Inositol For PCOS Review, Dosages and Side Effects

The use of inositol for PCOS is said to improve fertility, insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, acne, and excessive hair growth.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is also known as hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation and/or Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Characteristics of PCOS include obesity and weight gain, absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) or irregular periods, excessive androgen hormone (i.e. testosterone) levels, hirsutism (excessive body hair growth), and acne.

In the majority of cases, multiple 2-to-6 mm follicular cysts develop on the ovaries of women with PCOS. The cysts themselves are not normally directly detrimental. However, they cause hormonal imbalances which often lead to various adverse symptoms.

It is believed that using inositol for PCOS helps support natural hormonal balances. It works by improving the sensitivity of insulin receptors in the body and preventing excess release of insulin. PCOS is correlated with elevated insulin levels, which can also increase the risk of developing diabetes. Supplementing the diet with inositol is known to be very well tolerated, with few side effects.

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 PCOS?

PCOS, by some estimations, affects as much as 20% of the female population that has the ability to procreate. In the United States, PCOS is the primary cause of infertility in young women.

While the exact starting cause is still unknown, the following sequence of events often occurs:

• Insulin insensitivity in the body causes the pancreas to manufacture a surplus amount of insulin
• Due to the insensitivity though, the surplus of insulin is not recognized and even more insulin continues to be produced
• The excessive amounts of insulin disrupts normal ovarian function, causing them to overproduce testosterone
• The elevated insulin levels combined with high testosterone levels eventually leads to the onset of PCOS symptoms

With PCOS, the ovaries may become enlarged, and may develop thickened, smooth capsules. Ovulatory dysfunction is likely, as well as excessive androgenic hormone levels.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most commonly experienced endocrine disorders. When not addressed and remedied, PCOS can lead to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), high triglyceride counts, coronary artery disease, heart disease, stroke, and various other adverse health conditions.

Inositol Overview

Inositol is an organic vitamin-like substance which is integral for the functioning of every eukaryotic cell.

It was previously classified as a member of the B complex vitamin family, however more recent research has determined it does not meet the qualifications of a true vitamin. It is actually a psuedovitamin compound in humans because it can be produced by the human body from glucose and is therefore not essential.

Inositol is present in every eukaryotic cell. Eukaryotic cells are cells with nuclei, as opposed to prokaryotic cells with no nuclei. Inositol is found in all DNA-containing organisms – from algae to roses, from yeast to caterpillars, from amoebas to humans.

Inositol is a general name for nine known forms of inositol called stereoisomers. The stereoisomers of inositol are all the same molecular structure, but have different spatial arrangements. The most common of these is myo-inositol. D-chiro-inositol is another common form that is often used for PCOS symptoms.

Using inositol for PCOS symptoms may decrease the risk of developing various related conditions. It shows a normalizing effect on hormone levels in the body and may alleviate many of the visible signs of this syndrome.

Inositol for PCOS

Taking inositol for PCOS may help to improve or manage some serious complications of the syndrome. More specifically, in research studies, inositol has been seen to help with PCOS symptoms in the following ways:

• Lowering elevated estrogen and/or androgen levels
• Decreasing the risks of endometrial hyperplasia (enlargement) which often leads to endometrial cancer
• Decreasing the risks of metabolic syndrome which often leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Preventing hirsutism (abnormal and excessive hair growth)
• Preventing and/or correcting acne
• Increasing insulin sensitivity and helping to avoid hyperinsulinemia

Research on Inositol for PCOS has been promising so far, and the Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of PCOS. More research is still needed though, 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.

Inositol vs. Conventional Treatments

Supplementing the diet with inositol for PCOS is not reported to cause negative side effects in the majority of users. Inositol is a natural compound that already exists in every one of the body’s cells.

Inositol is sometimes favored as a PCOS treatment over conventional pharmaceutical medications. Some naturopathic doctors may recommend it as being a safer alternative.

In a German study published in 2016, the researchers used myo-inositol as a “safe and alternative approach in the treatment of infertile PCOS women.” After a treatment period with myo-inositol and folic acid the achieved pregnancy rates were in a range considered at least equivalent and possibly even higher than the ranges reported by the use of the commonly prescribed PCOS drug metformin.

However, inositol is often only used as an adjunct therapy and not as a primary treatment. There have not been any comparative studies directly examining the effects of inositol versus traditional treatments, and this would be a good area for future research.

Dosage of Inositol for PCOS

Individuals who use inositol for PCOS typically take a supplement that provides a combined form of myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol. While the myo-inositol isomer may be more widely available and is generally cheaper, it is the combination of myo-inositol and the D-chiro inositol isomers that shows the best benefits in research trials.

D-chiro inositol has been used at a daily dosage of 1200 mg to treat PCOS in clinical trials. In one trial, serum testosterone and triglyceride levels were decreased, blood pressure was reduced, and ovulation rates increased significantly. The dosages were taken daily for six to eight weeks.

If using myo-inositol, dosages of between 2 – 6 grams per day are typical for PCOS. This can be used on its own, but may be more effective when combined with D-chiro-inositol.

Speak with your naturopath or medical doctor about the possible benefits of using inositol for PCOS and to determine the right dosage for you.

Safety of Inositol

Inositol supplementation is rated as Likely Safe for up to 4 consecutive weeks with doses as high as 12 grams daily. 6 grams daily have been taken orally and caused no adverse side effects for 10 weeks consecutively.

Research on use during pregnancy is limited, however it is often not recommended due to the fact that some forms of inositol may disrupt oxytocin levels and/or cause uterine contractions. Although human breast milk is a rich source of inositol, there is not enough information about inositol supplementation and its effects on lactation to determine its safety. Use should be avoided without explicit permission from your OB/GYN or pediatrician.

Also, do not supplement with inositol if you are scheduled for surgery within the next three weeks. Some forms of inositol are contraindicated with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, supplements, and herbs due to a chance for increased bleeding.

Before using Inositol for PCOS, speak to your doctor to find out more about benefits, possible side effects and other treatment alternatives.

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