If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), then you know how frustrating the symptoms can be. Fatigue that won’t quit. Bloating and gut issues make it feel hard to ever find relief. Irregular cycles become exhausting. And the one that hits hardest for many Cysters? Weight gain. This complex hormonal condition can leave you feeling off—physically and emotionally.
And while there’s no official “cure” for PCOS (yet!), more and more women are turning to natural, holistic solutions to take control of their symptoms and support long-term healing. One of the most popular tools in the PCOS healing kit? Berberine.
This plant-based supplement is a powerful insulin-sensitizing compound. And for the 80% of women with PCOS who deal with insulin resistance, that’s a huge deal! Once your blood sugar levels are more stable, weight loss becomes a lot easier. (In fact, women who take berberine have seen 2.3x more weight loss than those who don’t!).
But as with any supplement, it’s important to know what to expect. One question in particular that I hear a lot is: Does berberine cause anxiety?
It’s a fair concern. Especially since, thanks to high cortisol levels and gut issues that impact your mood, PCOS and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. So in this post, I’m unpacking everything you need to know about taking berberine for PCOS and anxiety. Plus, how to use berberine with confidence on your PCOS healing journey.
Can Berberine Cause Anxiety for People With PCOS?
The short answer? No, berberine doesn’t directly cause anxiety. In fact, it might actually help ease it.
While we don’t yet have large-scale human studies, animal research is super promising. In several studies on rats and mice, berberine helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. And honestly, that makes a lot of sense when you look at how berberine works in the body.
After all, one of the biggest benefits of berberine is improved gut health. And if you’ve been following me for a while, you already know about the gut-hormone connection. When your gut is off balance, it doesn’t just mess with digestion. It can affect mood, too, triggering brain fog, anxiety, and even depression. This trifecta effect is especially common in women with PCOS.
Now here’s where it gets real: Some Cysters do experience a little spike in anxiety when they first start taking berberine. But that’s usually because your body is adjusting. As berberine goes to work balancing blood sugar and gut bacteria, you might notice a few shifts at first.
For example, if your blood sugar dips too low, that can make you feel shaky or anxious. Or, as your gut flora rebalances, you might feel a little off before things get settled. It’s totally normal. Just give your body some grace and time. Once berberine finds its groove, many women feel calmer, clearer, and more in control.
Does Berberine Have Side Effects on People With PCOS?
Berberine is a powerful supplement with a ton of positive outcomes. But, like with any supplement or medication, it can also come with unexpected or undesired side effects.
For most Cysters, the benefits of berberine, especially for weight management, are totally worth it. (It’s one of the most effective natural options out there!). But it’s still important to know what to expect so you can support your body along the way.
Let’s break down a few common side effects and what you can do to minimize them.
What Are the Side Effects of Berberine for People With PCOS?
Digestive Issues
The most common side effect of berberine? Digestive issues, and honestly, it makes sense. Berberine has a big impact on your gut microbiome, bile flow, and overall digestion. So as your gut adjusts, feeling a little off isn’t out of the ordinary—or anything to be concerned about.
Some Cysters notice bloating, nausea, constipation, or even loose stools in the beginning. A few may even feel like they’re riding the gut rollercoaster with some vomiting or diarrhea. But ultimately, this is often just part of the healing process.
I know—you’ve been dealing with gut issues already, and you really don’t want to add anymore. But these digestive side effects are just your gut rebalancing, and that can take a little time. But it’s only temporary! Stick with it, start slow, and give your body the chance to reset. You’re doing the work to get your gut back on track (and your hormones, too)!
Low Blood Sugar
Berberine improves insulin sensitivity, which is one of the best perks of taking it for PCOS. How, exactly? It helps your body start using glucose for energy instead of storing it as fat. That’s because berberine naturally boosts GLP-1, a key hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. (That also means you don’t have to rely on synthetic GLP-1 meds that are only FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetics. You know which one(s) I’m talking about!).
But the thing with berberine is that if you take too much, your blood sugar can dip too low. This is called hypoglycemia, and it’s no fun. You might start to feel shaky, sweaty, super irritable, or suddenly ravenous. Some Cysters also experience a wave of anxiety—also known as that jittery, uneasy feeling that makes you want to crawl out of your skin.
It’s totally preventable, though! Start with a lower dose, always take it with food, and listen to your body. Berberine works best when you ease into it and stay consistent.
