Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and multiple cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can cause infertility, weight gain, and other health concerns such as insulin resistance and acne. In my naturopathic practice inositol is one of my go-to therapies for treating PCOS. In this blog article I will review how inositol naturally works in the body, and the evidence to support its use for improving fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.

What is inositol?

Inositol is a member of the B complex family, and is a glucose-like molecule that is naturally synthesized by the human body. The two main types of inositols are myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol. Myo-inositol is the most abundant inositol in the body, and has been shown to be the most important for improving fertility outcomes (1).

How does inositol improve fertility in women with PCOS?

Inositol is incorporated into cell membranes and plays a key role in the cell signaling pathways of insulin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Through this mechanism, inositol works by:

1)    Reducing insulin resistance.

2)    Improving follicular development and the selection of a dominant follicle.

3)    Reducing androgens by increasing aromatase activity and increasing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). (2)(3)

These three factors help to improve ovulation, egg quality and fertility outcomes.

Has inositol been studied in clinical trials?

Yes! Clinical trials have shown that inositol has many benefits for women with PCOS. For example, inositol has been shown to help women with PCOS have regular periods and a lower body weight (4). It has also been shown to improve live birth rates in women with PCOS undergoing IUI cycles with ovulation induction when combined with Metformin (5). Lastly, inositol has been shown to improve egg and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing IVF and/or ICSI (6) and in women over the age of 35 with PCOS undergoing IVF and/or ICSI, has been shown to improve cumulative live birth rates (7).

Overall, inositol is a natural and helpful treatment option for women with PCOS. It can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and improve menstrual regulation and fertility outcomes. If you have PCOS, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic appointment at Juniper Family Health to learn about whether inositol could be a good option for you. We are here to help!

References:

1)    Inositol Treatment and ART Outcomes in Women with PCOS

2)    The inositols and polycystic ovary syndrome

3)    Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

4)    Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

5)    Comparison of metformin plus myoinositol vs metformin alone in PCOS women undergoing ovulation induction cycles: randomized controlled trial

6)    Inositol Treatment and ART Outcomes in Women with PCOS

7)    Comparison of Cumulative Live Birth Rate Between Aged PCOS Women and Controls in IVF/ICSI Cycles