If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you’ll know how difficult it can be to live with this hormonal disorder.
One way to treat PCOS is by taking the supplement Inositol, a vitamin B-like compound that helps regulate the body’s production of eggs and, over time, can reduce many of the symptoms of PCOS.
Myo-inositol, for example, a specific form of Inositol, has been shown in clinical trials to be particularly effective in normalising ovarian function and improving both oocyte and embryo quality in women with PCOS.
Inositol supplementation is an effective and safe treatment. The body produces Inositol naturally and at higher levels when Inositol-high foods are consumed, but there are some things to keep in mind when you supplement your body with it.
Before we dive in, it’s important to first identify why Inositol should be recommended as a treatment for PCOS.
Why take Inositol for PCOS
As mentioned before, Inositol is naturally occurring in the body, but in a body with PCOS, the cellular process required to use and produce Inositol doesn’t function correctly. Therefore, the body is unable to use Inositol to regulate insulin and other hormonal processes.
This disrupted cellular process is one of the main reasons why polycystic ovarian syndrome largely upsets a woman’s normal hormonal processes. By taking Inositol, the body can properly regulate the cellular process around hormone function to improve insulin sensitivity and free testosterone levels.
Common Inositol is a mixture of nine vitamin-like substances, but the two main types used for PCOS are D-chiro-Inositol and Myo-inositol treatment. Most Inositol-for-PCOS supplements will have a mixture of these two compounds or one or the other.
10 Things you need to know when taking Inositol for PCOS
While it can be kind of scary taking any kind of supplement to treat a hormonal disorder, know that Inositol is completely safe.
Here are 10 things you need to know when you or a loved one is taking Inositol for PCOS.
1. Inositol can be modified to treat varying PCOS symptoms
A body with PCOS can be impacted in various ways. For the most part, PCOS sufferers produce higher levels of free testosterone, which leads to increased androgen production and disrupts normal egg production.
The Role of Inositol in Treating Androgen Levels
Inositol can help regulate androgen levels, but how you use it will depend on your specific goal. Whether you’re aiming to address fertility, insulin levels, weight management, excessive hair growth, hormonal imbalances affecting mental health, or androgen-related acne, Inositol can assist.
However, the type of Inositol, dosage, ratio, and frequency will vary based on what you’re treating.
Different Types of Inositol for Different Goals
For instance, D-chiro-Inositol, which is produced by the kidneys from Myo-inositol as needed, is effective for managing insulin resistance, but not for treating infertility.
This is because D-chiro-Inositol primarily targets insulin-resistant properties in non-ovarian tissues. In contrast, Myo-inositol directly addresses insulin resistance in ovarian tissues, making it more suitable for improving fertility.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re unsure which type of Inositol is best for your needs, consult your healthcare provider before purchasing or consuming any supplements.
2. Inositol for fertility can be effective
Because the body’s hormonal system and egg production are off, the chances of a woman with PCOS getting pregnant are drastically reduced.
This does not necessarily mean that she is infertile; it just means that her body’s cellular processes are affecting the natural cyclical menstrual cycle and making it harder to get pregnant. For fertility reasons, Inositol can regulate this.
Is Inositol better than metformin for PCOS?
Research has also demonstrated that Myo-inositol yields better fertility outcomes in women compared to metformin.
Ensure you’re not taking D-chiro-inositol for fertility. D-chiro-inositol targets the insulin-sensitive properties of non-ovarian tissues and will not impact infertility compared to Myo-inositol.
Too much D-Chiro Inositol can be harmful.
3. 2000 mg twice daily of Myo-Inositol is most effective in treating infertile women with ovarian hyperstimulation
With the introduction of Myo-inositol along with intrauterine insemination (IUI), pregnancy rates were increased by 50% after taking Myo-inositol for three months.
How long does it take for inositol to work for PCOS with IUI or ovarian stimulation?
Studies have found that taking 2000 mg of Myo-inositol in conjunction with 200 μg of folic acid (twice daily for three months) and ovulation induction (IVF or IUI) increases egg quality and decreases ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This winning combination has serious benefits for women who are trying to conceive.
If you or someone you love is going through ovulation induction and is also experiencing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, make sure to talk to the doctor about the benefits of adding Myo-inositol to treatment.
