eophi
Supplements

Information that could help.

Evidence-led, with cautions where they matter.

NewsSupplements

Period pain & dysmenorrhoea

Studied for cramps; results vary by product and study.

GingerMixed

What research suggests

Small trials suggest some reduction in period cramps.

Study limitations

Short trials use varied extracts; comparisons with usual care are limited.

Medication interactions

May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

Can cause heartburn; check before use in pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
FennelLimited

What research suggests

Studied for menstrual cramps in small trials.

Study limitations

Small, short studies; preparations differ.

Medication interactions

Possible interactions with hormone-sensitive treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Avoid concentrated extracts in pregnancy without advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CinnamonLimited

What research suggests

Studied for cramps and PCOS metabolic markers.

Study limitations

Small, inconsistent trials; food and extract doses differ.

Medication interactions

May add to the effect of glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Cassia cinnamon concentrates may contain liver-toxic coumarin.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ChamomileLimited

What research suggests

Small studies explore cramps and premenstrual discomfort.

Study limitations

Few robust trials; teas and extracts are not comparable.

Medication interactions

May interact with sedatives or blood thinners.

Safety & when to ask

Avoid if allergic to daisy-family plants; ask before pregnancy use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
DillLimited

What research suggests

Small studies have looked at period pain.

Study limitations

Too few high-quality trials to establish benefit.

Medication interactions

Interactions have not been well studied.

Safety & when to ask

Supplement-strength preparations are not well studied in pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ValerianLimited

What research suggests

Studied for sleep and, less often, period pain or menopause sleep.

Study limitations

Mixed sleep results; very little good pain evidence.

Medication interactions

Can add to sedatives, alcohol and anaesthetics.

Safety & when to ask

May cause drowsiness; avoid driving when affected; pregnancy safety unclear.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Omega-3 / fish oilMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore period pain, PMS, PCOS and pelvic inflammation.

Study limitations

Different EPA/DHA amounts and short follow-up make results uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking anticoagulants or before surgery.

Safety & when to ask

May cause reflux; check fish allergy and product quality.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MagnesiumMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and sleep.

Study limitations

Inconsistent forms and doses; benefits are not established for everyone.

Medication interactions

Separates from some antibiotics and thyroid medication; check timing with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

High doses cause diarrhoea; kidney disease increases risk.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ZincLimited

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps and inflammatory symptoms.

Study limitations

Few trials; benefit without deficiency is uncertain.

Medication interactions

Reduces absorption of some antibiotics; discuss timing.

Safety & when to ask

Excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and nausea.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)Limited

What research suggests

A small number of trials have looked at period pain.

Study limitations

Older or small studies; not enough to establish routine use.

Medication interactions

Few major interactions known at usual supplement amounts.

Safety & when to ask

Ask a clinician before using high-dose products.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin ELimited

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Results vary and studies are generally short.

Medication interactions

High doses may increase bleeding with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

More is not necessarily safer; check before surgery or pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

PMS & PMDD

PMDD can be severe; supplements do not replace medical or mental-health support.

CalciumModerate

What research suggests

Some trials suggest PMS symptom improvement; essential for bone health when intake is low.

Study limitations

PMS studies vary and supplements are not a substitute for assessing severe PMDD.

Medication interactions

Can interfere with thyroid medicine, iron and some antibiotics; separate doses as advised.

Safety & when to ask

Too much may cause constipation or kidney stones; assess dietary intake first.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin B6Mixed

What research suggests

Some studies explore PMS symptoms.

Study limitations

Study quality varies; no established benefit for severe PMDD.

Medication interactions

Can interact with levodopa without carbidopa.

Safety & when to ask

Excess or long-term use can cause nerve damage, including from combined products.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MagnesiumMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and sleep.

Study limitations

Inconsistent forms and doses; benefits are not established for everyone.

Medication interactions

Separates from some antibiotics and thyroid medication; check timing with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

High doses cause diarrhoea; kidney disease increases risk.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitex / chasteberryMixed High caution

What research suggests

Small trials suggest possible relief of some PMS symptoms.

Study limitations

Different extracts and trial methods; PMDD evidence is weak.

Medication interactions

May interact with hormonal treatments or dopamine-related medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Hormone-like activity; avoid in pregnancy; speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
SaffronLimited

What research suggests

Small studies explore PMS mood symptoms.

Study limitations

Very small and short trials; not established for PMDD.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a pharmacist if taking antidepressants or blood thinners.

Safety & when to ask

Concentrated products are not established as safe in pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Omega-3 / fish oilMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore period pain, PMS, PCOS and pelvic inflammation.

