Hyaluronic acid is one of those compounds the body quietly relies on every single day, until levels begin to dip and symptoms start to show. You may already recognise it from skincare labels or joint supplements, but its role goes far deeper than surface-level hydration. For women navigating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hyaluronic acid is gaining interest not as a cure-all, but as a supportive piece of a much bigger hormonal picture.

In this guide, I want to walk you through what hyaluronic acid actually is, how it works inside the body, and where it may be genuinely helpful for women with PCOS, particularly when skin health, inflammation, and tissue repair are part of the story. My goal here isn’t to oversell it, but to help you understand whether it’s something worth considering, and how it fits alongside evidence-based PCOS support.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body. It’s most concentrated in the skin, joints, connective tissue, and eyes, where its primary role is to attract and retain water. In fact, it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which makes it one of the body’s most effective natural hydrators.

This water-binding ability is what gives skin its plumpness, joints their lubrication, and tissues their resilience. When hyaluronic acid levels are healthy, tissues stay cushioned, flexible, and well-supported. When levels decline — due to age, inflammation, or chronic hormonal stress — dryness, stiffness, and impaired healing can follow.

Although the beauty industry often markets hyaluronic acid as a topical “anti-ageing” ingredient, its biological role is far more foundational. It’s involved in:

• Tissue repair and wound healing

• Joint lubrication and shock absorption

• Skin barrier function

• Cellular communication during inflammation

Because PCOS is often accompanied by low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalance, researchers have begun exploring how hyaluronic acid may support some of the secondary symptoms women experience.

Hyaluronic acid belongs to a group of molecules called glycosaminoglycans. These molecules form part of the extracellular matrix — the supportive scaffolding that holds cells together and allows them to communicate.

Think of it as the gel-like substance that cushions cells, keeps tissues hydrated, and allows nutrients and hormones to move efficiently. When this matrix becomes dehydrated or inflamed, tissues lose elasticity and function less effectively.

In joints, hyaluronic acid acts like oil in an engine, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement. In the skin, it supports elasticity and repair. In connective tissue, it helps regulate inflammation and healing.

Interestingly, research has shown that compounds like glucosamine can stimulate the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid, which is why these ingredients are often paired in joint-support formulas [1].

Skin concerns are one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of PCOS for many women. Acne, delayed healing, post-inflammatory marks, dryness, and sensitivity are all common — often driven by androgen imbalance and inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid supports skin health in several key ways:

• Deep hydration without clogging pores

• Support for the skin barrier, reducing water loss

• Calming of inflammatory responses in the skin

• Improved wound healing and tissue repair

Unlike harsh acne treatments that strip the skin, hyaluronic acid works by strengthening and supporting the skin’s natural defences. Studies suggest it may help reduce inflammatory markers and improve healing in compromised skin [2].

This is one of the reasons we include hyaluronic acid alongside supportive nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and myo-inositol in our Hair, Skin & Nails supplement — not to “treat” acne, but to support the skin’s ability to regulate inflammation and repair itself when hormones are fluctuating.

Joint discomfort isn’t always talked about in PCOS, but chronic inflammation and insulin resistance can place additional stress on connective tissue over time.

Hyaluronic acid helps joints by:

• Improving lubrication

• Reducing mechanical friction

• Supporting cartilage integrity

• Cushioning impact during movement

Clinical research has shown that intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis [3]. While injections aren’t appropriate or necessary for most people, oral supplementation and dietary support may help maintain baseline levels, particularly when inflammation is present.

PCOS places a significant load on the body’s inflammatory and oxidative systems. Hyaluronic acid plays a role in regulating inflammatory signalling, helping tissues recover rather than remaining stuck in a chronic stress response.

While this doesn’t mean hyaluronic acid “balances hormones,” it may help create a more supportive internal environment where hormonal signals can function more efficiently.

There is no one-size-fits-all dosage, but research suggests that oral doses of 120–240 mg per day are commonly used in studies focused on joint and skin health [4].

For topical skincare, concentrations around 0.1–2% are widely used and considered effective for hydration without irritation.

As always, individual needs vary. Women with PCOS should consider overall inflammation levels, digestive health, and nutrient absorption when choosing supplements.

Hyaluronic acid can be used in several forms:

• Oral supplements for systemic support

• Topical serums for skin hydration

• Combination formulas that include supporting nutrients

It’s generally well tolerated, but pairing it with nutrients that support collagen synthesis and antioxidant defence — such as vitamin C, zinc, and resveratrol — may enhance its effectiveness.

