Inositol is a great supplement for PCOS and improving fertility. And there is good research to back it up! But when taking inositol it is important to take the right dose and the right form.

The form of inositol called Myo-inositol is the best form for most women with PCOS and fertility challenges.

Myo-inositol:

1. Reduces IVF cancellation rates.
2. Increases ovulation
3. Improves metabolic health – both lowering insulin and cholesterol levels.  
4. Lowers androgen levels and helps reduce hirsutism and acne

The therapeutic dose of Myo-inositol is 4 grams per day.

D-chiro-inositol is another form of inositol and in studies it has shown benefit for PCOS but only when used in the right patients with the right dose. Otherwise, it can actually worsen your fertility! Studies have shown that higher doses of D-chiro-inositol can actually worsen egg quality and reduce ovarian response in normal weight and non-insulin resistant women.  DCI is not for all women with PCOS since a higher percentage of PCOS women are normal weight and not-insulin resistant.

D- Chiro-inositol:

1. Only take this form of inositol if your BMI is >30 and you are insulin resistant
2. Take D-chiro-inositol in combination with myo-inositol in a 40:1 ratio

If you have PCOS or if you are struggling with fertility, come in and talk with me. Let’s determine together if Inositol could benefit you. – Dr. Aponte

Inositol Research:

Isabella R, Raffone E. Does ovary need D-chiro-inositol. J Ovarian Res. 2012;5(1):14. 66.

Minozzi M, Costantino D, Guaraldi C, Unfer V. The effect of a combination therapy with myo-inositol and a combined oral contraceptive pill versus a combined oral contraceptive pill alone on metabolic, endocrine, and clinical parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011;27(11):920– 924. DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.564685.

Gerli S, Mignosa M, Di Renzo GC. Effects of inositol on ovarian function and  metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2003;7(6):151–159.

Morgante G, Orvieto R, Di Sabatino A, Musacchio MC, De Leo V. The role of inositol supplementation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, with insulin resistance, undergoing the low-dose gonadotropin ovulation induction regimen. Fertil Steril. 2011;95 (8):2642–2644.

Acne: Zacche MM, Caputo L, Filippis S, Zacche G, Dindelli M, Ferrari A. Efficacy of myo-inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2009;25(8):508–513. 22.

Hirsutism:   Minozzi M, D’Andrea G, Unfer V. Treatment of hirsutism with myo-inositol: a prospective clinical study. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008;17(4):579–582.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.