Study limitations

Different EPA/DHA amounts and short follow-up make results uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking anticoagulants or before surgery.

Safety & when to ask

May cause reflux; check fish allergy and product quality.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Ginkgo bilobaLimited

What research suggests

A few small trials explore PMS symptoms.

Study limitations

Few trials and uncertain clinical impact.

Medication interactions

May raise bleeding risk with anticoagulants or antiplatelets.

Safety & when to ask

Avoid before surgery; discuss with a pharmacist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
St John's wortMixed High caution

What research suggests

Studied for low mood and some menopausal symptoms; not proven for PMDD.

Study limitations

Studies use different extracts; it is not a replacement for mental-health care.

Medication interactions

Major interactions: can reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraception and many medicines, including antidepressants, HIV medicines and anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: serious interaction and pregnancy concerns. Speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Soy isoflavonesMixed

What research suggests

Studied for hot flushes and PMS; effects, if any, are usually modest.

Study limitations

Results vary by formulation and population.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking thyroid medicines or hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Hormone-like activity; seek advice for hormone-sensitive conditions or pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin ELimited

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Results vary and studies are generally short.

Medication interactions

High doses may increase bleeding with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

More is not necessarily safer; check before surgery or pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Myo-inositolMixed

What research suggests

Studied for PCOS metabolic/ovulation outcomes and fertility support.

Study limitations

International PCOS guidance finds benefits uncertain; fertility evidence is limited.

Medication interactions

Discuss if taking glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

May cause stomach upset; fertility treatment decisions need individual care.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

PCOS

Metabolic markers and ovulation are not the same as long-term health or live birth.

Myo-inositolMixed

What research suggests

Studied for PCOS metabolic/ovulation outcomes and fertility support.

Study limitations

International PCOS guidance finds benefits uncertain; fertility evidence is limited.

Medication interactions

Discuss if taking glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

May cause stomach upset; fertility treatment decisions need individual care.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
D-chiro-inositolLimited

What research suggests

Studied in PCOS alone or alongside myo-inositol.

Study limitations

Best ratio, dose and long-term outcomes remain unclear.

Medication interactions

Discuss if taking glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy and fertility treatment use should be discussed with a specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)Mixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore PCOS ovulation and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Trials are small and use different regimens; not a proven treatment.

Medication interactions

May interact with nitrates; check other medicines with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

May cause nausea; ask a clinician before pregnancy use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Omega-3 / fish oilMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore period pain, PMS, PCOS and pelvic inflammation.

Study limitations

Different EPA/DHA amounts and short follow-up make results uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking anticoagulants or before surgery.

Safety & when to ask

May cause reflux; check fish allergy and product quality.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin DEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Treating confirmed deficiency supports bone health; studies also explore PCOS, pelvic pain and fertility.

Study limitations

Disease-specific benefits remain inconsistent; correcting deficiency is different from treating PCOS or pain.

Medication interactions

Certain medicines affect vitamin D levels; ask about your medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Excess intake can raise calcium levels; test or assess risk before high doses.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CoQ10Limited

What research suggests

Small PCOS and fertility studies explore metabolic and egg-quality outcomes.

Study limitations

Mostly surrogate outcomes; live-birth benefit is not established.

Medication interactions

May reduce the effect of warfarin; discuss with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy safety data are limited.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CurcuminLimited

What research suggests

Early studies explore PCOS and endometriosis inflammation.

Study limitations

Small trials and poor absorption of many products; symptom benefit uncertain.

Medication interactions

May interact with blood thinners; some formulations affect other medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Concentrated extracts have been linked to liver injury; avoid in pregnancy without advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Chromium picolinateLimited

What research suggests

Studied for insulin-related outcomes in PCOS.

Study limitations

Small studies; patient-important outcomes are unclear.

Medication interactions

May add to glucose-lowering medicines; check with a clinician.

Safety & when to ask

Kidney or liver problems warrant extra caution.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CinnamonLimited

What research suggests

Studied for cramps and PCOS metabolic markers.

Study limitations

Small, inconsistent trials; food and extract doses differ.

Medication interactions

May add to the effect of glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Cassia cinnamon concentrates may contain liver-toxic coumarin.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
BerberineLimited High caution

What research suggests

Small PCOS trials explore glucose and lipid markers.

Study limitations

Study quality varies; long-term safety and fertility outcomes unclear.

Medication interactions

Interacts with many medicines, including diabetes medicines and medicines processed by liver enzymes.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ResveratrolLimited

What research suggests

Early PCOS and endometriosis studies explore hormones and inflammation.

Study limitations

Small trials; symptom and long-term benefit unproven.

