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 heal from PCOS, I found Inositol to be helpful, however, it was not helpful until I had a better understanding of the mechanism.
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
Best Folic Acid Brands
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 is able to 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 in 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 have been proven to be the most effective for PCOS because each inositol take 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 the 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 and Side effects 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.
- 40:1 ratio
- Dosage : 2000mg Myo-inositol + 50 mg of D-chiro inositol
- Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
- 40:1 ratio
- Dosage : 2000mg Myo-inositol + 50 mg of D-chiro inositol
- Rating: 4.5/5
- 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
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, 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, 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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655679/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2020/6461254/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25259724/
If you enjoyed this article, check these resources
- PCOS digital workbook and habit tracker
- Free Roadmap to Heal your PCOS toolkit
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