aquifolium, Hydrastis canadensis and Coptis chinensis.

It is used in manufacturing as a dye, and it is also used as a dietary supplement, topical treatment and liquid herbal extract. It can also be consumed as a tea.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that berberine may have a number of different effects on the body, including sedation, wound healing, muscle relaxation and more.

Berberine supplements have been used for a variety of purposes, ranging from supporting healthy blood sugar levels to improving cardiovascular health.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, these supplements have also been used for polycystic ovarian syndrome, a chronic condition affecting 5 million women just in the United States.

It may work by helping to maintain normal fasting blood sugar levels and improving sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in women with PCOS. This may minimize some of the negative effects associated with this condition.

Understanding PCOS

PCOS is a chronic condition that affects a woman’s appearance, hormone levels, menstrual cycles and fertility.

Symptoms of PCOS may include poor fertility, missed periods, skin tags, acne, increased hair growth, weight gain, anxiety and depression. Women who have PCOS often require fertility treatments in order to get pregnant.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the main issue underlying the development of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance.

The ovaries make more androgens than the body needs, thus leading to symptoms. Women with PCOS may also have higher than normal levels of insulin.

Some of the complications linked to this condition include:

• Oily skin
• Changes in normal hair growth
• Increased insulin resistance
• Increased risk of obesity
• Increased likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D)
• Mood disorders including anxiety or depression
• Sleep problems
• Impaired liver function and inflammation
• Increased risk of uterine cancer
• Potential bleeding from the uterus

Is Berberine Effective for PCOS?

Several research studies have sought to determine whether berberine is effective for PCOS. According to the Natural Medicines Database, some studies have indicated that berberine supplements may be able to limit some of the negative effects of PCOS.

For example, in one study, PCOS patients taking berberine experienced lower testosterone levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose. Improvement of markers of insulin resistance was also noted.

The studies also showed that berberine may increase sex hormone binding globulin and reduce waist-to-hip ratio in PCOS patients.

In another study, researchers found that treatment with berberine led to a restoration of normal menstrual cycles and normal ovulation for some anovulatory women with PCOS. Thus, some researchers believe that berberine may support fertility in women with this condition.

Keep in mind that, even though these studies indicate that berberine supplements may be helpful to women with PCOS, further study is needed to validate these findings.

In addition, even if this supplement is effective for some women with PCOS, results are likely to vary. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment protocol is best for your condition.

The FDA has not approved berberine as a drug for the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. More research is needed to evaluate its clinical efficacy for the treatment of this condition.

Side Effects and Cautions

According to the NMCD, Berberine is rated as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately for short periods of time. They report that it has been used safety in dosages of up to 2 grams per day for 8 weeks.

People taking berberine supplements may experience negative or unwanted side effects. Some of the most common side effects of this supplement include:

• Stomach discomfort and nausea
• Hypoglycemia
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased heart rate
• Headache

Women with PCOS are often prescribed antidiabetes medications, such as metformin, in order to improve symptoms related to insulin resistance. If you have been prescribed one of these medications, use caution when taking berberine supplements.

Because both substances reduce blood sugar, the risk for hypoglycemia is higher. Talk to your doctor to determine whether any dosage adjustments may be necessary.

If you begin experiencing the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating or shaking, check your blood sugar and take steps to raise it if the level is too low.

This supplement is rated as Likely Unsafe for newborns, pregnant women or individuals who are lactating. Do not use this product if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding as the alkaloid may be passed to the baby or fetus and could cause harm.

How to Take Berberine for PCOS

Berberine supplements are available in several different forms. However, the oral form is most commonly used by patients with PCOS.

When taking berberine for PCOS, always take the supplement as recommended by your doctor. Never exceed your doctor’s maximum recommended dosage or the maximum dosage recommended by the supplement’s manufacturer.

Berberine Dosage for PCOS

When taking a berberine supplement for PCOS, it is important to take the proper at all times in order to reduce the risk of side effects and complications.

Because berberine hasn’t been approved as a treatment for PCOS by the FDA, standardized dosing guidelines are not available to consumers at this time.

In past research studies, subjects with PCOS have taken 500 mg of berberine three times daily for up to three months without serious adverse effects.

Because PCOS is a chronic condition, people taking berberine for this purpose may choose to use the supplement for longer than three months. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine the potential effects of long-term berberine use.

Always use berberine under the supervision of a licensed physician. If you experience any serious side effects while taking berberine for PCOS, talk to your doctor.

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