Welcome to my blog “myo-inositol for PCOS: Everything You Need To Know”
You may also like to read my other articles on methane:
Myo-inositol For PCOS
Many hormonal and reproductive impairments associated with this disorder seem relieved by the supplement (1)
What Is Myo-Inositol?
Myo-inositol (MI) is one stereoisomer of a C6 sugar alcohol that belongs to the inositol family (1). It is the precursor of inositol triphosphate, acting as an intracellular second messenger and regulating a number of hormones such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin.
How It Works
Myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol, another form of inositol, balance in different ways some metabolic deregulations concurring with insulin resistance. They include:
- Myo-inositol-derived phosphoinositol-3-phosphate (PIP3) enhances glucose transport inside the cells through the stimulation of GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane.
- Its derivative inositolphosphoglycan (MI-IPG) plays a pivotal role in downregulating the release of free fatty acids (FFA) from adipose tissues, hindering the enzyme adenylate cyclase. Indeed, FFA are known to reduce glucose disposal, causing insulin resistance and increased triglyceride synthesis. D-chiro-inositol upregulates pyruvate dehydrogenase leading to the production of ATP by the Krebs’ cycle.
- Myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol promote glycogen synthase, inducing glucose conversion to glycogen stored inside cells.
- MI modulates the activation of glucose transporters and glucose utilization, and glycogen synthesis takes place under the control of d-chiro-inositol. This molecule on the ovary regulates the insulin- induced androgen synthesis, whereas Myo-inositol regulates glucose uptake and FSH signaling..
In view of its recognised insulin-sensitising activity, myo-inositol has been used to prevent and/or treat a number of metabolic disorders related to insulin resistance, such as the metabolic syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It is noteworthy that improvement of IR and reduction of circulating insulin are key therapeutic targets in PCOS, enhancing fertility and reducing the lifelong risk for type 2 diabetes and early cardiovascular disease. Besides metformin, MI is now considered as a further insulin-sensitising supplement which could benefit women with PCOS.
How Long Does It Take For Myo-Inositol To Work?
Treatment duration seems crucial, as far as androgen profile is concerned. This agrees with the previous observation on acne, whose improvement with MI required at least 6 months supplementation (1)
Studies that have shown that myo-inositol may work have lasted between 12 and 24 weeks.
Myo- vs D-Chriro-inositol For PCOS
In one study the authors found that the 40:1 MI/DCI ratio is the best for PCOS therapy aimed at restoring ovulation and normalising important parameters in these patients (source)
Alex is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) and has a MSc in Personalised Nutrition. He is also a breathwork facilitator with a background in personal training and massage therapy. He also runs The Resiliency Program - a 24 week program aimed at building physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience.
