Polycystic ovaries are today one of the most common causes of infertility among young women. Among the different methods, supplements and drugs developed from time to time, Myo-inositol is the most promising substance.
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are not a dangerous condition, however, as an endocrine disease, they cause a series of metabolic changes in the body that affect the reproductive capacity of women. Among them is the appearance of acne, menstruations disorder, infertility and obesity.
What is Myo-inositol?
Inositol refers to a group of compounds and not just to one molecule. Depending on the structure of molecules in the space (stereoisomers), it is categorized into several forms with more common the myo-inositol and the D-chiro-inositol. It is often referred to as simple inositol, without specifying which form is available in supplements. Its most active form, however, is myo-inositol.
Myo-inositol is synthesized in the body, but it can also be obtained from food, mainly through whole grain products and citrus fruits. It is a water-soluble molecule and therefore it is not toxic. It is mistakenly believed to belong to the vitamins of B complex, but it is a “pseudovitamin” that participates in many biochemical processes of the body such as cell communication and hormone action.
According to many studies, myo-inositol helps to treat infertility caused by polycystic ovaries. In particular, it was found to improve ovarian function, normalize the hormonal profile while improving insulin resistance. Additional benefits of myo-inositol have been observed in acne even in the reduction of anxiety disorder, hyperphagia and depression.
Women with polycystic ovaries have difficulty losing weight because of insulin resistance. Many studies have shown that taking myo-inositol (1200-2000mg) helps significantly reduce body weight. Larger benefits seem to have overweight people, rather than obese or severely obese people.
Administration of myo-inositol helps to improve insulin action but also to lower insulin levels. As a result, serum glucose levels are improved as well as postprandial hyperinsulinemia, a common characteristic of insulin resistant people.
Polycystic ovaries are characterized by hyperandrogenemia, elevated levels of male hormones, reduced fertility and insulin resistance. Supplemental administration of myo-inositol at high doses (2000-4000mg) was shown to reduce testosterone levels.
People with polycystic ovaries often suffer from fertility problems, so they often resort to assisted reproductive methods. Daily inositol administration may increase the reproductive capacity of women, increase ovum production and improve their quality. Even oligo- or amenorrhea conditions can be significantly improved by taking myo-inositol.
The benefit of taking myo-inositol is evident even in small doses (> 200mg), but the usual dose is 2000-4000mg once to twice a day. When taken once a day, it is recommended before breakfast.
Side effects and forms
Myo-inositol is a safe dietary supplement. In large doses, you may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances. It is safe to take even when pregnant, but it is not recommended to take it without the doctor’s approval.
In supplements, there is either as a mono-component or in combination with melatonin, with which it has a synergistic effect to improve fertility. Many formulations also contain folic acid to remedy any deficiency before conception.
In Vita4you you can find nutritional supplements for polycystic ovaries with inositol.