While research specifically targeting hyaluronic acid and PCOS is still emerging, there are several areas where it may offer indirect support:

• Skin resilience during hormonal fluctuations

• Reduced inflammatory stress at the tissue level

• Support for wound healing and post-acne recovery

• Hydration support during cycles of insulin resistance

Some early studies suggest hyaluronic acid may help modulate inflammatory responses and improve skin healing in hormonally driven acne [5].

This is why we take a whole-body approach at MyOva. Rather than isolating one ingredient, we focus on how compounds like hyaluronic acid work alongside nutrients such as myo-inositol, B vitamins, zinc, probiotics, and antioxidants — as seen in our Hair, Skin & Nails supplement — to support women through the hormonal ripple effects of PCOS.

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe, particularly because it’s naturally produced by the body. However, some individuals may experience:

• Mild digestive discomfort with oral supplements

• Temporary skin irritation with topical use

• Rare allergic reactions

Anyone with autoimmune conditions, active infections, or ongoing medical treatment should speak with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.

Hyaluronic acid doesn’t treat the hormonal cause of acne, but it can support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and improve healing. For women with PCOS, this can help calm irritated skin and reduce the severity of post-inflammatory marks when used alongside hormonal support strategies.

Current evidence suggests hyaluronic acid is safe for long-term use when taken within recommended dosages. Because it’s naturally present in the body, it’s generally well tolerated, though individual responses vary.

There’s no strong evidence that hyaluronic acid directly improves fertility in PCOS. Its role is more supportive — helping manage inflammation, tissue health, and overall wellbeing, which can indirectly support reproductive health.

Many women benefit from blends that include hyaluronic acid alongside antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These combinations support multiple pathways at once rather than focusing on a single mechanism.

PCOS rarely responds to single-solution thinking. Hormonal balance is shaped by blood sugar regulation, inflammation, nutrient status, stress resilience, and gut health.

Hyaluronic acid may be helpful when:

• Skin feels inflamed, reactive, or slow to heal

• Hormonal shifts trigger dryness or irritation

• Inflammation is part of your PCOS picture

Used thoughtfully, it can complement lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, and medical care — not replace them.

Hyaluronic acid isn’t a cure for PCOS — but it can play a meaningful, supportive role when used thoughtfully. By supporting hydration, connective tissue health, skin integrity, and inflammatory balance, it may be particularly helpful for women navigating PCOS alongside concerns like skin changes, joint discomfort, or slower recovery.

As with all PCOS support, the goal isn’t to do more — it’s to do what’s most supportive for your body. When hyaluronic acid is combined with steady nutrition, blood sugar support, stress regulation, and targeted nutrients, it becomes part of a calmer, more sustainable approach to hormone health.

PCOS care doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. Often, it’s the consistent, well-chosen foundations that make the biggest difference over time.

If you’d like to explore how hyaluronic acid fits into a broader, hormone-supportive approach to PCOS, these related guides dive deeper into the key root drivers that often influence skin health, inflammation, fertility, and overall wellbeing.

• PCOS and Insulin Resistance: Understanding the Hormonal Link
  Explains why insulin resistance is one of the most common underlying drivers of PCOS and how it affects inflammation, ovarian function, and skin health.

• Inflammatory PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and Gentle Ways to Support Your Body
  A helpful read if you’re dealing with persistent inflammation, skin flare-ups, or slow healing — all of which can influence connective tissue health.

• Adrenal PCOS: Stress, Cortisol, and Hormonal Fatigue Explained
  Particularly relevant if stress, burnout, or poor sleep seem to worsen your PCOS symptoms, skin quality, or recovery.

• PCOS Fatigue: Why You’re So Tired and What Actually Helps
  Explores the link between nutrient depletion, inflammation, and hormonal signalling — key factors that also affect collagen production and tissue repair.

• Myo-Inositol and PCOS: Benefits for Hormones, Skin, and Cycle Health
  A science-backed overview of one of the most researched nutrients for PCOS, often used alongside supportive compounds like hyaluronic acid.

1. Henrotin Y, et al. Glucosamine stimulates hyaluronic acid production. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.

2. Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in skin hydration and repair. J Drugs Dermatol.

3. Bannuru RR, et al. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis. Ann Intern Med.

4. Kalman DS, et al. Oral hyaluronic acid supplementation and skin health. Nutr J.

5. Draelos ZD. Hyaluronic acid and inflammatory skin conditions. Dermatol Ther.

Health Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you have PCOS or other hormonal conditions