Medication interactions

May interact with anticoagulants and hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Avoid concentrated supplements in pregnancy without specialist advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Probiotics (general)Limited

What research suggests

Small PCOS trials explore metabolic markers.

Study limitations

Strains and doses differ; results cannot be generalised to every probiotic.

Medication interactions

Drug interactions are uncommon; ask a clinician if immunocompromised.

Safety & when to ask

Rare infections are possible in seriously unwell people.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
L-carnitineLimited

What research suggests

Small studies explore PCOS metabolism and fertility markers.

Study limitations

Live-birth and long-term outcomes remain unclear.

Medication interactions

May interact with warfarin or thyroid treatment.

Safety & when to ask

Can cause stomach upset; discuss fertility use with a specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
SeleniumLimited

What research suggests

Small PCOS studies explore antioxidant and metabolic markers.

Study limitations

Inconsistent results; benefit without deficiency unclear.

Medication interactions

Ask about other mineral supplements to avoid excess.

Safety & when to ask

Too much selenium can harm nerves, hair and nails.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Endometriosis & pelvic pain

None of these supplements has been proven to cure endometriosis.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine)Mixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore PCOS ovulation and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Trials are small and use different regimens; not a proven treatment.

Medication interactions

May interact with nitrates; check other medicines with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

May cause nausea; ask a clinician before pregnancy use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Omega-3 / fish oilMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore period pain, PMS, PCOS and pelvic inflammation.

Study limitations

Different EPA/DHA amounts and short follow-up make results uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking anticoagulants or before surgery.

Safety & when to ask

May cause reflux; check fish allergy and product quality.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Alpha-lipoic acidLimited

What research suggests

Early studies explore endometriosis pain and inflammation.

Study limitations

Often combined with other ingredients; effect alone unclear.

Medication interactions

May lower blood glucose alongside diabetes medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy safety is uncertain; discuss with a clinician.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CurcuminLimited

What research suggests

Early studies explore PCOS and endometriosis inflammation.

Study limitations

Small trials and poor absorption of many products; symptom benefit uncertain.

Medication interactions

May interact with blood thinners; some formulations affect other medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Concentrated extracts have been linked to liver injury; avoid in pregnancy without advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin DEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Treating confirmed deficiency supports bone health; studies also explore PCOS, pelvic pain and fertility.

Study limitations

Disease-specific benefits remain inconsistent; correcting deficiency is different from treating PCOS or pain.

Medication interactions

Certain medicines affect vitamin D levels; ask about your medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Excess intake can raise calcium levels; test or assess risk before high doses.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin CLimited

What research suggests

Studied with vitamin E for endometriosis-related pain.

Study limitations

Combination studies cannot isolate vitamin C's effect.

Medication interactions

May affect certain treatments or tests; ask a pharmacist about high doses.

Safety & when to ask

High doses can cause stomach upset and may raise kidney-stone risk.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin ELimited

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Results vary and studies are generally short.

Medication interactions

High doses may increase bleeding with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

More is not necessarily safer; check before surgery or pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ResveratrolLimited

What research suggests

Early PCOS and endometriosis studies explore hormones and inflammation.

Study limitations

Small trials; symptom and long-term benefit unproven.

Medication interactions

May interact with anticoagulants and hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Avoid concentrated supplements in pregnancy without specialist advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
EGCG / green tea extractLimited High caution

What research suggests

Mostly laboratory and early studies explore endometriosis.

Study limitations

Human symptom benefit has not been established.

Medication interactions

Concentrates can interact with medicines; check with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: high-dose extracts can cause liver injury; avoid in pregnancy and speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ZincLimited

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps and inflammatory symptoms.

Study limitations

Few trials; benefit without deficiency is uncertain.

Medication interactions

Reduces absorption of some antibiotics; discuss timing.

Safety & when to ask

Excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and nausea.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MagnesiumMixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore cramps, PMS and sleep.

Study limitations

Inconsistent forms and doses; benefits are not established for everyone.

Medication interactions

Separates from some antibiotics and thyroid medication; check timing with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

High doses cause diarrhoea; kidney disease increases risk.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Perimenopause & menopause

Hot flushes, sleep and bone health need different kinds of evidence.

Soy isoflavonesMixed

What research suggests

Studied for hot flushes and PMS; effects, if any, are usually modest.

Study limitations

Results vary by formulation and population.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking thyroid medicines or hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Hormone-like activity; seek advice for hormone-sensitive conditions or pregnancy.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
S-equolLimited

What research suggests

Small menopause studies explore hot flushes.

Study limitations

Effects vary and longer-term safety is uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Soy-derived, hormone-like activity; ask about hormone-sensitive conditions.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Red cloverMixed High caution

What research suggests

Studied for hot flushes with inconsistent results.

