Here is a list of the best PCOS supplements to heal naturally. These supplements help regulate blood sugar, heal your gut and balance out stress to reverse PCOS symptoms. These supplements have helped me with weight loss, acne, anxiety and getting my period back.
If you've been following along here and following my PCOS journey, you know I was diagnosed with PCOS in the summer of 2018. I was immediately prescribed metformin and was told to get back on hormonal birth control.
I know it's possible to reverse PCOS without the help of those two drugs so I decided to implement lifestyle changes to heal including eating an anti-inflammatory diet, getting blood work done, learning about which type of PCOS I have and more.
I'm proud to say I reversed my PCOS, got pregnant one the first try and had another functional doctor check for blood work in 2021.
After meeting with my doctor the frist time and gettting my blood work results, I started incorporating these PCOS supplements into my routine. Keep reading for a full ist!
Can you get rid of polycystic ovary syndrome?
You can't technically cure polycystic ovary system, but you can reverse your symtpoms naturally and live a virtually symptom-free life if you work hard and make changes to your lifestyle. I am living proof I'm on my way to doing that!
I can happily say that right after those meetings and adding in the pcos supplements, I've got my period back and I've had FIVE REGULAR CYCLES. This is huge! I've never had regular cycles in my life. I owe so much of it to my diet and supplements.
Update: after writing this post we conceived our daughter on the first try!
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So without further ado, let's talk about the best supplements for pcos.
As always, I want to note that these are the supplements that worked for me! I always recommend seeing a doctor or working with a health coach to learn more. All of this information is from Dr. Brighten, The Period Repair Manual and Woman Code.
Watch my PCOS Supplements video here:
Natural PCOS Supplements:
Here are the pcos supplements I use for weight loss, acne, irregular cycles, anxiety, hair loss/growth and more! I've linked all of the high quality brands I buy here.
Magnesium: the miracle mineral
- Soothes and calms nervous system and
- Aids in sleep
- Regulates your HPA axis (stress) and improves function of insulin and thyroid
- Anti-inflammatory and promotes metabolism of estrogen
- Gives fast results!
- Best magnesium supplement for PCOS: Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations
Vitamin D:
- Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that regulates more than 200 genes in our body
- Great for insulin sensitivity!
- Promotes maturation of follicles
- You’ll ideally want to get tested to see if you’re deficient in this, but me living in Ohio, not getting lots of sunlight I pretty much knew I would be!
- What I use: Thorne Vitamin D liquid drops or Vitamin D pill
Cinnamon
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- I put this on things that make sense. I like to add it to my matcha or smoothies and sometimes sweet potatoes
- What I use: Simply Organic Cinnamon
Inositol:
- Inositol is an intracellular messenger for insulin
- Myo inositol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgens and supports regular ovulation
- I add this to my morning matcha or smoothie. It’s a white powder and tasteless so you could add it to water too!
- What I use: Jarrow Formulas Inositol Powder
Probiotics:
- A lot of women experience gut issues, especially if you were on the pill for years, like me!
- Your gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food, which then helps you make the hormones your body needs and break down and get rid of the hormones you don’t, which is why there is such a connection with the two!
- Probiotics improve gut health and reduce inflammation
- What I use: Dr. Brighten's Spore Biotic
Omega 3
- Studies show that omega-3s can aid in reducing testosterone and regulating the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.
- Omega-3s can help decrease inflammation in the body.
- What I use: Pure Encapsulations Omega ONE
Glutamine:
- This also helps heal the gut. It comes in a powder and I like to add it to my morning matcha or smoothies. You could also add it to water.
- Glutamine is an amino acid found in the body. It helps gut function and the immune system, especially in times of stress.
- What I use: Naked Glutamine
Berberine:
- Has outperformed metformin in 2 large studies
- Great treatment if you have acne and it reduces anxiety
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- What I recommend: Thorne Berbine
Zinc:
- Zinc is anti inflammatory and regulates HPA axis
- Nourishes ovarian follicles to promote ovulation and progesterone
- Red meat in our diets have the most zinc
- demonstrated to play a role in irreglar periods, pms, facial hair and period pain
- What I recommend: Thorn Zinc
Maca:
- This is an adaptogenic herb
- For women with PCOS maca root can be a powerful addition to help reduce estrogen, decrease the appearance of facial hair, regulate periods and increase fertility
- maca promotes optimal functioning of the hypothalamus, the pituitary and thereby the overall function of the endocrine glands
- What I recommend: Organic Maca Powder
Are supplements necessary for PCOS?
The root of PCOS is a metabolic issue, so addressing blood sugar imbalances and inflammation is critical to healing. On top of that, incorporating supplements makes a massive difference. We don't always get the nutrients we need from our food and these natural supplements made all the difference for me.
