What is Inositol and how it works against PCOS and improves fertility

When it comes to inositol, we generally think of Myo-inositol– a small molecule similar to glucose that is involved in cell signaling.

Inositol is an excellent anxiolytic and effective against insulin resistance and associated Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS.

IP6 and myo-inositol are not the same

Inositol is found in nature in various isomers, but has effects only as myo-inositol. This means avoid inositol hexaphosphate (IP6). If the declaration indicates myo-inositol or only “inositol”, you can be sure that you have the right product.

Inositols are pseudovitamins, which means that the body does not necessarily need them to survive, but they can have strong functions on the body’s metabolism. Inositol was once considered a b-vitamin, but due to the status of pseudovitamin, it was removed from this categorization.

Inositol and PCOS

The most studied beneficial properties of inositol are from the field of female fertility, specifically to restore sensitivity to insulin and consequently type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Due to the combined action, it is recommended as an extremely good supplement against PCOS in women.

Inositol also has the potential to reduce PMS.

Some also call Inositol a general women’s health supplement.

Inositol and fertility

According to research, inositol significantly improves female fertility. Especially when combined with melatonin and methyl-folate it improves the quality of oocytes in infertile women.

Inositol and excessive hairiness (hirsutism)

Excessive hair growth in women is generally caused by high androgen hormones, which is the basis of the diagnosis of PCOS. Inositol thus can help with excessive hair, especially facial and arm hair.

Inositol and depression

Inositol also shows a potent promise as an anti-depressant, although its effects are even more pronounced against anxiety and in reducing panic attacks. It can also help with related problems such as binge eating.

Unfortunately, it did not show effective in schizophrenia, autism or PTSD.

Inositol and sleep

Most likely due to its anxiety effects, inositol is excellent for improving sleep quality.

Inositol has also been shown to be partially effective in acne, lung tumours, high levels of ammonia, beta amyloid plaques (Alzheimer’s dementia) and weight loss.

Inositol dosing

For fertility and against insulin resistance doses between 2 and 4 g daily are effective, preferably taken in the morning before breakfast.

For neurological effects (anxiety, panic, depression, pain), usually high doses between 6 and 18g are required, divided into two doses daily.

To improve your sleep, you will most likely need 2g or more and the dose varies from the individual, so it is recommended that you simply test what works best for you. In this case, take the inositol half an hour before bedtime.

Is inositol safe to take

Inositol is one of the safest supplements we know. Even if you take an extremely high dose the side effect is only slightly irritated digestion.

Inositol was even tested in pregnant women where 4g a day did not cause any side effects.