Can supplements help symptoms of PCOS?

Learn if you need supplements for PCOS, and how to check your nutrient levels if you have PCOS.

dulcie-phipps

Author: Dulcie Phipps - Copywriter, MSc

Reviewed by: Dr Tina Ghela - Clinical Excellence Lead, MBBS, MRCGP, BSc (Hons)

Published on: 10 March 2026

Google 'best supplements for PCOS' and a whole range of products appear offering to reduce PCOS symptoms, help with weight loss, and balance hormones. But do any of them actually work?

This article will explain the science behind the supplements, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you and choose supplements you really need.

Please remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you are on other medication.

We'll cover:

Do PCOS supplements work

How can I tell if I need supplements for PCOS?
 

We've got a useful blog about planning a new supplement routine, but in short, before starting supplements, it's helpful to understand your current nutrient levels. Supplements are most beneficial if you're low or deficient in a particular nutrient, and may not offer any benefit (apart from expensive urine) if you already have sufficient levels.

The best way to check for deficiencies is with a blood test.

 You can measure nutrient biomarkers with these blood tests:

And if you’re not sure if you have PCOS, our Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test is an initial test to check your hormone levels. You can read more about if a blood test can diagnose PCOS and some common signs and symptoms in our blog.

Which vitamins deficiencies are common in PCOS?
 

Some supplements are helpful for PCOS if you are already deficiency in the nutrient. A few of these are outlined below [1].

Vitamin B12

If you’re taking metformin, you may be at higher risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Metformin is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but it has been found to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in women with PCOS. In some cases, metformin may be used as an off-label treatment for PCOS. [2].

Although it’s not clear exactly how, studies have shown a link between metformin and decreased vitamin B12 levels. It’s thought metformin reduces the absorption of B12 over time [3,4].

Vitamin D

Some studies have shown vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS [5]. The reason isn’t completely understood, but it’s believed to be linked to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance – and the UK weather doesn’t help!

Iron

Although irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods are common with PCOS, heavy bleeding can also happen. If this is you, you may be at a higher risk of iron deficiency. Checking your iron levels will give you a clear plan of whether you would benefit from iron supplements or getting more iron-rich foods in your diet.

Magnesium

Many women with PCOS also have low magnesium. Since magnesium is used in so many essential bodily processes, taking magnesium supplements could help with PCOS symptoms [6].

If you think your vitamin levels might be running low, our Nutrition Blood Test can give you insights into what’s going on inside.

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What are the main supplements to help PCOS?
 

There are a few nutrients and supplements that may help in supporting PCOS [7].

Inositol

One of the most researched PCOS supplements is inositol [1,8,9].

Once considered a B vitamin (vitamin B8 to be precise), inositol is made in our bodies by our kidneys. It’s believed to have roles in brain activity, and, more importantly for PCOS, insulin resistance [8,10].

How does inositol help insulin resistance?

Inositol is involved in the insulin signalling pathway (your body’s way of responding to insulin) so it’s thought increasing your levels of inositol may improve your body’s response to insulin.

How does inositol help PCOS?

Since insulin resistance is one of the key symptoms of PCOS, and inositol may improve insulin sensitivity, it makes sense to study it as a potential treatment. By regulating insulin resistance, normal production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and therefore lower androgen levels can help reduce health problems associated with PCOS [11].

Other possible effects of inositol (which need a lot more research) include weight loss, cholesterol improvement, and hormone balancing [12–14].

A range of studies and reviews have shown inositol to be safe, but please note the NHS does not include it in their treatment options [2].

What inositol is best for PCOS?

There are a few different types of inositol – the two most commonly taken for PCOS are myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. It’s suggested to take a 40:1 ratio of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol – apparently this ratio is the natural balance we would find in our bodies.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omegas are having a bit of a moment for skin health (you can read about why omegas matter for your skin in our blog), and they may also support you if you have PCOS.

Omega-3 can help with:

And, despite healthy eating, many of us are deficient in omega-3s.

Some research shows these essential fatty acids may also have fertility benefits, improving egg quality and ovulation.

Vitamin D

We already mentioned that vitamin D and insulin resistance are interlinked, but the sunshine nutrient has a whole range of benefits.

These include:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving skin health
  • Regulating immune system
  • Improving mood and cognitive function

Healthy vitamin D levels may also lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, conditions you are at risk of with PCOS. And it contributes to healthy bones which, if you have irregular or absent periods, can be an issue with PCOS.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral. We often talk about how important magnesium is as it’s used in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body – but zinc is used in just as many.

Some key functions of zinc include:

  • Immune system regulation
  • Hormone balance
  • Insulin resistance regulation

Some studies have shown zinc supplementation in women with PCOS or type 2 diabetes resulted in improved lipid profile – reduced triglycerides, reduced LDL cholesterol, and reduced total cholesterol levels.