How can I treat PCOS naturally?
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
- Balance your blood sugar by eating protein, fat, fiber and greens with every meal.
- See your doctor and get blood work done
- Reduce stress through meditation, self care and morning routines
- Reduce toxins in your home like your makeup and skin care routine
- Move your body with walks, yoga and weight training
- Get enough sleep!
What to avoid if you have PCOS:
- Refined sugars
- Gluten and dairy
- Avoid stress!
- Toxins in your home (check out my non-toxic skincare routine)
- Vegetable oils
Lewis Johnson says
I've heard amazing things about maca.
Molly Leonard says
Same!!
Rachel says
You are doing amazing work but nothing helped me with my PCOS! I’d like to share a very positive experience with Metformin, hope this helps. I was diagnosed with PCOS after very irregular periods and anovulatory cycles. I already worked out regularly and was a healthy weight. My husband and I tried for a very long time to conceive and were starting to lose hope. I started taking Metformin 1000mg per day. So happy? I googled ‘Met4pregn’ ❤️, and got Metformin. I experienced mild stomach discomfort and no other side effects. The first month, my cycle length was cut in half and the second month, I got pregnant! I never thought the day would come that I would see a positive pregnancy test. Keep your head up and give it a try…I am so thankful that I did!
Molly Thompson says
Thanks for sharing your experience, Rachel! I love this and I think you have to trust your gut and find what works for you and I'm so glad you did that!
Christy Cushing says
Hi Molly,
Thanks for this post/video. I've read great things about cinnamon but heard table cinnamon can be contaminated with hidden heavy metals. Looking for any insight you have for sourcing cinnamon without heavy metals.
Thanks,
Christy Cushing
Molly Leonard says
Hi! I actually haven't heard that. We buy an organic cinnamon from Thrive Market!
Juliane Vanderhyde says
I don’t know if anyone can help me, but I feel like I am doing everything right haha. I just cannot seem to get rid of my little bumps around my mouth and cheek area (kind of wear I would put bronzer). I have combination skin. I wash my face with Dr Grandal Purigel, I then tone my face with a diluted apple cider vinegar, followed by Hylaronic Acid Serum from the Ordinary and then moisturize Rough & Bumpy Skin by Cerave. In the evenings I do the same I just use the Niaciminide serum from the Ordinary instead. I was prescriped Skinore 15 by my Derm, but I don’t think it helped thattt much. I’ve cut out dairy which has helped my skin overall but not really my bumps. I hardly ever wear make up and have a very healthy diet.
Molly Thompson says
Hey there! I recommend tracking the bumps to see if/when they come and go so you can see if they match up with a specific part of your cycle. That will help a doctor know which hormones could be affecting it. If it's there all the time I would talk to a doctor about it maybe being a gut health thing. Cutting out dairy is a great start but you could also try other things like fermented foods and pin pointing other food intolerance. I hope that helps!
Peche says
I wish i have money to buy meds same all of you.. Its not easy even im here in macau 😅 but its ok im happy to all of you. Good luck and bless you all.
Jen says
You should add Crinum Latifolium to your list. It is used in Asia for PCOS. It helped me tremendously. The place I got it from were very helpful in helping me understand the amount I needed to take. They are crinumlatifoliumdirect.com I've since put my uncle on to it as he had issues with his prostate and issues with urine flow. It has also helped him in many ways, now no longer gets up many times a night to pee. It has been a Godsend. You need to take it for a few months but totally worth it.
Molly Thompson says
Thanks for the feedback! I made a note of it and will talk to my doctor about it the next time I see her!
Molly Thompson says
I take the majority with food in the morning! Some of them are twice a day so I would take them at night too with food. I would read the labels and definitely talk to a doctor if you have questions too!
Vanessa H says
Hello Good Morning, can you add all together the Inositol, Naked Glutamine and Maca powder to a smoothie? Do you take all the supplements listed on on your blog? I have PCOS been taking Metformin ER 500mg for about 2 years. I wanna give myself the opportunity to do it naturally. My AIC is good 5.0 but the insulin level did go slightly up this year.
Amber W. says
How do you take the supplements you’ve listed? Do you use all of them daily or just as needed? It seems like a lot to incorporate into each day?
Molly Thompson says
I take them daily! Usually in the morning with breakfast. Definitely speak with your doctor first because this is my experience but I've had no issues.
Grace Baughan says
Hi Molly!
Such a great article thank you!
I was wondering how quickly you can expect things to change cycle wise when you start taking the supplements. I’m about a month into my new regime and half way through my cycle but it’s not any shorter on this one!