How to Minimize the Side Effects of Berberine for People With PCOS
Berberine is known for having a low side effect profile, which is great news for Cysters! And the best part? Most side effects are totally avoidable if you take it the right way.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Always take berberine with a balanced meal – never on an empty stomach
- Start slow – begin with one capsule and work your way up to 550 mg twice a day
- Hydration is key – drink plenty of water to support digestion
- Cycle smart – take a break every 8 to 12 weeks (for 2 to 4 weeks) to help your body reset
Treat it like your hormones: with patience, consistency, and care.
How to Calm Anxiety When Taking Berberine With PCOS
Just a reminder—berberine typically doesn’t cause anxiety. But if you already struggle with anxiety from high cortisol (AKA the stress hormone) and start feeling off while your hormones and gut are adjusting, don’t panic. There are simple things you can do to calm that anxiety and feel more grounded while berberine works its magic.
Take magnesium at night.
Magnesium is one of those must-have minerals your body really needs to function properly. Yet, about 70% of people are running low on it. Not great news if you’ve got PCOS and struggle with anxiety.
One of my favorite ways to wind down? Taking magnesium at night. It helps calm your nervous system, which can ease those anxious, racing thoughts and help you feel more grounded.
And that’s just the beginning! Magnesium has tons of other PCOS-friendly benefits, too. Check out my full blog post about magnesium for PCOS for all the details!
Take ashwagandha to lower cortisol.
If your blood sugar tends to dip too low, it can trigger a spike in cortisol, which often shows up as anxiety. One simple way to keep those stress hormones in check? Add ashwagandha to your supplement routine.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body handle stress more effectively. It works by supporting your HPA axis (that’s your brain-adrenal connection), helping to bring your cortisol levels back into balance. As a result, you feel much more level-headed and grounded.
Not familiar with the supplement? Just head over to “Ashwagandha and PCOS: Is It Helpful or Harmful?” for a more detailed explanation.
Reduce your berberine dose.
When it comes to taking berberine, slow and steady wins the race. Don’t jump right into the full 550 mg dose twice a day. In your first week, start with just one capsule per day and see how your body responds.
If you notice your anxiety creeping up after increasing to the full dose, that could be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, less is more!” In that case, sticking with half the dose might be the sweet spot for you.
Practice gentle movement.
Cysters get the best results from berberine when they pair it with gentle, PCOS-friendly workouts just 2 to 3 times a week. Think low-impact, slow-weighted exercises. These kinds of workouts support your metabolism, encourage fat loss, and, most importantly, keep cortisol levels in check.
Need some inspo? You’ll find my favorite non-cortisol-spiking PCOS workouts inside The Cysterhood app. Go take a peek!
Support your gut health.
Fun fact: around 90% of your body’s serotonin (yep, the hormone that regulates mood, sleep, and digestion) is made in your gut. That’s why supporting gut health while taking berberine is key if you’re looking to ease anxiety.
To help your gut thrive, consider adding a high-quality pre- and probiotic to your routine. And if bloating, IBS, or SIBO are part of your story, L-glutamine can be a game-changer for healing your gut lining.
Bonus: While berberine is great for gut benefits, it’s also well-researched for supporting heart health, too! Studies show that it may help lower total cholesterol and lipid profiles—two key factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. This is a significant benefit if you’re looking to support both body and mind.
Always take berberine with food.
The biggest key to avoiding side effects from berberine? Always take it with food. I recommend pairing it with breakfast and lunch so it can support your blood sugar when your body needs it most.
Make sure your meals are balanced with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Many Cysters feel their best when they follow a gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet. Not only does this help you feel better, but it also helps to balance hormones and lose weight naturally.
Need some help in the kitchen? The Cysterhood app has hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes to keep you nourished and on track. And, yes, that includes your favorite comfort meals!
Take control of your PCOS journey and try Ovafit’s Berberine Advanced for weight loss and hormone balance!
Ready to finally take charge of your PCOS healing journey? Then it’s time to add Ovafit’s Berberine Advanced to your supplement routine!
We formulated our NSF-certified Berberine Advanced with berberine phytosome for 10x better absorption—so you get faster, more noticeable results. Each capsule delivers the ideal 550 mg dose, making it simple. Just take it twice a day to start restoring your hormone balance and gut health.
Curious if it’s the right fit for you? Explore Berberine Advanced and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.