I think this is the wrong place to post, but not sure where to as it's both related to PCOS, T1D, Insulin resistance and Infertility, some of which are related/conditioned by Hashi..
So, basically was researching recently and discovered that Berberine may have very positive effects (in some studies was found to be more effective) for insulin resistance, lowering blood sugars and cholesterol as well as PCOS given that IR is a very large factor of PCOS.
So I have decided to give it a go as Endo always wants me on Metformin 2g daily and I'm already on the SR and just cannot tolerate it - insert gagging emoji-
I have PCOS, T1D, Insulin resistance and Hashi. so the whole bag.
Anyone tried it?
How was it? did it help with anything?
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OudMood
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Hi there. I have not taken Berberine myself, but on my research travels for Hashis, remembered that Izabella Wentz on her Thyroid Pharmacist website had written about this supplement. So if you haven’t read these already, here you are and hope it helps🍀
I struggle with balancing my blood sugar and follow a lower carb with low glycaemic index, higher protein and good fats diet, and use amino acid tablets before meals to help as well.
Keto has helped me in the past with managing diabetes, but with having so many complicated issues it seems to be stuck in a vicious circle where everything is connected, but nothing is helping to kick in the process to get better in the circle. (I hope that makes sense!)
I bought berberine as a supplement once. It was quite a long time ago and I was hoping it would reduce inflammation. All I remember about it is that my gut couldn't tolerate it at the time, so I wasn't on it long enough for any other effects to become apparent.
Dr. Amie Hornaman recommends Designs for Health Berberine x 3 times per day for Insulin Resistance. She has Hashi, PCOS and IR and has seen great results with her clients on this. See her website and You Tube Channel as she has videos on it all. She'll be a great resource for you. Some use it with Metformin too.
I have been searching you tube and google high and low for anything in regards to Berberine, but although it is mentioned quite a bit in some channels there isn't a lot of feedback on it per se. Or anything more than "this is the supplement I take, my period is back". 🤣I like to watch more "meaty" content.
I have ordered some Berberine, and waiting for it to be delivered to try it! Can't wait.
Just reading what to do to minimise Gastro side effects, as I had them bad with Metformin.
I am actually surprised how these good channels never seem to be recommended even if you type the exact thing they discuss in they video.Say for example you type "pcos diet" and their video title is "ideal pcos diet" their video will not show up, or it will be so low that you won't realistically see it!
I think it's a conspiracy !!! 😂
Btw, I just binged watched quite a few of her videos and they are spot on with what I figured out about myself. It makes me feel very much validated. THANK YOU for the recommendation!
I am glad that the information was useful. I should add though that Dr. Amie Hornaman has great success with the Designs for Health Brand. She has had some clients go for a cheaper version and they've not had the same results. She is bringing out her own brand shortly which is a slightly higher dose so that you only have to take 2 pills per day rather than 3. She takes Berberine with Metformin herself. As I said, she is an American lady and well worth checking out her website and You Tube Channel as she does weekly podcasts. Good luck.
Hi OudMood, came across this 4-week old post and just wondering what your experience was with Berberine, as I’m considering it in my nutrient regime. Thank you.
Hi! I’m sorry for such a late reply.. I didn’t open the forum recently! 😬🫢
So I have tried Berberine and I would say that all in all I had a positive experience but I’m not sure if I’ve seen all of the results I’ve hoped for..
But I have to admit that my diet and stress levels have been all over the place recently.
I had no Gastrointestinal side effects as such (thank goodness), but I’ve also been careful to add sauerkraut, natural yogurt and a bit of kefir into my diet every other day).
I was taking 3 capsules daily to total 1500mcg.
I have noticed increased insulin sensitivity as all of a sudden I started having a LOT of hypoglycaemic events with the normal insulin doses, so I’ve had to adjust them quite a lot.
I’ve also noticed that I use less insulin for the same amount of carbs went from 1u for 2.9g of carbs to 1u for 6.8g of carbs which for reference would be like this:
Eat 20g of carbs,
Before I would need 6.9u of insulin,
Now I need 2.9u of insulin!
Which is less than half!
My basal insulin decreased, but now by a lot (maybe 10-15%, which seems a lot, but I take very large doses).
I have all of these figures as I am a Type 1 diabetic and use a DIY insulin delivery system which is much more advanced than what we have on the market and the figures above have been tested and validated by a very sophisticated algorithm, so I know they are accurate and not just an error of calculation or similar.
Unfortunately, because of my circumstances, I can comment much on my blood sugars, as they’ve been a bit all over the place, but a correlation could be made that now I need less insulin to keep my blood sugar within range, therefore my blood sugars have somewhat also improved.
If you’re a T2 diabetic you’re very likely to see more improvements than me as the biochemistry is different.
I have also seen a positive change in my monthly cycle with more regularity and much lighter (and shorter) period.
I’m not diabetic, but do infer that if it makes such a big difference to your blood sugar levels, it should make a difference to me as a Hashimotos sufferer as well, where blood sugar levels tend to fluctuate.
You may want to have an hba1c done now (within the next 1 week or 10 days max) and another one in about 3 months and you could see the overall effect it has had.
In addition to that I hear it makes a difference on cholesterol (which is great for us Hashis).
What dose are you taking?
500, 1000 or 1500?
I would recommend to time the Berberine wherever possible with the heaviest meal in carbs and fats.
A meal high in Fat causes insulin resistance in anyone, so having Berberine in a meal with significant fat and carbs is a great idea.
(The effect of insulin resistance is only temporary and subsides after a few hours or so).
Anecdotally I always notice that if I eat say kfc (chicken only) and one packet of fries, even with the exact calculation of carbs, my BG skyrockets after a while and takes AGES to come down. Even if I do extra insulin it does nothing for hours on end to then crash (if I take extra insulin).
So for you without “diabetes” problems, having Berberine may increase your time in range and lower the blood glucose while fasting or outside meals, which is usually 70% of the time.
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