Berberine and menopause: A natural ally for weight management

There’s been a surge of attention around weight loss drugs lately, particularly injectables initially designed to treat diabetes that are now being used for weight management.

But what if you could support your metabolism naturally, with a well-researched botanical that’s been used for centuries and backed by science?

Enter Berberine, a powerful plant compound and the key ingredient in our new formula, Better Metabolism.  Berberine is one of the most exciting natural tools we’ve seen for supporting energy, blood sugar, and metabolic health, especially during midlife.

The new face of weight loss: What’s driving the craze?

Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. These medications mimic a hormone that slows digestion and reduces appetite, often resulting in significant weight loss. While the outcomes can be dramatic, so can the side effects—nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, thyroid concerns, and potential long-term risks.

In many cases, weight regain occurs when the medication is stopped. This highlights a deeper issue: the need for sustainable metabolic support, particularly for women in perimenopause and beyond, who face hormonal and metabolic shifts that make fat storage more likely and energy levels harder to maintain.

Berberine: Nature’s metabolism ally

Berberine has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and modern science now supports its impressive range of benefits. It’s been shown to:

• Improve insulin sensitivity^[2]
• Lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels^[3]
• Regulate lipid metabolism and reduce triglycerides^[4]
• Activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) – your body’s metabolic switch^[5]
• Support weight management in insulin-resistant individuals^[6]

AMPK is the same enzyme activated by exercise and fasting. It tells your cells to shift from “store fat” mode into “burn energy” mode, helping support healthy glucose levels, fat metabolism, and even mitochondrial function.

Why we created Better Metabolism

At The Better Menopause, we know that midlife metabolic shifts aren’t just about weight, they’re about energy, blood sugar, gut health, and inflammation. That’s why Better Metabolism has been formulated with a blend of complementary high-strength ingredients, including:

• Berberine – Supports glucose control and AMPK activation
• Cinnamon extract – Enhances insulin signalling and reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes^[7]
• Chromium – Aids in glucose transport and helps curb sugar cravings^[8]
• Myo-Inositol – Enhances insulin function and supports hormone balance, particularly in PCOS^[11 

What about your gut health?

Berberine doesn’t just support metabolism, it may also play a key role in gut health. Thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties and it’s been used in functional medicine for gut imbalances like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Early research shows Berberine may actually support the growth of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila, which is linked to improved metabolic function and gut barrier integrity.^[12]

To enhance this effect, we recommend pairing Better Metabolism with our targeted gut formula, Better Gut, a targeted probiotic of clinically backed bacterial strains, formulated to rebalance the microbiome and support gut lining integrity during perimenopause and beyond

Together, they form a powerful duo for women navigating the metabolic and digestive shifts of midlife. Discover our Body Bundle here

Final Thoughts: not a quick fix, a smarter long-term strategy

For women in erimenopause and menopause looking to regain balance, Better Metabolism offers a researched, well-rounded solution that supports energy, blood sugar, and fat metabolism, without extreme pharmaceutical intervention for sustained weight management.

References

1. Nauck MA, Meier JJ. “Management of endocrine disease: Are all GLP-1 agonists equal in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes?” Eur J Endocrinol. 2019;181:R211–R234.
2. Chang W, Hatch GM, et al. “Berberine as a therapy for type 2 diabetes and its complications.” Biochem Cell Biol. 2015 Oct;93(5):479-86.
3. Dong H, Wang N, Zhao L, Lu F. “Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:591654.
4. Kong W, Wei J, Abidi P, et al. “Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism.” Nat Med. 2004;10(12):1344-1351.
5. Francini F, Schinella GR, Ríos JL. “Activation of AMPK by Medicinal Plants and Natural Products.” Mini Rev Med Chem. 2019;19(11):880–901.
6. Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. “Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Metabolism. 2008;57(5):712-717.
7. Cao H, et al. “Anti-diabetic effect of cinnamon: implications for its use in prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.” Nutr Res Pract. 2007.
8. Anderson RA. “Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes.” J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17(6):548-555.
9. Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. “Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant.” Free Radic Biol Med. 1995;19(2):227-250.
10. Malaguarnera M. “Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.” Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2012 Mar;28(2):166–76.
11. Nestler JE, Jakubowicz DJ, et al. “Effects of inositol on ovarian function in women with PCOS.” N Engl J Med. 1999.
12. Dong C, Yu J, Yang Y, et al. “Berberine, a potential prebiotic to indirectly promote Akkermansia growth through stimulating gut mucin secretion.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2021;139:111595.