What are the effects of turmeric, ginger, and galangal on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Turmeric, Ginger, and Galangal for PCOS: Limited Evidence Does Not Support Their Use

There is currently no high-quality evidence from international PCOS guidelines supporting the use of turmeric, ginger, or galangal as effective treatments for PCOS, and these supplements should not replace evidence-based lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy. 1

What the Evidence Actually Shows

Ginger and Cinnamon (Not Turmeric or Galangal)

• A 2024 review examined ginger and cinnamon (not turmeric or galangal) in PCOS, suggesting these may affect hormonal status, lipid profile, obesity, and insulin resistance through antioxidant mechanisms. 2
• However, this represents low-quality supplementary evidence that has not been incorporated into any international evidence-based PCOS guidelines. 2
• The review itself acknowledges these are supplementary treatments, not primary interventions. 2

What International Guidelines Actually Recommend

First-line treatment priorities for PCOS include: 1, 3, 4

1. Lifestyle modification with weight loss (even 5% weight reduction improves metabolic and reproductive outcomes) 3, 4
2. Regular exercise (beneficial even without weight loss) 1, 3
3. Combined oral contraceptives for women not attempting conception 3, 4
4. Clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women attempting pregnancy 3, 4
5. Metformin for metabolic management and insulin resistance 3, 4

Critical Evidence Gap

• International evidence-based PCOS guidelines from 2020 and 2024 specifically examined dietary interventions and found no benefit of any specific dietary composition or supplementation over general calorie reduction for weight loss. 1
• The British Dietetic Association recommends dietary omega-3 fatty acids for PCOS, but this refers to fish oil, not turmeric, ginger, or galangal. 1

Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay evidence-based treatment while patients trial unproven supplements. 1
• Screen all PCOS patients for type 2 diabetes (fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose tolerance test) and dyslipidemia regardless of weight. 3, 4
• Address metabolic screening even in normal-weight PCOS patients, as metabolic abnormalities occur across all BMI categories. 4
• Patients with PCOS have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders requiring mental health assessment. 4

Bottom Line

While ginger may have theoretical antioxidant benefits in PCOS based on preliminary research, no turmeric or galangal studies were identified in PCOS populations. 2 The emphasis should remain on calorie reduction for weight loss, regular exercise, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy rather than specific supplements or spices. 1, 3, 4