D-Chiro Inositol For PCOS Reviews, Dosages, and Results

Using D-chiro inositol for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) has been found effective in research studies.

Best results were obtained when d-chiro inositol was used alongside another Inositol stereoisomer – myo-inositol (MYO).

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in which increased testosterone and insulin levels disrupt normal hormonal balances.

It is estimated that nearly 1 in every 12 women within the reproductive age range is affected by PCOS.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Factors that may play a role include genetics, excess insulin, excess androgen (male hormones such as testosterone), and low-grade inflammation.

The most common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries (the ovaries may be enlarged and contain un-ruptured follicles surrounding the eggs). Complications of PCOS include fertility issues, weight gain and difficulty losing weight, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

D-chiro inositol has been shown to alleviate certain symptoms of PCOS in research studies. However, therapeutic results are best when it is combined with myo inositol in a 40:1 ratio.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is D-Chiro Inositol?

D-chiro inositol (DCI) is one of the nine forms of the “inositol” molecule.

Many times, myo inositol (MYO) and DCI are mistakenly referred to simply as inositol.

Inositol is the name given to the entire group of its stereoisomers: allo inositol, cis inositol, D-chiro inositol, epi inositol, L-chiro inositol, muco inositol, myo inositol, neo inositol, and scyllo inositol.

All of these have the same molecular formula – C6H12O6. It is only the molecular spatial arrangements that are different.

D-chiro inositol is also sometimes referred to as cis-1,2,4-trans-3,5,6-cyclohexanehexol. Unlike myo inositol, it is not readily available in commonly opted-for human foods. Palatable food sources of DCI are limited to buckwheat and fig leaves.

Our bodies are able to synthesize D-chiro inositol from myo inositol via epimerase action; making DCI deficiencies rare. There are certain situations when higher amounts than the body normally produces may be useful though. D-chiro inositol supplements are available commercially in several countries.

D-chiro Inositol for PCOS

PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system that is commonly experienced in women between the reproductive ages of 12 and 45. It affects roughly 8% of all women in that age group.

PCOS is also called hyperandrogenic ovulation (HA) and/or Stein-Leventhal syndrome. While the exact starting cause is still unknown, the following sequence of events often occurs:

• As a result of insulin insensitivity, the pancreas manufactures a surplus amount of insulin.
• Because the surplus of insulin is not recognized due to insensitivity, more insulin continues to be produced.
• This excessive insulin confuses the ovaries, making them overproduce testosterone.
• The result is high insulin levels combined with high testosterone levels, and eventually, the onset of PCOS symptoms.

The most common symptoms initially experienced with PCOS include anovulation (not ovulating), insulin resistance, and a surplus of androgenic hormones in the blood. These initial conditions then cause the eventual development of other related symptoms including acne, hirsutism (excessive body hair growth), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), irregular menstrual cycling, and infertility due to irregular ovulation.

Additionally, long term insulin insensitivity often leads to high LDL cholesterol levels and type II diabetes mellitus.

D-chiro inositol has been clinically shown to be effective at improving PCOS symptoms including poorly formed eggs, ovulation inconsistencies, and unbalanced menstrual frequencies.

In several placebo-controlled, double blind studies based on D-chiro inositol supplementation, female subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms have been shown to experience:

• Decreased levels of free and total testosterone
• Increased sensitivity to insulin
• Decreased blood pressure
• Improved disposal of glucose
• More frequent ovulation

PCOS Treatment Results

All cells in our bodies have differing levels of myo inositol and D-chiro inositol. Myo inositol levels are always significantly higher than D-chiro levels. In fact, D-chiro inositol is produced from myo inositol, only when biologically necessitated.

Clinical studies that monitored the physiologic ratios on MYO and DCI in plasma levels have shown that MYO/DCI combination therapies yield superior results for improving PCOS symptoms that supplementing with either MYO or DCI separately. To date, the most effective dosage ratio for MYO to DCI is 40:1.

In one double-blind placebo-controlled study published in Gynecological Endocrinology in 2007, 25 women with PCOS were observed over a 6-month period. The control group was given a 40:1 ratio of MYO to DCI based on 4 grams of MYO daily.

At the conclusion of the study, 88% of the women in the control group had a spontaneous menstrual cycle. Of them, 72% continued on with regularly cycles thereafter. 40% of the women got pregnant during the study: a goal that had long eluded them previously.

In a 1999 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 96 women demonstrating various PCOS symptoms were observed for 8 weeks. DCI was administered to the test group at a dosage of 1200 mg daily. The control group was administered a placebo. Conclusive results showed that the test group demonstrated:

• Increased insulin sensitivity
• Lessened androgenic hormones
• Decreased triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
• Lowered blood pressure
• Enhanced ovulation

Interestingly, this same study was retried using double the dose of DCI, but previous results could not be duplicated. It is possible that dosage or the source of the DCI is important to improvements in symptoms, and more research is needed in this area.

The research on using Inositol for PCOS has been very promising so far, and the Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of PCOS. More research still needs to be done, especially large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled trials. At this time the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only.

D-chiro Inositol for PCOS Dosing

Myo inositol and D-chiro inositol for PCOS supplementation has been shown to be almost void of side effects. However, you should always get your doctor’s approval before beginning any supplementation programs.

For women with Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, supplemental dosing of D-chiro inositol should be administered in conjunction with myo inositol supplementation. A 40:1 MYO:DCI balance is recommended with a daily intake of MYO between 2 and 4 grams, and a daily intake of between 50 and 100 mg D-chiro inositol for PCOS symptoms.

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