Inositol Benefits for PCOS: How To Regain your Menstruation and Ovulation

This blog post is about Inositol for PCOS: Improve Ovulation and Fertility

The use of Inositol for PCOS has become quite common. However, before you dive into doing so, it’s important to understand how inositol works, the types of inositols that there are, and the ones that may be able to treat the symptoms of PCOS such as infertility, hormone imbalance, Acne,  anxiety, and many more.

In my journey to manage PCOS symptoms, I found Inositol to be effective only after gaining a better understanding of how it works and the right dosage for maximum effectiveness.

Why Inositol may have not worked for you?

I did not know the recommended dosage for optimal results, I was not clear about the different types of inositol and I was looking for a miracle supplement that will heal me quickly. A change in perspective, a new level of research, and working with my naturopathic doctor allowed me to finally see the benefits of Inositol ( which we will discuss shortly).

Related Article: PCOS Remedies and Holistic Practices that work

Want to jump right into the recommendations?

Top Inositol Brands

• Wholesome Story
• Pink Stork
• Ovasitol

Best Folic Acid Brands

• Pink Stork Folate 600 mcg
• Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg
• GNC Folic Acid 1000 mcg 

Shop the supplements

What is inositol? And what are the types of Inositol?

Inositol is a type of sugar that is made in the body and it’s helpful for women with Insulin Resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body can make insulin, however, it cannot use it effectively, resulting in high sugar levels in the blood. Inositol was previously referred to as Vitamin B8, however, this is a misconception because it is not an actual Vitamin

2 Types of Inositol for PCOS

There are two types of Inositol known to be effective for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms

Myo- Inositol belongs to the inositol family and helps regulate thyroid-stimulating hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, and Insulin. Myo-inositol is involved in the transportation and use  of glucose

Di-Chiro Inositol also belongs to the inositol family and is primarily involved in the synthesis and storage of Glucose.

How does Myo-inositol and Di-Chiro Inositol Work to improve ovulation and Fertility

For PCOS patients the perfect synchronization of activities by Myo inositol and di-Chiro inositol will help regulate Insulin Resistance. The combination of MI and DCI has been proven to be the most effective for PCOS because each inositol takes a different approach to balance the metabolic deregulation that may occur due to insulin resistance- NCBI

The Recommended Dosage of Inositol for PCOS – 40: 1 Ratio

As I mentioned, PCOS is best treated with a combination of D-Chiro inositol and Myo-inositol at a ratio of 40-1. The perfect ratio of DCI and MI of 40:1 will be able to restore ovulation in PCOS – hidawi.com

To optimize the effectiveness and result, Add a Folic acid supplement to your routine. 4 grams of inositol (DCI & MI) PLUS 400 Mcg Daily for 3 months induced ovulation in 62% of women treated

What are the Benefits of Inositol?

There are many benefits to combining DCI and MI to improve ovulation and fertility for PCOS patients.

• Control mood swings
• Improve blood sugar levels
• Improve fertility by enhancing egg quality
• Reduce Cholesterol
• Reduce inflammation
• Lower risk of Gestational Diabetes once pregnant
• Lower blood pressure

What are the side effects of inositol?

Although inositol is well-tolerated, at high doses over 12 grams per day, symptoms may include 

• Nausea
• Gas
• Difficulty Sleeping
• headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness

3 Best Inositol Brands for PCOS + Folic Acid Recommendation

It is important to pick inositol that has great reviews, has no contamination, and fulfills the 4:1 recommended D-chiro to Myo inositol ratio that is best for PCOS.

1. Wholesome Story

2. Pink Stork

• 40:1 ratio
• Dosage : 2000mg Myo-inositol + 50 mg of D-chiro inositol
• Rating: 4.5/5

3. Ovasitol

• 40:1 ratio
• Dosage : 2000mg Myo-inositol + 50 mg of D-chiro inositol ( 2 times a day)
• Rating: 4.7 /5

Total Daily dosage is 4000mg Myo-inositol + 50 Mg of D-chiro inositol

Best Folic Acid Supplements- Lowest Dosage to highest dosage

1. Pink Stork Folate 600 mcg
2. Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg
3. GNC Folic Acid 1000 mcg 

Related Article: HOW TO TREAT PCOS NATURALLY WITH HOLISTIC PRACTICES (THAT ACTUALLY WORKS!)

What are the natural sources of Inositol:

 There are ways to include inositol naturally in your diet. Although you may be unable to know the exact amount of inositol you are consuming. 

Fruits- Cantaloupe, Citrus fruits, Dried prunes

Beans- Kidney beans, Peas, Pinto beans

Grains: Brown Rice

Nuts: Peanut butter, Almond

Seeds: Sesame Seeds

Final Thoughts on Inositol for PCOS

Inositol is a great alternative to metformin due to the many unpleasant side effects such as constipation, vomiting, and nausea and there are reports of “unacceptable level of probable carcinogens) in some extended-release metformin tablets-https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323128

Inositol is great for improving egg quality, and insulin resistance and can help bring along ovulation. Women who suffer from PCOS  when they finally become pregnant can become highly susceptible to gestational diabetes. If inositol is taken during pregnancy it can help in preventing gestational diabetes.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/inositol#:~:text=Inositol%20supplements%20seem%20to%20be,dizziness%20and%20tiredness%20(%2036%20).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655679/

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2020/6461254/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25259724/

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• PCOS management workbook and habit tracker
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