Supplements for PCOS: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, can be a real headache — though it’s estimated to affect more than one in 10 people assigned as female at birth (AFAB), scientists are still unaware of why it develops and how to permanently cure it. Though prescription treatment options are available according to your symptoms and whether you wish to become pregnant, often, along traditional lines of treatment, people with PCOS look for additional relief in supplements.

In this article, we review which ingredients in supplements designed for PCOS are worth your attention by being research-backed.

What are supplements for PCOS?

People with polycystic ovary syndrome often have insulin resistance — an impaired ability of their body cells to respond to insulin and take up blood sugar, as well as increased levels of ‘male’ hormones called androgens.

PCOS supplements are formulated to target symptoms associated with these changes. There are multiple ways certain ingredients aim to do that: for example, some may help ‘balance’ your hormone levels, and others are intended to increase cells’ sensitivity to insulin.

Supplements designed for PCOS might aid in managing symptoms such as:

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Excessive hair growth
• Acne
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Types of supplements for PCOS

There are several types of ingredients commonly found in supplements designed for PCOS management.

Inositols

Though not technically a vitamin, another name for inositol is vitamin B8. There are two most abundant types of inositol: myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DI).

MI plays a role in regulating sugar uptake in the ovary and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle) signaling, whereas DI is involved in other blood sugar control-related and hormonal processes.

Vitamins and other bioactive compounds

Vitamin D, K, E, A, and B group vitamins, including B9 (folic acid), as well as other bioactive compounds like bioflavonoids, carnitine, and α-lipoic acid, are shown to be potentially beneficial in people with PCOS.

Minerals

Adequate intake of chromium picolinate (CrP), magnesium, calcium, selenium, and zinc all are shown to be associated with better outcomes in PCOS management.

Probiotics

As some evidence shows that gut microbiome might be less diverse in people with PCOS, it’s suggested that supplementation with probiotics, or ‘good’ bacteria, might be beneficial in managing PCOS.

Botanicals

Some botanicals or herbs, including cinnamon, turmeric, fennel, and sage, may also show promise in helping manage PCOS symptoms. However, this has been suggested by very limited evidence.

Other nutrients

Other ingredients shown to potentially help with PCOS symptoms include:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
• Resveratrol
• Omega-3 fatty acids

The potential benefits of supplements for PCOS

Potential positive effects on PCOS differ according to the formulation of the supplement. Here are a few ingredients commonly found in over-the-counter options for PCOS management and their suggested benefits:

• Inositol. Studies show that inositol may improve important parameters of blood glucose control, frequency of ovulation, and regularity of periods, as well as potentially have a positive effect on hormone levels in AFABs with PCOS.
• Folic acid. As people with PCOS are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, folic acid’s antioxidant and heart-protecting properties might be beneficial.
• Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 may help ‘balance’ out hormones by lowering the amount of androgens as well as potentially reducing insulin resistance.
• Chromium picolinate may help improve insulin resistance, blood sugar control, and metabolism and might potentially reduce acne and excessive hair growth.

Side effects of supplements for PCOS

Again, the side effects of PCOS supplements may vary as they often offer different ingredients or their formulations. Generally, mild side effects when using supplements for PCOS may include:

Any supplement can pose harm if it interacts with medicines you’re currently taking, and some may not be suitable in cases of chronic disease. For example, folic acid, a common ingredient in supplements designed for PCOS management, may not be suitable for those being treated for seizures.

Therefore, it’s always important to consult your healthcare provider if the supplement you’re eyeing is safe and compatible for you.

Most often, supplements for PCOS are added alongside traditional treatment plans and are not intended to be used instead of conventional medicines. Speak to your doctor to find out whether supplements could be beneficial in your particular case.

The effectiveness of supplements for PCOS: do they work?

The first thing that must be noted is that though research does show potential positive effects of using certain dietary supplement ingredients for PCOS management, supplements are not approved by the FDA for efficacy and safety.

To add, the health effects of some ingredients have been examined in small studies only, which makes it difficult to conclude whether the ingredient is effective or not.

Looking at current evidence, it seems like probiotics or herbal remedies for PCOS are still supported by very limited evidence, whereas the potential benefits of inositols and folic acid have been explored much more widely.

Another thing to know is that effectiveness can undoubtedly vary between people, therefore, benefits claimed by sellers must be taken with a grain of salt. Consulting your healthcare provider will not only allow you to know whether supplementation fits you but will also help you get a realistic idea of what to expect.

