Myo-Inositol for PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility & Sperm Quality
Myo-Inositol. PCOS. Fertility. Symptom Regulation.
I’ve always had a keen interest in women’s health, besides the obvious of course, but because it’s so under-researched. There are many conditions with many unknowns, from the cause to the treatment, and which also happen to be debilitating. Take endometriosis for example, 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have it and is one of the most painful chronic conditions.
Recently I was reading more about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and came across myo-inositol as a supplement for it. Often referred to as vitamin B8, inositol is not actually a vitamin, but a carbocyclic sugar, which is common in high quantities in tissues. It’s an important component of cell membranes and cellular signalling.
It has gathered a lot of attention as a supplement with promising benefits for women's health in general. A simple google search of myo-inositol proves so, with many supplements being targeted for PCOS.
What is myo-inositol?
There are many types of inositol, with two commonly used forms being myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol (DCI). Myo-inositol is the most common form of inositol and it is found in most plants and animals. Myo-inositol was previously considered to be a member of vitamin B complex, vitamin B8. I’s not an essential nutrient, as your body can produce it itself from glucose.
Myo-Inositol and PCOS
Insulin Sensitivity and Hormonal Balance
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder characterised by insulin resistance, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. Many consider it a gynaecological disorder as it presents in the ovaries but in reality it is a metabolic disorder. Myo-inositol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is pivotal in restoring hormonal balance. According to a systematic review, myo-inositol enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces androgen levels, and helps normalise menstrual cycles in women with PCOS, however, results are not conclusive (Fitz et al., 2024, Jethaliya et al., 2022). It is the improvement in insulin sensitivity which is critical as it helps mitigate the hyperinsulinemia that exacerbates PCOS symptoms.
Ovulation and Pregnancy Rates
Myo-inositol also positively impacts ovulation and pregnancy rates. A meta-analysis revealed that women with PCOS who supplemented with myo-inositol had higher ovulation and pregnancy rates, particularly when undergoing fertility treatments like that of IVF (Merviel et al., 2021). This makes it a potentially valuable supplement for women with PCOS struggling with infertility, that (1) is not very costly, and (2) non-invasive.
Myo-Inositol and Endometriosis
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Endometriosis, also known as the silent disease, is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, is characterised by inflammation and chronic pain. While direct research on myo-inositol for endometriosis is limited, its anti-inflammatory properties offer potential benefits. Studies have indicated that myo-inositol can help reduce inflammation, which may alleviate some symptoms associated with endometriosis (Kamekov et al., 2020).
Myo-Inositol and Fertility
Sperm Quality and Motility
Myo-inositol's benefits aren’t limited to women, even though fertility is often thought to be just around women. For men, it has been found to improve sperm quality and motility, crucial factors for successful fertilisation. An RCT showed that supplementation can enhance these parameters, making it beneficial for couples facing male-related fertility issues with no adverse effects (Calogero et al., 2015).
Egg Quality and Embryo Development
For women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), myo-inositol improves fertilisation rates and embryo quality. Studies have shown that it leads to better oocyte maturation and higher quality embryos, thus increasing pregnancy rates in ART treatments, however, the number of retrieved oocytes and follicle count were not statistically different between groups (Sene et al., 2019).
Myo-inositol is a possible natural and effective ally in managing PCOS, potentially benefiting endometriosis, and enhancing fertility. However, it should be noted that the results are not conclusive across the board, and further research is needs to be undertaken like that of RCTs to completely understand the effect and long term outcomes. Biologically speaking, myo-ins participates in several signaling processes, including the pathways of insulin and gonadotropins, and, therefore, it is likely to positively affect fertility. Where gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate the activity of the gonads, i.e., ovaries in females and testes in males. So, there is growing evidence supporting its benefits and mechanisms showing so, but also any supplement should be thoroughly researched and discussed prior to taking it.
Have you heard of myo-inositol before, or maybe even taken it?
I hope you enjoyed, and thank you for taking some time out of your day to read to my post! See you next week! :)
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Yes I have heard of it. My naturopathic doctor recommended I take this for insulin resistance. To be honest I had t started it yet. I’m 68 and still getting hot flashes!