Study limitations

Preparations differ; long-term outcomes uncertain.

Medication interactions

May interact with anticoagulants and hormonal treatments.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: hormone-like activity; avoid in pregnancy and speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
SageLimited High caution

What research suggests

Small menopause studies explore hot flushes.

Study limitations

Few robust trials and different preparations.

Medication interactions

May interact with seizure medicines or glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: some concentrated extracts contain thujone; avoid in pregnancy and speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Black cohoshMixed High caution

What research suggests

Menopause hot-flush trials show inconsistent benefit.

Study limitations

Product contents vary; long-term effectiveness unclear.

Medication interactions

Check with a pharmacist if taking medicines affecting the liver or hormonal therapies.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: rare liver injury reports and uncertain pregnancy safety; speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
HopsLimited

What research suggests

Small studies explore menopausal hot flushes.

Study limitations

Few reliable trials and uncertain long-term safety.

Medication interactions

May add to sedatives or interact with hormone treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Hormone-like activity; avoid in pregnancy without advice.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Flaxseed / lignansMixed

What research suggests

Studied for hot flushes; results are inconsistent.

Study limitations

Dietary seeds and concentrated lignans differ.

Medication interactions

Fibre may affect timing of medicine absorption; ask a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

Concentrated extracts have less safety evidence than food amounts.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CalciumModerate

What research suggests

Some trials suggest PMS symptom improvement; essential for bone health when intake is low.

Study limitations

PMS studies vary and supplements are not a substitute for assessing severe PMDD.

Medication interactions

Can interfere with thyroid medicine, iron and some antibiotics; separate doses as advised.

Safety & when to ask

Too much may cause constipation or kidney stones; assess dietary intake first.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin DEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Treating confirmed deficiency supports bone health; studies also explore PCOS, pelvic pain and fertility.

Study limitations

Disease-specific benefits remain inconsistent; correcting deficiency is different from treating PCOS or pain.

Medication interactions

Certain medicines affect vitamin D levels; ask about your medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Excess intake can raise calcium levels; test or assess risk before high doses.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MelatoninLimited

What research suggests

Studied for sleep around menopause and in fertility treatment.

Study limitations

Can help sleep timing in some people; fertility outcomes are not established.

Medication interactions

Can add to sedatives and interact with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

May cause daytime drowsiness; pregnancy safety uncertain.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
ValerianLimited

What research suggests

Studied for sleep and, less often, period pain or menopause sleep.

Study limitations

Mixed sleep results; very little good pain evidence.

Medication interactions

Can add to sedatives, alcohol and anaesthetics.

Safety & when to ask

May cause drowsiness; avoid driving when affected; pregnancy safety unclear.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
St John's wortMixed High caution

What research suggests

Studied for low mood and some menopausal symptoms; not proven for PMDD.

Study limitations

Studies use different extracts; it is not a replacement for mental-health care.

Medication interactions

Major interactions: can reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraception and many medicines, including antidepressants, HIV medicines and anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: serious interaction and pregnancy concerns. Speak with a GP, pharmacist or specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MacaLimited

What research suggests

Small menopause studies explore mood and sexual wellbeing.

Study limitations

Few well-controlled studies; hormonal effects uncertain.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if taking hormone treatments.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy and hormone-sensitive-condition safety are unclear.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Fertility & pre-conception

Essential pregnancy nutrients are different from unproven fertility boosters.

Folate / folic acidEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Preconception folic acid reduces neural-tube defects; Australian pregnancy guidance recommends it before conception.

Study limitations

Prevention evidence is strong, but it does not treat infertility.

Medication interactions

Can mask vitamin B12 deficiency; some medicines affect folate needs.

Safety & when to ask

Ask your GP about the right preconception plan, especially with prior neural-tube-defect risk.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
IodineEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Adequate iodine supports fetal brain and thyroid development in pregnancy.

Study limitations

Benefit depends on intake; excess can also harm thyroid function.

Medication interactions

Thyroid medicines and thyroid disease need individual advice.

Safety & when to ask

Check pregnancy advice with your GP, particularly if you have a thyroid condition.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
IronEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Treating confirmed iron deficiency improves iron stores and can help fatigue; studied before pregnancy.

Study limitations

It does not improve fertility if iron stores are already adequate.

Medication interactions

Interferes with absorption of thyroid medicines and some antibiotics; check timing.

Safety & when to ask

Test first; unnecessary iron can cause constipation and harm.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Vitamin DEstablished for specific use

What research suggests

Treating confirmed deficiency supports bone health; studies also explore PCOS, pelvic pain and fertility.

