Are you struggling with PCOS? In this article, we unleash the surprising (potential) benefits of berberine against PCOS symptoms.
Berberine is a lively supplement known for all kinds of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, balancing blood sugar levels, and reducing insulin resistance. It is also considered natural GLP-1 and can support weight loss efforts thanks to its ability to mimic GLP-1 hormones. With all these perks, this supplement is also used in women’s health, helping women manage their PCOS symptoms.
What is PCOS?
“PCOS is a hormone and metabolic disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries function,” says NMD’s Dr. Sabrina Solt, founder of stem cell therapy experts. “In many cases, it is characterized by irregular periods, insulin resistance, and elevated androgens (male hormones), which can cause symptoms such as weight gain, acne and excessive facial hair.”
Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, RYT, functional nutritionist and mental and physical health expert, PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women, but one of the most underdiagnosed. She explains that an estimated 4-10% of women of reproductive age are in the condition, but many cases have not been diagnosed as they are historically unrecognised in the medical community. Dr. Ndia Musavvir says that some people have not even diagnosed it because “they appear to fit the classic presentation of their symptoms” and are rejected because they are not properly evaluated.
The link between blood sugar and PCOS
In addition to acne, facial hair and other common PCOS symptoms, this condition can also affect blood glucose regulation. Usually, the body uses insulin to move sugar from the bloodstream to cells for energy or storage, says Biankini. However, in people with PCOS, the efficiency of the process is decreasing. As a result, Bianchini says it can increase the risk of weight gain (particularly the belly), energy collisions, cravings, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How Berberine can support PCOS symptoms
Although there is no single treatment for PCOS, there are ways to support hormonal balance and naturally deal with symptoms. “Berberine is a plant-based compound that has attracted a lot of attention for its potential role in supporting women with PCOS, particularly due to its effects on glycemic balance, insulin sensitivity and inflammation,” says Biankini.
Research shows that berberine can improve insulin sensitivity because it activates a pathway called AMPK (Bianchini says it’s like the metabolic master switch in your body). This helps you regulate how your body uses and stores energy. “Berberine has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels with fasting insulin,” she explains. “Berberine is extremely beneficial because most women with PCOS tend to experience insulin resistance.”
FAQ
Should people with PCOS take berberine?
Those with PCOS can benefit from adding berberine supplements, such as Berberine Ham Nutrition Vest. “Berberine helps by targeting insulin resistance, one of the root causes of PCOS,” says Dr. Salt. “It can improve insulin sensitivity, lower fasting glucose, and reduce circulating androgens,” she adds.
Does berberine help with hormonal imbalances?
Taking berberine supplements can support your hormone balance efforts, but in itself is not entirely true. According to Dr. Solt, when used with other lifestyle upgrades (e.g. animal-based inflammatory diet, strength training, stress regulation, etc.), it can “reduce symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and hormonal acne.” She points out that for many women with PCOS, it is a great way to bridge the gap between medicine and lifestyle-based treatments.
Berberine benefits take home
Berberine is a supplement that can be used to support women with PCOS thanks to its ability to target common symptoms of endocrine disorders, such as inflammation, blood glucose imbalance, and insulin sensitivity. It is not a treatment and should be paired with other lifestyle changes for best results, but it can have positive outcomes and help women to control their PCOS symptoms to some extent.