4. Inositol should be taken in combination with a PCOS-supported diet and lifestyle changes for weight loss
Weight gain is a commonly reported symptom of PCOS, again, largely because of the body’s inability to regulate the natural production of Inositol in the body, which leads to insulin resistance.
Taking Inositol solely for weight loss will work and it will regulate the body’s hormone production. Note that the amount of weight loss is relatively small (about two pounds over six months) if weight loss occurs at all.
Instead, overweight women should consider taking Inositol to regulate PCOS generally, and follow a PCOS-supported diet and lifestyle.
5. Insulin resistance or general metabolic health can be improved with Inositol
Overweight or obese women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure.
This, in turn, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. However, those women who do not develop insulin resistance might still benefit from taking Inositol as it improves the general metabolic health of a PCOS body.
Metabolic Effect of Inositol
Treatment with Myo-inositol in women with PCOS has been shown to have a positive effect on both metabolic health and cardiovascular health.
A systematic review of 21 studies found that Myo-inositol had a significant impact on hormonal parameters in people with PCOS. It improved the glucose to insulin ratios and improved cholesterol levels.
6. Inositol can help with hirsutism, but the effects are mild
Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth in unwanted areas of your body, can develop to a degree in women with PCOS. However, treating hirsutism with Inositol will come with only mild effects.
Does inositol help with PCOS hair growth?
In a six month study, researchers found that only one-third of women with a severe diagnosis of hirsutism managed to eliminate their hirsutism by taking myo-Inositol regularly and another portion of that study saw a reduced severity of the hirsutism. This was after taking 4000 mg of Myo-Inositol per day.
So while Myo-Inositol is effective at regulating hormonal production, this supplement targets ovarian tissues, and won’t target non-ovarian tissues.
7. Myo-Inositol can be effective at treating acne
Elevated levels of free testosterone may cause unwanted and excessive acne for some people. Myo-Inositol can be effective at treating this symptom but, of course, these benefits can be applied to all women with PCOS.
Some studies suggest that Myo-Inositol cleared up acne after six months of taking the supplement, but these studies suggest that only half of the women in the trial ended up with cleared acne.
What’s more effective is a PCOS-friendly diet in combination with Myo-Inositol. Switching to a PCOS-friendly diet, making positive lifestyle changes, and taking an Inositol supplement will provide the best results.
8. Myo-Inositol can treat anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders through supplementation alone and by reducing other PCOS symptoms
Many people who have PCOS experience anxiety and depression not only from the diagnosis alone but because of the symptoms that come along for the ride.
If you or someone you live with experiences anxiety or depression because of PCOS symptoms, such as acne, weight gain, and infertility, regulating these symptoms with Myo-inositol may restore mental stability and well-being.
Some studies have shown that high doses of Inositol can reduce panic attacks in people who are susceptible to them, as well as reducing bulimia and binge-eating, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and improving depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD).
9. Don’t take Myo-Inositol supplements that contain folic acid
While folic acid is a supplement widely recommended by doctors to support red blood cell formation and the development of a fetus’ spine, brain, and spinal cord, some studies have shown that labelling, in particular with myo-Inositol supplements, have been inaccurate.
Stick with a pure myo-Inositol PCOS supplement and additionally purchase a folic acid supplement.
10. Be patient and speak with your doctor
After learning about all the different ways that Inositol might interact with the body, and all the different dosages, it is easy to become overwhelmed or feel that all is at a loss for where to start.
All this means is that there are different ways that the body will take Inositol and different types of Inositol targets different tissues in the body.
Most importantly, don’t stress. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms that you are looking to address, and let them know that you are interested in taking Inositol. Your doctor has your best interest in heart and will help you to achieve your goals around PCOS treatment.
Inositol Australia: Trusted Myo-inositol Supplementation for PCOS
At Inositol Australia, we are committed to helping you achieve hormonal balance and enhance fertility. Our Inositol Powder is a natural, GMO-free supplement crafted with your well-being as our priority. Trusted by women throughout Australia, our product provides support for managing PCOS, infertility, and more-all grounded in scientific research and meeting the highest safety standards.
