Living with polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) and managing symptoms like acne, irregular menstruation, insulin resistance, facial hair growth, weight gain, and fertility issues can be challenging. A natural supplement called inositol has been proven to ease these symptoms; however, there are nine types of inositol, and only two are known to help with PCOS.
Inositol: What is It?
Inositol is a natural sugar produced by the body from glucose or consumed through food such as beans, fruits, grains, and nuts. Representing approximately 99% of all inositol found in cells, myo-inositol (MI) is the most abundant and important type of inositol for the body.
Once formed from glucose or consumed via certain foods, an enzyme called epimerase (with the help of insulin) converts MI into D-chiro-inositol (DCI) and the other seven types of inositol.
The other seven types of inositol play smaller roles; however, MI and DCI are vital for the body to regulate blood sugar and utilize it efficiently, reduce high glucose levels, lower high blood pressure, and ease insulin resistance. MI and DCI can also help maintain healthy cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and reduce abdominal weight gain, as well as support mood, ovarian function, and egg quality.
How Does Inositol Help PCOS?
Given that the body naturally produces or consumes enough MI and normally converts adequate amounts into DCI and other inositols, women with PCOS are not considered deficient in either. The issue with PCOS is how MI is converted into DCI in certain tissues.
Normally, the conversion of MI into DCI with the help of epimerase and insulin is regulated by each body tissue according to its individual needs. For instance, the ovaries require more MI than DCI to manage insulin signaling, glucose uptake, hormone production, and egg quality.
When glucose is not properly absorbed by the cells, the pancreas typically makes more insulin to compensate, which can then impair the conversion of MI to DCI. This can result in inadequate DCI metabolism in the liver and muscles, and too much DCI (or insufficient MI) in the ovaries.
Increased DCI production in the ovaries (or insufficient MI in comparison) can increase epimerase activity and signal the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones like testosterone).
This not only negatively impacts hormone balance, ovulation, egg quality, and disrupts menstrual cycles - it can also result in facial hair growth, balding, and acne.
Producing insufficient DCI in the liver and muscles can further contribute to insulin resistance, abdominal weight gain, and create a cycle that continues to worsen PCOS symptoms.
Balanced MI/DCI levels are also necessary for the interaction between ovarian cells, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Required for the development and growth of healthy eggs, FSH needs adequate MI for maturation. The appropriate conversion of DCI from MI also supports LH, which manages androgen production and regulates ovulation.
Therefore, inositol supplements can help manage PCOS symptoms by ensuring adequate and balanced MI/DCI metabolism. This will, in turn, enhance hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, ovarian function, and egg quality.
Best Inositol Supplement for PCOS
The best inositol supplement to manage PCOS contains a 40:1 ratio of MI:DCI to mimic the exact proportions produced by the body. And we highly recommend the Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol supplement from female health experts, Intimate Rose.
With 2000 mg of MI and 50 mg of DCI, it provides the perfect 40:1 ratio required to reap the benefits of inositol supplementation for hormone balance, ovarian support, and improved insulin sensitivity.
The Intimate Rose Myo and D-Chiro Inositol supplement also contains ashwagandha and vitamin D for extra support with PCOS symptoms.
Ashwagandha is known to ease stress by regulating cortisol levels, and with PCOS, it can soothe the strain of managing irregular menstruation and fertility challenges. Ashwagandha also reduces inflammation and helps to improve sleep. Vitamin D, which is often deficient in patients with PCOS, helps further support endocrine health and hormone balance.
Not only is the feedback from Intimate Rose customers exemplary, but clients of ours have also experienced life-changing improvements in their PCOS symptoms within just a few months. Menstruation becomes more regular with this daily inositol supplement, period pain, clotting, weight gain, and cravings reduce, while sleep and moods improve.
Anyone with PCOS understands how devastating it can be to one’s overall quality of life, and because it’s so tricky to diagnose, too many women are suffering in silence. If you can relate to the symptoms of PCOS, I urge you to invest in these life-changing Myo and D-chiro inositol supplements today. They are safe, effective, made in the USA, and can be taken long-term.
How Long Does It Take to See Benefits of Inositol for PCOS?
Improvements in PCOS symptoms are typically noticed within one to three months of taking daily myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol supplements with a 40:1 ratio; however, it can take up to six months for some. The benefits include:
Fewer Cravings and Improved Energy Levels
Once blood sugar levels are balanced by the perfect blend of MI and DCI, cravings for sweets and carbohydrates ease, which reduces sugar spikes and energy crashes. Therefore, appetite is more regulated, weight is more manageable, and energy levels are more sustainable throughout the day.
Restored Hormone Balance
When MI and DCI levels are balanced, androgen production is typically regulated, and hormone balance is restored. Reduced androgen production leads to less acne, balding, and facial hair growth. And restored hormone balance also means more regular menstrual cycles.
Improved Ovulation, Egg Quality & Fertility
With inositol supplements promoting a more stable balance between sex hormones, menstruation not only becomes regular, but ovulation and egg quality also improve. This means fertility and the chance of conception are elevated.
Although research into PCOS shows that eating a well-balanced diet and participating in aerobic exercise 2-3 times per week can help ease cravings, weight gain, and improve energy levels in women with the condition, taking a daily inositol supplement, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, has proven to be the most powerful way of managing PCOS.
Should You Consult a Healthcare Provider Before Taking Inositol?
Although inositol supplements are natural and safe, it’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before adding any new PCOS supplements to your daily routine, particularly if you are already taking medication or supplements.
Side effects from taking inositol supplements are rare. They include mild diarrhea, gas, or nausea, but are known to occur in a minimal percentage of people.
Conclusion
Inositol is a naturally produced sugar that aids the body in several physiological ways; however, its precise metabolism is often disrupted in women with PCOS, particularly the conversion of Myo-inositol (MI) into D-chiro-inositol (DCI).
Not enough MI or too much DCI can not only contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain, but can also disrupt hormone balance by encouraging the production of male hormones in women, and reduce the chances of conception by lowering egg quality and ovulation.
The good news is that taking a daily inositol supplement with a 40:1 ratio of MI:DCI has been proven to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce weight gain, lower androgen production, restore hormonal balance and ovulation, while boosting egg quality.
The best inositol supplement, according to professional healthcare providers and PCOS patients worldwide, is the Myo and D-chiro Inositol supplement from female health experts, Intimate Rose. Along with the perfect 40:1 blend of MI and DCI, the added ashwagandha reduces the stress and anxiety often linked to PCOS, and vitamin D, which is typically deficient in PCOS patients, further supports endocrine health.
References
Office on Women’s Health – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
National Institutes of Health - The inositols and polycystic ovary syndrome - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27730087/
National Institutes of Health - Myo-Inositol as a Key Supporter of Fertility and Physiological Gestation - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8227031/
National Institutes of Health - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insights into the Therapeutic Approach with Inositols - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642705/
National Institutes of Health - Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36703143/