Kelly says
Hi!! Love your article. I have lean PCOS with regular cycles and have been trying to conceive baby #2 for over a year. It has been very difficult trying to find natural ways to help me reverse what’s going on in my body when I feel like healthy diet and exercise just don’t do anything. Do you know if taking a prenatal containing omega 3, zinc, and vitamin D make a difference? I still take a prenatal so I was just curious before I look into taking these separately. Thank you!!
Molly Thompson says
Hey Kelly! Taking a prenatal while TTC is a great idea! I think it really depends on what prenatal your taking and how much of those things are already in it! I would definitely consult your doctor. I currently take a multivitamin on top of all of these. Hope that helps!
Ranch says
Hey love,
I love that you are telling your story of healing. We all need to hear hope. One thing on this post is the regime is extremely specified to your hormonal imbalance as should all regimes. Any dose of cure for you could be “poison” to another in their journey, for instance Vitamin D. You mentioned it’s a steroid hormone that regulates Vitamin d is a steroid hormone that regulates more than 200 genes in our body, “great for insulin sensitivity”, and “promotes maturation of follicles”. All of these statements are correct yet not necessarily positive for PCOS sufferers, in fact they have been proven to be incredibly detrimental to many since they promote Hirsutism (aggravated follicle stimulation) and male hormone DHEA response.
I had blood work done when I was diagnosed w/ PCOS as well as ultrasound and put on thyroid meds for hypothyroidism. My V D and B12 was normal at that time. Once I started the thyroid meds my symptoms improved but my VD and B12 plummeted. Started supplements for both and immediately my face and legs broke out w cystic acne and ingrown hairs. Natural vitamin supplements are usually 1000x the normal dose we need and therefore create the opposite of therapeutic effects and just perpetuate the problem.
I am still working out supplemental dosage + western thyroid meds (I’ve tried no western meds at all my fertility became zero and I borderline grew a beard). it’s a journey that we all should share no matter the result . XoxoMuch
Molly Thompson says
Thanks for sharing your story! I firmly believe in getting blood work done so you know exactly what's going on in your body. I always like to state that and metnion that you need to consult with your healthcare provider. That's why this blog post is specific to my journey! I pulled that information from The Period Repair Manual (which I credited!) and that book is a world renound book when it comes to PCOS and hormones. They're just general guidelines! Most people are deficient in vitmain D and with talking with tons of women and my doctor it helps most women! But like you said, it's so important to know your body! I thought vitex was good for me but turns out it wasnt, even though many women say it works! I so appreciate you sharing this, and my goal is to make sure everyone knows this is my journey and not necessariy medical advice! Just a great starting point to start conversations with doctors and inspire women to get their own blood work done! Thanks!
Jenna says
Hello, I was wondering when to take all these supplements like what time of day and timing? Do I just take all of them at once?
Julie A says
Hi there! I loved seeing that you are from Ohio, too! My question is that I assume since you are trying to combat PCOS naturally that you are not taking Metformin? I would like to try some of these supplements but don't want to overdo anything either. Thanks!
Molly Thompson says
Hey Julie!! I am in Ohio:) I was offered metformin but decided not to take it. I work really hard to balance my blood sugar every day by eating protein, fat, fiber and greens with every meal. I've seen a huge improvement with that, eating anti-inflammatory and taking the supplements. I hope that answers your questions!
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Emily says
I also put cinnamon in my morning matcha and smoothies! Along with my inositol. I've been taking a tincture with vitex and I think that might be making my PCOS worse...hoping things will improve now I've stopped taking it. Magnesium is such an instant life saver!
Molly Thompson says
Magnesium is life!! My doctor recommended I don't take vitex so that's interesting that you're saying it might be making it worse. You should definitely ask your doctor about it!
Jessica says
I recently began my journey to naturally healing my PCOS and I just wanted to mention that vitex only works for some with PCOS. From what I learned, if you know your hormone levels, and your LH levels were already high to begin with that could be why the vitex is making your pcos symptoms worse! Because vitex works by increasing your LH levels in order to raise your progesterone. That's why it's more of a negative for women who already have the high LH levels. I don't know if that helps, just wanted to share what I came across because I purchased vitex before learning that information.
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Ericka says
You are so spot on with all of this. Thank you so much for posting. For me, kicking caffeine and adding inositol in my diet great changed thins for me, especially in terms of my acne. Only four days in and no active acne for me plus my skin is actually healing. This is unreal! Thank you for sharing truth about this syndrome so others can be helped!
Molly Thompson says
Thank you, Ericka!! That's amazing news. Rooting for you! Always here to listen or answer any questions.
Jessica says
Hi! I m wondering if you take zinc because you were low in zinc?
Molly Thompson says
Hey! I don't take zinc specifically! I do take a multivitmin nowo that has some zinc in it though!
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Natalie Peyton says
Hey Molly! Would it be okay to use all of these supplements at one time?