u/wtfkatie_

Long story short, I (F) have PCOS/PMOS, my GP & Specialists are useless and won’t provide medication to help manage the condition because ‘I’m not actively diabetic or trying to conceive’. So I’m looking into supplements to help instead of prescribed meds.

I have AuDHD and finally titrating on a medication that works after struggling to find the right fit for me and my other health conditions. I’m doing great on Strattera/Atomoxetine!

Before I start taking anything, I try to research it as much as I can so that I know I’m not putting myself at risk. I want to start taking 500mg Berberine with 1500mg L-carnatine for my PCOS but I’ve got mixed results on whether it’s safe to do so. I know I would need to cycle the Berberine on and off every few months. Apparently both my ADHD medication and the Berberine inhibit the same kidney enzyme so I’m dubious as to whether it would be more dangerous than not.

Does anyone take the same combination of supplements & meds? Or have any knowledge?

TLDR; is Berberine safe to take with atomoxetine for PCOS management?

Long story short, I’ve been unofficially diagnosed with PCOS/PMOS since around 2016, officially diagnosed in 2021.

I was referred to an endocrinologist in 2024, and in 2 years I’ve had 3 appointments before being discharged in March.

In my first endo appointment in December 2024, the doctor tried to prescribe a black listed ointment for hair growth, and told me that unless I want to try for a child (I don’t), they won’t help me. He suggested my GP’s prescribe Metformin or Orlistat which was never actioned. I was prescribed the pill, without any hormonal testing prior. My family has a history of breast & ovarian cancer, as well as ischemic strokes so I’m actively trying to avoid synthetic hormones.

My second consultation (July 2025) was a mess, it was long overdue and ended up being with a different specialist over the phone. I was referred for an MRI on my adrenals and a dexamethasone suppression test and that was it. I’ve only now found out the tests came back okay.

My third and final consultation was in March this year. I was asked how Metformin was going - which I haven’t been given, and discharged and told I should try weight loss jabs and go on a weight-loss programme. For context, I’m 5’3 and 72kg. My BMI is slightly overweight but not warranting GLP.

I asked to speak to my GP yesterday as I feel unsupported by the process. I came out of the GP surgery feeling even worse. I was confused even more as I was told that they haven’t used metformin for PCOS for over 7 years and wouldn’t prescribe it? And also that they won’t really help me if I don’t want to conceive. She also said that in her professional opinion, I don’t need to go on GLP’s. I asked for insulin resistance testing, but she requested a T2 Diabetes blood test instead, and that’s it.

I’m just exhausted by the entire thing. I’m constantly going round in circles with the NHS, meanwhile I’m growing more hair, having a period every 3 months (2 if I’m lucky), completely lost in where my cycle is because it feels like I mentally/hormonally go through 4 cycles by the time my period shows up, and struggling to keep weight off. Not to mention that I occasionally get intense pains like I’ve been shot which I guess is something to do with a cyst rupturing or growing.

I just want some advice on how people have had success with the doctors and got everything under control. Not sure if it’s relevant but I’m based in Bradford.

TLDR; Going round in circles with NHS without being offered any help. How do I make sure I get proper medical support?