Other strategies for PCOS management

Dietary supplements, by any means, aren’t the first line of PCOS treatment. Instead, they are recommended along traditional options, which include:

• Weight loss. Interestingly, losing only 5% of weight may lead to significant improvements in PCOS symptoms. A balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and, in some cases, drugs may help achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss.
• Hair removal. Laser hair removal, electrolysis, hair removal creams, and other strategies may help combat excess hair.
• Hormonal contraceptives, such as hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) or the pill. For individuals who do not wish to get pregnant, contraceptives may make the menstrual cycle more regular, lower the risk of endometrial cancer, and reduce acne and excess hair.
• Fertility treatment is applied to individuals who wish to get pregnant. Medicines that may help you ovulate, such as clomiphene, may be prescribed, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) is sometimes needed. If other options don’t work, a surgery called ovarian drilling for a temporary restoration of ovulation may be recommended.
• Other medications, such as metformin (a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes) and anti-androgen medicines, may also be prescribed off-label (which means these drugs have been intended for other purposes) for individuals with PCOS.

How to choose the best supplement for PCOS

If you’ve decided to give supplements for PCOS a go, there are some things you should consider beforehand to avoid purchasing a potentially unsafe and ineffective product.

Look for supplements that contain evidence-based ingredients for PCOS management. Your healthcare provider can help you with this. Another thing to keep in mind is the quality and safety of the product. As supplements are not approved by the FDA, look for options that are third-party tested (this means the products have been evaluated in independent labs for their quality and adherence to the label) and are manufactured according to current good manufacturing practices regulated by the FDA. This ensures the supplement has been produced in a safe, adequately controlled environment. Such products are labeled as ‘cGMP-certified.’

📝Healthnews editor's top picks

Our team has recently conducted an in-depth review of the best supplements to help you combat PCOS symptoms. Here’s a quick recap.

1. Bird&Be — best prenatal vitamins with CoQ10 for people with PCOS

• HSA/FSA eligible
• Third-party tested
• cGMP-certified
• Vegan

Try Bird&Be now

This one’s for people with PCOS who are planning to get pregnant. We appreciate Bird&Be’s attention to product safety and quality, as their prenatal is both third-party tested and cGMP-certified. The only downside we managed to find is that using The Power Prenatal might be tricky for those who hate swallowing down multiple pills.

2. Ritual — best prenatal vitamins for people with PCOS and TTC

• Vegan
• Major allergen and gluten-free
• Third-party tested
• Non-GMO

Try Ritual now

Being another impressive option for people with PCOS trying to conceive, Ritual’s Prenatal Multivitamin provides 12 traceable nutrients in just two daily pills. However, some users mentioned they did not enjoy the taste of the supplement.

3. PartiQlar — best PCOS supplement for hormonal balance

• Third-party tested
• Made in the U.S.
• cGMP-certified
• Disclosed ingredient supplier

Try partiQlar now

PartiQlar contains resveratrol, which is a polyphenol shown to be potentially effective in reducing androgen levels in people with PCOS. We were impressed that the seller offers a 60-day money-back guarantee in case of dissatisfaction, with the only downside seeming to be that free shipping in the U.S. is available from $50 only.

4. WelleCo — best supplements to relieve PCOS-related PMS symptoms

• Vegan
• Major allergen-free
• Evidence-based ingredients

Try WelleCo now

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is very common in people with PCOS. The PMS Elixir provides an impressive blend of 18 ingredients suggested to help with PMS symptoms, however, this option might not be suitable for those taking medicines on a daily basis regarding the risk of interactions, so make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting the supplement.

5. VitalityPRO — best supplement for heart health in PCOS

• Third-party tested
• Vegan
• GMO-free
• cGMP-certified

Try Vitality Pro now

People with PCOS are at a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Berberine, the main ingredient in this supplement, is suggested to help support cardiovascular health, as well as potentially have a positive effect on insulin resistance, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes in people with PCOS. However, this may be a pricier option for some.

Diving into the latest research on supplements for PCOS

A scientific paper published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2023 emphasized the potential benefits of omega-3, vitamin D, calcium, and myo-inositol supplementation in people with PCOS.

In the article, exceptional attention is given to the idea that people with PCOS may benefit from probiotics, suggesting that they may help with weight management, improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and help ‘balance’ hormones.

Another intriguing study exploring the potential benefits of supplements in PCOS patients, conducted not in real life but in a computer simulation, was published just this year in BMC Endocrine Disorders.

Its results have revealed that myo-inositol is possibly the most effective supplement for PCOS symptom relief, and a combination of melatonin (yes, the one taken for sleep) and α-lipoic acid, taken along with myo-inositol, may be effective in helping lose weight and restoring hormonal balance in people with PCOS.

These findings seem to be very promising regarding the fact how much specific nutrient intake could impact the symptoms of PCOS.

Being a condition without a determined cause and no available cure, polycystic ovary syndrome and the development of its new treatment options finally get the attention they deserve from researchers, with scientists actively exploring new possibilities on how to manage its symptoms and make the lives of people with PCOS better.