It’s important not to take zinc unless you have a deficiency, as it can prevent copper uptake and cause health issues. As zinc has so many benefits for skin health, it’s featured in our Skin IQ Blood Test – for a comprehensive insight into your skin health on the inside.

Skin IQ Blood Test

Supplements for PCOS hormone balance
 

Hormone imbalance is a one of the main drivers of PCOS. If you’ve ever done a blood test for PCOS, you might have had elevated androgens (such as testosterone).

Supplements that may support hormone regulation include:

  • Inositol
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc

When combined with healthy lifestyle these supplements may reduce your androgen levels and support reproductive health.

Supplements for PCOS and mood
 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, PCOS is often associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Supplements that may help low mood:

  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin D
  • B vitamins

Supplements are no replacement for medical support when it comes to your mental wellbeing. No matter what you are going through, the Samaritans are available to help day or night. Call 116 123 for free, and you can talk to someone.

Supplements for PCOS skin concerns
 

If you’ve ever experienced acne or unwanted hair growth, you’ll know the effect it can have on your self-esteem and mental wellbeing. In PCOS, these symptoms are often promoted by raised androgen levels, but certain deficiencies can also affect how your skin looks.

Supplements that may help your skin health include:

  • Inositol
  • Omega-3
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc

Everyone is different, and balancing your nutrients with supplements will be unlikely to cause any drastic changes.

PCOS supplements

Can supplements help with POCS weight loss?
 

The best way to lose weight is by making changes to your diet. You can learn all about PCOS-friendly diets in our blog. The main goal of a balanced diet is to address insulin resistance as this will make it easier to avoid cravings and constant hunger.

Supplements such as inositol and berberine (sometimes known as nature’s Ozempic) are being studied for their potential in weight loss with PCOS, but the results are varied and trials performed on groups too small to have a clinical significance.

Can supplements really help with PCOS?
 

Some supplements are showing promise in helping PCOS symptoms. And some, such as omega-3 and vitamin D, are nutrients women should consider regardless of if they have PCOS.

If you have nutritional deficiencies (which can be common with PCOS), then restoring your levels of these vitamins and minerals may help some of your symptoms. Addressing a deficiency and monitoring your overall health can also help look after your long-term health by reducing your risk of developing lifestyle related health conditions. But, also remember, supplements aren’t a magic wand. vitamin d blood test product banner

References

  1. Alesi S, Ee C, Moran LJ, Rao V, Mousa A. Nutritional Supplements and Complementary Therapies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Adv Nutr. 2021;13: 1243–1266. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab141
  2. Polycystic ovary syndrome - Treatment. In: nhs.uk [Internet]. 20 Oct 2017 [cited 24 Feb 2026]. 
  3. Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk - GOV.UK. [cited 24 Feb 2026]. 
  4. Sayedali E, Yalin AE, Yalin S. Association between metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes. World J Diabetes. 2023;14: 585–593. doi:10.4239/wjd.v14.i5.585
  5. Mohan A, Haider R, Fakhor H, Hina F, Kumar V, Jawed A, et al. Vitamin D and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023;85: 3506–3511. doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000000879
  6. Babapour M, Mohammadi H, Kazemi M, Hadi A, Rezazadegan M, Askari G. Associations Between Serum Magnesium Concentrations and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Status: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199: 1297–1305. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02275-9
  7. Wang K, Li Y, Chen Y. Androgen excess: a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14: 1273542. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1273542
  8. Unfer V, Nestler JE, Kamenov ZA, Prapas N, Facchinetti F. Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2016;2016: 1849162. doi:10.1155/2016/1849162
  9. Inositol benefits, dosage, and side effects. In: Examine.com [Internet]. [cited 25 Feb 2026]. 
  10. López-Gambero AJ, Sanjuan C, Serrano-Castro PJ, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. The Biomedical Uses of Inositols: A Nutraceutical Approach to Metabolic Dysfunction in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines. 2020;8: 295. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8090295
  11. Merviel P, James P, Bouée S, Le Guillou M, Rince C, Nachtergaele C, et al. Impact of myo-inositol treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in assisted reproductive technologies. Reprod Health. 2021;18: 13. doi:10.1186/s12978-021-01073-3
  12. Pizzo A, Laganà AS, Barbaro L. Comparison between effects of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014;30: 205–208. doi:10.3109/09513590.2013.860120
  13. Zarezadeh M, Dehghani A, Faghfouri AH, Radkhah N, Naemi Kermanshahi M, Hamedi Kalajahi F, et al. Inositol supplementation and body mass index: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obes Sci Pract. 2021;8: 387–397. doi:10.1002/osp4.569
  14. Pezza M, Carlomagno V, Sammarco E, Trischitta A, Ceddia C, Vitiello A, et al. Association of Myo-Inositol and Microlipodispersed Magnesium in Androgen-Dependent Dermatological Diseases: A Retrospective Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025;18: 251. doi:10.3390/ph18020251