Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone problem in women. The ovaries do not release eggs correctly. This can lead to fluid-filled sacs called cysts.
It is managed with medicine and healthy habits. Natural treatments have been used to ease symptoms. They should not be used in place of standard care.
Natural Therapies
Likely Effective
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are likely to have benefit. B10
May Be Effective
These herbs and supplements may improve symptoms:
- Berberine is a yellow compound found in plants like Oregon grape. B2
- Black cohosh is an herb. (Note: It should not be taken by people that have problems with their immune system.) B3
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (Note: It should not be taken by people who have problems with their immune system.) B8, B12, B21
- Coenzyme Q10 is a protein in the body that helps makes energy. B9
- Flaxseed oil comes from the tiny seeds of the flax plant. It can be taken as a supplement or used in cooking. B11
- Maitake is a mushroom that has been used to help the body fight illness and improve ovary health. It can be cooked then eaten or taken as a supplement. B1
- Probiotics are healthy bacteria. B15
- Vitamin D is available in a few foods and as a supplement. Your body also makes it in response to sunlight. B7, B22
Acupuncture places thin needles in specific parts of the body. It may improve symptoms. A1, A2
May Not Be Effective
Chromium is a metal found in the body and food products in small amounts. (Note: Diarrhea, headache, and hives may happen. It should also not be taken by people with certain mental health problems.) B4-B6, B16-B19
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as.
- Black cohosh should not be taken by people that have problems with their immune system.
- Toxicities and side effects of Chinese herbs vary depending on the herb and amount used.
- Chromium may cause diarrhea, headache, and hives. It should also not be taken by people with certain mental health problems.
- Inositol may cause nausea or headache.
References
Acupuncture
REFA1 Ren LN, Guo LH, et al. [A meta-analysis on acupuncture treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2014;29(3):238-246.
REFA2 Lim CED, Ng RWC, et al. Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jul 2;7:CD007689.
Herbs and Supplements
REFB1 Chen TJ, Tominaga K, et al. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(12):1295-1299.
REFB2 Wei W, Zaho H, et al. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2012;166(1):99-105.
REFB3 Shahin AY, Mohammed SA. Adding the phytoestrogen Cimicifugae Racemosae to clomiphene induction cycles with timed intercourse in polycystic ovary syndrome improves cycle outcomes and pregnancy rates-a randomized trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014;30(7):505-510.
REFB4 Jamillian M, Asemi Z. Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;67(1):42-48.
REFB5 Ashoush S, Abou-Camrah A, et al. Chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized controlled trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2016;42(3):279-285.
REFB6 Jamillan M, Bahmani F, et al. The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016;172(1): 72-78.
REFB7 Fang F, Ni K, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017;26:53-60.
REFB8 Ma QW, Tan Y. Effectiveness of co-treatment with traditional Chinese medicine and letrozole for polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2017;15(2):95-101.
REFB9 Samimi M, Zarezade Mehrizi M, et al. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017;86(4):560-566.
REFB10 Yang K, Zeng L, et al. Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endrocrinol. 2018;16(1):27.
REFB11 Mirmassoumi G, Fazilati M, et al. The Effects of Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Metabolic Status of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2018;126(4):222-228.
REFB12 Kwon CY, Lee B, et al. Oriental herbal medicine and moxibustion for polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(43):e12942.
REFB13 Showell MG, Mackenzie-Proctor R, et al. Inositol for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;12:CD012378.
REFB14 Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F, Moludi J, et al. Selenium and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Current Knowledge and Future Directions: A Systematic Review. Horm Metab Res. 2019 May;51(5):279-287.
REFB15 Liao D, Zhong C, et al. Meta-analysis of the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycemia, lipidic profiles, weight loss and C-reactive protein in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Minerva Med. 2018 Dec;109(6):479-487.
REFB16 Maleki V, Izadi A, et al. Chromium supplementation does not improve weight loss or metabolic and hormonal variables in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review. Nutr Res. 2018 Aug;56:1-10.
REFB17 Heshmati J, Omani-Samani R, et al. The Effects of Supplementation with Chromium on Insulin Resistance Indices in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Horm Metab Res. 2018 Mar;50(3):193-200.
REFB18 Tang XL, Sun Z, et al. Chromium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2018 Jan;44(1):134-143.
REFB19 Fazelian S, Rouhani MH, et al. Chromium supplementation and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2017 Jul;42:92-96.
REFB20 Arentz S, Smith CA, et al. Nutritional supplements and herbal medicines for women with polycystic ovary syndrome; a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Nov 25;17(1):500.
REFB21 Zhou K, Zhang J, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Oct 12;10:CD007535.
REFB22 Jia XZ, Wang YM, et al. Effect of vitamin D on clinical and biochemical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome women: A meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2015 Nov;41(11):1791-1802.