Experience the transformative impact Myo Inositol can have on your life. With our 60-day trial packs, beginning your journey has never been simpler. Embrace natural, scientifically supported solutions with the Inositol powder that Australia trusts.
Purchase our Myo Inositol Powder today and take the first step toward addressing the challenges of PCOS and fertility.
Resources
Ciotta, L., Stracquadanio, M., Pagano, I., Carbonaro, A., Palumbo, M., & Gulino, F. (2011). Effects of myo-Inositol supplementation on oocyte’s quality in PCOS patients: a double-blind trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 15(5), 509-14. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Emekçi Özay, Ö., Özay, A. C., Çağlıyan, E., Okyay, R. E., & Gülekli, B. (2017). Myo-Inositol administration positively effects ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective, controlled, randomized trial. Gynecological Endocrinology, 33(7), 524-528. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Fux, M., Levine, J., Aviv, A., & Belmaker, R. H. (1996). Inositol treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 153(9), 1219-1221. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Gelber, D., Levine, J., & Belmaker, R. H. (2001). Effect of Inositol on bulimia nervosa and binge eating. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 29(3), 345-348. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Genazzani, A. D. (2016). Inositol as putative integrative treatment for PCOS. Reproductive biomedicine online, 33(6), 770-780. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Gerli, S., Papaleo, E., Ferrari, A., & Di Renzo, G. C. (2007). Randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial: effects of myo-Inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 11(5), 347-354. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Jedel, E., Waern, M., Gustafson, D., Landen, M., Eriksson, E., Holm, G., … & Stener-Victorin, E. (2010). Anxiety and depression symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with controls matched for body mass index. Human Reproduction, 25(2), 450-456. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Levine, J., Barak, Y., Gonzalves, M., Szor, H., Elizur, A., Kofman, O., & Belmaker, R. H. (1995). Double-blind, controlled trial of Inositol treatment of depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(5), 792-793. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Monastra, G., Unfer, V., Harrath, A. H., & Bizzarri, M. (2017). Combining treatment with myo-Inositol and D-chiro-Inositol (40: 1) is effective in restoring ovary function and metabolic balance in PCOS patients. Gynecological Endocrinology, 33(1), 1-9. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Mukai, T., Kishi, T., Matsuda, Y., & Iwata, N. (2014). A meta‐analysis of Inositol for depression and anxiety disorders. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 29(1), 55-63. Retrieved September 9, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259724512_A_meta-analysis_of_Inositol_for_depression_and_anxiety_disorders
Nordio, M., & Proietti, E. (2012). The combined therapy with myo-Inositol and D-chiro-Inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-Inositol supplementation alone. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 16(5), 575-581. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Palatnik, A., Frolov, K., Fux, M., & Benjamin, J. (2001). Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of Inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 21(3), 335-339. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Papaleo, E., Molgora, M., Quaranta, L., Pellegrino, M., & De Michele, F. (2011). Myo-Inositol products in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment: quality, labeling accuracy, and cost comparison. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 15(2), 165-74. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Papaleo, E., Unfer, V., Baillargeon, J. P., Fusi, F., Occhi, F., & De Santis, L. (2009). Myo-Inositol may improve oocyte quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. A prospective, controlled, randomized trial. Fertility and sterility, 91(5), 1750-1754. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Raffone, E., Rizzo, P., & Benedetto, V. (2010). Insulin sensitiser agents alone and in co-treatment with r-FSH for ovulation induction in PCOS women. Gynecological Endocrinology, 26(4), 275-280. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Zacchè, M. M., Caputo, L., Filippis, S., Zacchè, G., Dindelli, M., & Ferrari, A. (2009). Efficacy of myo-Inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecological Endocrinology, 25(8), 508-513. Retrieved September 9, 2020
Hormonal Balance (incl. PCOS)
Inositol Powder For Hormonal Balance
May help with conditions like:
– Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
– Menopause & Perimenopause
– Endometriosis
– Estrogen Dominance
– Low Testosterone
– Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
– Hypothyroidism
100% natural Inositol Powder for the treatment of women with PCOS symptoms. Plant-based pure product with none of the drug-related side effects. A 4 grams per day serve is roughly a heaped teaspoon. A 250-gram trial pack is enough to last more than 60 days.
