Myo-inositol For PCOS Symptoms – Supplement & Powder Dosages

An increasing numbers of research studies are targeting the use of myo-inositol for PCOS.

Myo-inositol is the most common of the nine stereoisomers of the polyol (simple sugar alcohol) Inositol, a naturally occurring substance found in algae, plants, and animals.

Inositol was previously classified in the Vitamin B family, and was often called Vitamin B8. However with more recent research it is known that inositol does not fit the qualifications of a true vitamin, and instead is condsidered a pseudovitamin.

Inositol is non-essential because the human body is able to synthesize it via glucose. As myo-inositol is by far the most abundantly found form of inositol, it is often sold in supplement form as either a powder or in tablets, labeled simply as inositol.

In conjunction with a less prevalent form, D-chiro-inositol (DCI), myo-inositol is showing promising results as an effective agent for increasing insulin sensitivity. This is especially notable for those with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) because PCOS symptoms are often associated with lacking insulin sensitivity, specifically in the ovaries.

This article will discuss the connections between inositol and insulin sensitivity, research on using myo-inositol for PCOS, as well as provide some information on common dosages and potential 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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Myo-inositol and PCOS

While the starting cause is still unknown, it is widely believed in the scientific community that insulin insensitivity and the resulting elevated blood-insulin levels begins a series of events that leads to polycystic ovary syndrome.

When the body is insensitive to insulin, the pancreas tries to overcompensate by producing more insulin. The body is not able to use the insulin that it releases though, thinks it needs more, produces more and releases more, which it still cannot use effectively.

When insulin levels are too high, the ovaries generate and release too much testosterone. This surplus of insulin and testosterone creates issues for the ovarian follicles, making them unable to develop and rupture properly, which is often the onset of PCOS.

These unruptured follicular cysts in turn lead to ovulation issues and low-quality eggs. The amount of myo-inositol in the ovarian follicular fluid is associated with the quality of the eggs produced. Deficient inositol levels are a marker for low quality eggs which can make it difficult to get pregnant or other problems.

Clinical Research on Myo-Inositol for PCOS

There is a significant amount of clinical research results that has been published concerning the use of myo-inositol for PCOS. Recent research has shown promising statistics that are giving hope to many women affected by PCOS.

In one 2009 double-blind study controlled by a placebo, 42 polycystic ovary syndrome subjects were given myo-inositol supplements. Compared to the placebo group, subjects showed decreases in triglycerides, decreases in testosterone and decreases in blood pressure. They also showed marked improvements in insulin sensitivity and greatly increased ovulation frequencies.

In a different study in 2008, twenty women with PCOS symptoms were given myo-inositol supplementation at the rate of 2 grams daily in conjunction with 200 mcg of folic acid. The control group was given 200 mcg of folic acid daily, but no myo-inositol for PCOS.

The study lasted twelve weeks, after which the myo-inositol group demonstrated decreased androgen (male hormones, such as testosterone) levels and increased insulin sensitivity. Further, every myo-inositol subject returned to completely normal menstrual cycles during the course of the study.

In 2007, a 14-week study in Italy involving 92 PCOS-afflicted women showed that more than half lost significant weight. They also showed decreased levels of leptin, a substance known for stimulating appetite. This study used 400 mcg of folic acid instead of 200 mcg. The amount of myo-inositol daily was again 4 grams.

A 6-month study in 2009 was conducted that involved 50 women with PCOS. This longer study showed similar results using myo-inositol for PCOS symptoms, but also allowed researchers to study the effects of myo-inositol on hirsutism (abnormal, excessive hair growth).

Again the results were very favorable. Researchers concluded, “Myo-inositol administration is a simple and safe treatment that ameliorates the metabolic profile of patients with PCOS, reducing hirsutism and acne.”

In 2016, researchers in Germany 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 that was equal and in some cases even greater than the ranges reported from the use of the commonly prescribed PCOS drug metformin.

Other Myo-inositol Benefits

Improving insulin sensitivity is not the only role that myo-inositol plays in the body. In fact, it is utilized by every cell in the human body, and the bodies of all eukaryotes. Inositol and its stereoisomers are used is a vast array of body and mind functions including, but not limited to:

• Secondary neurotransmission signaling
• Emulsifying fats
• Accommodation cellular structural strength
• Regulating cellular activity including apoptosis and migration
• Gene expression
• Generating phospholipid bilayers that surround and protect every cell
• Controlling intracellular calcium levels

The many benefits of myo inositol, D-chiro inositol, and the other inositol stereoisomers are a continuing subject for research. The inositol group is basic to sustaining life and responsible for a number of biological and psychological roles.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, and respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. While research has been promising, more large-scale studies are still needed to confirm the results of smaller studies.

At this time, Myo-inositol is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Safety and Side Effects of Myo-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 is more widely available, it is the combination of myo-inositol together with the D-chiro inositol isomer that shows the best benefits in research trials. A ratio of at least 40:1 myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositiol has shown positive effects in clinical studies.

If using myo-inositol for PCOS, dosages of between 2 – 6 grams per day are typical (this is a general guideline only, and your personal dosage may differ). This can be used on its own, but may be more effective when combined with D-chiro-inositol.

Inositol is generally very well-tolerated with no serious side effects having been reported in research trials. Any side effects that have been reported are generally very mild and can include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, nervousness, and some additional GI issues.

If you are thinking about beginning a myo-inositol for PCOS supplement regimen, or any type of supplementation program, please always consult with your physician first.

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