Study limitations

Disease-specific benefits remain inconsistent; correcting deficiency is different from treating PCOS or pain.

Medication interactions

Certain medicines affect vitamin D levels; ask about your medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Excess intake can raise calcium levels; test or assess risk before high doses.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CoQ10Limited

What research suggests

Small PCOS and fertility studies explore metabolic and egg-quality outcomes.

Study limitations

Mostly surrogate outcomes; live-birth benefit is not established.

Medication interactions

May reduce the effect of warfarin; discuss with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy safety data are limited.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Myo-inositolMixed

What research suggests

Studied for PCOS metabolic/ovulation outcomes and fertility support.

Study limitations

International PCOS guidance finds benefits uncertain; fertility evidence is limited.

Medication interactions

Discuss if taking glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

May cause stomach upset; fertility treatment decisions need individual care.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
D-chiro-inositolLimited

What research suggests

Studied in PCOS alone or alongside myo-inositol.

Study limitations

Best ratio, dose and long-term outcomes remain unclear.

Medication interactions

Discuss if taking glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Pregnancy and fertility treatment use should be discussed with a specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)Mixed

What research suggests

Small trials explore PCOS ovulation and endometriosis pain.

Study limitations

Trials are small and use different regimens; not a proven treatment.

Medication interactions

May interact with nitrates; check other medicines with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

May cause nausea; ask a clinician before pregnancy use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
MelatoninLimited

What research suggests

Studied for sleep around menopause and in fertility treatment.

Study limitations

Can help sleep timing in some people; fertility outcomes are not established.

Medication interactions

Can add to sedatives and interact with anticoagulants.

Safety & when to ask

May cause daytime drowsiness; pregnancy safety uncertain.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
L-carnitineLimited

What research suggests

Small studies explore PCOS metabolism and fertility markers.

Study limitations

Live-birth and long-term outcomes remain unclear.

Medication interactions

May interact with warfarin or thyroid treatment.

Safety & when to ask

Can cause stomach upset; discuss fertility use with a specialist.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
Antioxidant combinationsLimited

What research suggests

Various combinations are studied in fertility treatment.

Study limitations

Ingredients differ and live-birth benefit is uncertain; cannot generalise between products.

Medication interactions

Interactions depend on ingredients; review the whole label with a pharmacist.

Safety & when to ask

High doses may be harmful; ask a fertility specialist before using them.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
DHEALimited High caution

What research suggests

Studied in some fertility settings, not established as routine care.

Study limitations

Studies are small; live-birth benefit remains uncertain.

Medication interactions

Can interact with hormone therapies and affect androgen levels.

Safety & when to ask

High caution: hormone-like effects and pregnancy risks; speak with a GP, pharmacist or fertility specialist before use.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Vaginal health, BV & recurrent UTIs

Symptoms should be assessed; supplements do not treat an active infection.

Lactobacillus probiotics (strain-specific)Mixed

What research suggests

Certain named strains are studied for bacterial vaginosis recurrence and vaginal health.

Study limitations

Results depend on strain, route and timing; one product's findings do not apply to all.

Medication interactions

Ask a clinician if immunocompromised or seriously unwell.

Safety & when to ask

Not a replacement for testing or treatment of symptomatic BV.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
CranberryModerate

What research suggests

Evidence suggests some cranberry products can reduce recurrent UTIs in some people.

Study limitations

Products vary in active compounds; it does not treat an active infection.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a pharmacist if taking warfarin.

Safety & when to ask

Seek medical care for fever, flank pain, pregnancy or persistent urinary symptoms.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026
D-mannoseLimited

What research suggests

Studied to prevent recurrent UTIs.

Study limitations

A large placebo-controlled trial did not show clear prevention benefit.

Medication interactions

Discuss with a clinician if you have diabetes or take glucose-lowering medicines.

Safety & when to ask

Not a treatment for an active UTI; seek care for fever or flank pain.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Other research

Preliminary research is not a reason to skip screening.

AHCCLimited

What research suggests

One small pilot explored persistent HPV clearance.

Study limitations

Too few trials to establish benefit; it does not replace cervical screening.

Medication interactions

Interactions and long-term safety are not well characterised.

Safety & when to ask

Talk with a clinician before use, especially if pregnant or immunocompromised.

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026

Research & guidance

Ratings describe the evidence for the use studied, not a recommendation to take a product. Read the linked studies and discuss your circumstances with a clinician.

Supplements can interact with medicines and may be unsafe during pregnancy. Ask a GP, pharmacist or specialist before starting one, especially if it has a high-caution label.

Always check with your GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement.