PMOS Awareness Month: What Is Berberine?

It's Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) Awareness Month and at Lena, we believe the dissemination of evidence-based and current literature supports women in making the best decisions about their health, so we wanted to share our latest findings, from our medical expert Dr Rachel Denham. PMOS is a complex condition and many practitioners and doctors are searching for novel ways to help their patients. Enter, Berberine, the ancient herb that is making waves in PMOS research. We're diving into how it works and why it is being used for these patients.

What Is Berberine And How Does It Work?

Berberine is a naturally occurring yellow alkaloid compound extracted from plants like barberry and goldenseal, found in many herbal plants like barberry and goldenseal, with widespread use in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for different health conditions. It has primarily been studied for metabolic* conditions and cancers, with new and exciting research discussing its effects in people with PMOS.

Because of its deep yellow colour, it was initially used as a dye for wool and other fabrics. The compound Berberine is found in Berberis plants and there have been many documented accounts of its medicinal use for 1000s of years. In particular, the combination of Berberine and Curcumin (found in turmeric) is discussed frequently in research as an aid to reduce inflammation.

Berberine is a pleiotropic molecule, meaning it has many different effects across the body. Some of the most important effects are:

• Reducing glucose levels. According to one 2023 study, Berberine "alleviates insulin resistance, promotes insulin secretion, promotes glucose uptake, induces glycolysis, and inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver".
• Improving fertility outcomes in women with PMOS.

*A metabolic condition is one that negatively impacts the body's ability to process and distribute nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

What Does The Research Say About Berberine And PMOS?

Women with PMOS have an infertility rate that is "15 times greater and an early pregnancy loss rate three times greater" than women without PMOS. Berberine's ability to reduce glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance in women has a direct impact on a woman's fertility outcomes.

Raised insulin levels in PMOS 

Furthering this, because women with PMOS are predisposed to developing gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes, Berberine shows promising results in also reducing these rates if the woman does go on to have a pregnancy.

How Do I Get Berberine?

Berberine is sold in the UK as an unregulated supplement, rather than a medicine which your doctor would prescribe. Because it is unregulated, it's important to go with a trusted provider of supplements and herbs, as it won't have any medical approval stamps.

You can order Berberine online from many different stockists, we recommend doing your research beforehand so you find a high quality supplement.

Is Berberine Right For Me?

Before taking a Berberine supplement, you must consult your doctor about your individual health needs and any other medications you might be taking. If you're already taking medications which lower your blood sugar then you must double check if it is safe to take Berberine too. 

Anything you put in your body has the ability to alter how other compounds are metabolised, and this includes other medications and drugs. Some compounds may prevent some drugs from being broken down or excreted, which will increase the concentration of them in your blood. With Berberine, it has the ability to do this with things like statins or immunosuppressants - so it is imperative you check with your healthcare provider first.

In most cases, Berberine is safe to consume and I hope it is something that helps you if you're on a journey with PMOS, insulin resistance and fertility.

Written and edited by Dr Rachel Denham, a trained medic and Women's Health Practitioner, who has worked across the charity and humanitarian sector and now specialises in women's health. Rachel is the creator of Bloody Nora, a women's health and wellbeing zine that fuses storytelling, art and science.