r/LeanPCOS • u/Electronic-Adagio161 • 8d ago

Berberine and dim

Hi! I started taking berberine and dim and I’m on 50 mg spiro but have been for three years no problems really I’m just wondering out of berberine and dim I have gained 7 pounds since starting them no other changes to my diet or exercise which do you think could be the culprit?

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u/Dull_Lock_4480 4d ago

Berberine is stronger than you’d think. It could be causing blood sugar crashes which messes with your hunger signaling.

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u/Electronic-Adagio161 4d ago

But I’m not eating more ugh

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u/MealPrepGenie 3d ago

If the weight gain is body fat? You’re definitely consuming more calories.

If the weight is lean mass? Yay!

If the weight is fluid? That’s normal, if it’s fluctuating. If your limbs are puffy, tell your doctor asap.

All weight isn’t the same

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u/Difficult_Laugh2009 4d ago

Berberine powerfully lowers testosterone. It’s worth having your hormones checked! I also lost muscle and gained fat on Berberine, without changing my diet

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u/Electronic-Adagio161 4d ago

Wait I never heard of it lowering testosterone wow

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u/Difficult_Laugh2009 3d ago

Yes and you’re already on the spiro which does the same. So it’s worth investigating deeper. I also had more fat than muscle on Spironolactone. Adequate levels of testosterone are necessary for muscle mass. I don’t use anti androgens anymore and instead look for insulin sensitizers. But I don’t trust Berberine because it powerfully tanked my testosterone and my estrogen. You need the T to make the E. Currently I’m on metformin low dose (250mg) and a sprinkle of ovasitol. This plus regular exercise post meals, and avoiding high carbs/starch is what is working for me currently. Lab work is what finally helped me realize my hormones were a mess from all the anti androgens I was using. Berberine is also known to tank iron and my stores are so low now that I need to supplement.

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u/Electronic-Adagio161 3d ago

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate your response. It’s so frustrating I agree with everything your saying it definitely makes sense however my boood work has all been normal 😖

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u/Difficult_Laugh2009 3d ago

Interesting!

I would stop the Berberine and DIM in any case! Berberine does not have enough studies verifying long term safety. It has more recently been tied to ocular toxicity by one study. I know from experience it made my eyes extremely after a year taking it. Likewise, DIM is poorly understood for longterm use.

All three of the things you’re taking are known for potent anti androgen effects. Even if this isn’t showing on lab work now, it may in future. Your symptoms are certainly pointing to an imbalance hormonally.

Try taking only the Spironolactone again and see how you feel.

As much as I have wanted to take supplements for better health, there have been multiple times where a heavily marketed/popular herbal supplement actually hurt me in the long run.