The Best Supplements for PCOS: What Studies Show

Tier 1: The Best-Researched Supplements

Inositolhas the strongest evidence base. In a meta-analysis of randomized studies, myo-inositol significantly lowered fasting insulin and insulin resistance and, with longer-term use, increased SHBG, which binds free male hormones (Unfer et al., 2017). A large review of 30 studies involving over 2,200 women confirmed improved insulin sensitivity (Fitz et al., 2024). To be honest: A Cochrane analysis classifies the certainty of evidence as low (Showell et al., 2018). So, inositol is well-tolerated, very well-studied, and promising; the effect is real but moderate.

Berberineprimarily acts at the metabolic level. In a meta-analysis of nine studies, it lowered fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), comparable to metformin (Li et al., 2018). The studies predominantly originate from China and are methodologically limited, which is why berberine is interesting but not yet conclusively proven. You can read more about this topic under Insulin Resistance in Women.

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)has mainly been studied for fertility. Compared to placebo, it increased the chances of ovulation and pregnancy in a meta-analysis but was inferior to metformin (Thakker et al., 2015). Details can be found in our article on NAC for PCOS.

Tier 2 and 3: useful additions

These substances have less specific data or are simply less researched in PCOS, but can be useful in the right context.

• Vitamin D: If a deficiency is proven, supplementation can improve insulin and sugar levels. In addition, PCOS patients often have a deficiency. According to EFSA, vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
• Omega-3: In meta-analyses, it improved insulin and blood lipid levels and slightly lowered total testosterone (Yang et al., 2018).
• Chromium: Can slightly improve insulin sensitivity and BMI (Fazelian et al., 2017). According to EFSA, chromium contributes to maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
• Zinc:Signals for less blemished skin and hair growth; according to EFSA, zinc contributes to normal fertility and the maintenance of normal skin.
• Magnesium and Cinnamon: PCOS-specific research is still in its early stages, but these are generally interesting in the field of hormonal regulation. Cinnamon showed more regular cycles in a small study (Kort and Lobo, 2014).

The most important thing at the end of this list: the foundation for PCOS is and remains lifestyle, i.e., nutrition, exercise, sleep, and, if necessary, weight management. Supplements are an addition, not a replacement.

If you would like to combine these approaches, our Hormonic Baseforms the basis: among other things, it provides chromium, which, according to EFSA, contributes to normal blood sugar levels, as well as zinc, which, according to EFSA, contributes to normal fertility and the maintenance of normal skin, plus vitamin D and magnesium. For cycle-targeted support, the Cycle+ Formulacombines, among other things, myo-inositol and zinc, and for metabolic and insulin support, the Shape Formulasupplements with chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, and cinnamon—active ingredients that have been studied in relation to blood sugar and insulin. For those who want everything bundled, the PCOssentials Kitcontains the Base, Cycle+, and Shape plus the PCOS Bible in one package. All products are intended as supplements, not as a therapy for PCOS. You can read about what PCOS generally entails in our PCOS Guide.

And if you are unsure what is right for you, it is best to clarify this comfortably in a free initial consultationvia video call with one of Hormonic's specialized doctors or with your treating physician.

Conclusion

Based on studies, the best supplements for PCOS are inositol, followed by NAC and berberine (cinnamon is also very interesting here), supplemented with vitamin D, omega-3, and chromium to compensate for deficiencies. To be honest: Due to the unfortunately still small number of high-quality studies, the international guideline classifies the overall evidence as limited, and no preparation can replace lifestyle changes and medical care. If you understand supplements for what they are, namely a supplement, you can use them meaningfully and targeted.