Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects a woman's fertility. The health condition not only affects fertility but brings along a range of discomforting symptoms such as stomach cramps, irregular periods, weight gain, mood swings, and many more.
While you may find a lot of information over the internet on ways to prevent PCOS symptoms, not each of them may provide symptomatic relief as effectively as Inositol for PCOS. Perhaps, you may have got a suggestion to use Inositol to calm down and reduce the symptoms of the discomforting disorder, but many women are often skeptical about its use. Today, we will review the role and effectiveness of inositol in managing the symptoms of PCOS.
What is inositol for PCOS?
Inositol is a carbohydrate that aids insulin resistance in the human body. It is found that women suffering from PCOS have an inositol imbalance in their bodies. The natural compound regulates insulin action using its second messenger called inositol phosphoglycans (IPGCs). Studies have concluded that the main reason for impairment of the insulin signaling pathway is the absence or low levels of these IPGCs in a woman’s body. Medical experts believe that a deficiency of Inositol and insulin resistance as the underlying cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in women.
Just like B vitamins, myo and d-chiro inositol are found to show promising results when it comes to managing the symptoms of PCOS.
How does inositol work to reduce the symptoms of PCOS?
Inositol has a deep effect on the factors that contribute to the onset of PCOS. Myo and d-chiro inositol found in inositol supplements for PCOS is involved in many biochemical pathways in egg cells including follicular development and maturation of the oocytes. Many healthcare professionals often consider a combination of myo and d-chiro inositol as a perfect remedy to balance hormones and reduce the impact of PCOS on your body. On the one hand, Myo-inositol is helpful in improving ovulation, on the other hand, d-chiro-inositol effectively reduces peripheral hyperinsulinemia. While it’s easy to understand the connection between inositol and PCOS, you are advised to consult a doctor before starting any health supplements.
Read also: Beat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms with natural remedies
Inositol also helps reduce the symptoms of PCOS by reducing the sensitivity to insulin. Our body produces energy by breaking down glucose with the help of insulin. In PCOS, the levels of the body cells become less sensitive to insulin, thus causing blood glucose levels to rise up. Besides, inositol reduces fat cell biomarkers and levels of androgens in the blood.
Here is a quick summary of Inositol benefits for PCOS:
- Reduction in insulin resistance
- Low androgens level (including testosterone)
- Healthy heart
- Timely ovulation
- Improved egg & embryo quality
- Lesser anxiety
- Low risk of metabolic syndrome
- Regular menstruation
- Balanced blood sugar
From where can I get Inositol?
Inositol is found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Some of the rich sources of natural compounds include pomegranate, cantaloupe, brown rice, beans, and many more. However, as a medical treatment for PCOS, it is best to get the required dose of inositol through supplementation. Nowadays, it’s common to find a lot of inositol supplements for PCOS both online and in your nearest pharmacy stores. It’s important to pick a supplement that contains high-quality ingredients in the right dosage. Dr. Morepen’s PCOS Balance is one of the best inositol supplements you can find online.
Most inositol supplements come either in capsules or powder form and most of them need to be taken once or twice a day with water. Some brands suggest taking PCOS supplements with meals since inositol in these supplements works to lower your glucose or insulin levels. Generally, it may take up to three months for a supplement to show noticeable results. You must note that there is no short cure for PCOS and the supplements provide symptomatic relief. Therefore, it's important to continue using the supplement and keep a chart of the progress and share it with your doctor.
Inositol vs metformin for the management of PCOS symptoms
While Inositol remains the first choice of ingredient to manage the symptoms of PCOS, many people tout metformin as an equally effective remedy for PCOS. However, most healthcare experts swear by the superiority and effectiveness of inositol over metformin for the treatment of PCOS, a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. While metformin is considered a potentially effective remedy to control the symptoms of PCOS, it can cause some side effects.
Read also : Women Health Matters
Other health benefits of taking inositol supplements regularly
Though Inositol supplements are widely marketed as a remedy for PCOS, they offer a range of other health benefits as well. Here are a few impressive health benefits of taking Inositol through diet or supplement-
Lowers anxiety
Inositol, the natural compound affects the processes that make neurotransmitters that transmit the signals and information within the brain. Though deep research is still required to know whether inositol has some action on serotonin and the brain, clinical trials have shown little effect on them. Several studies have shown that inositol can lower anxiety and panic attacks in people suffering from panic attack disorders. One study in 20 people states that people who took 18 grams of inositol every day experienced a reduced number of panic attacks by 4.
Also, people who regularly take a PCOS supplement along with DHA Omega-3 capsules are found to have better cognition than others.
Regulates blood sugar
Inositol supplements are highly beneficial for diabetics as it helps with insulin resistance. Insulin is a crucial hormone the human body needs to regulate blood glucose. Insulin resistance is a problem with your body’s ability to respond to insulin. As per some studies, inositol can be used to produce molecules that are for insulin’s action on your body’s cells.
Also, a study on women with gestational diabetes has shown positive effects of inositol on insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels.
Improves fertility
PCOS affects a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility. In this medical condition, a woman’s body produces high amounts of certain hormones, thus disrupting the body’s hormonal balance. Women with PCOS are likely to experience discomforting symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycle, delayed ovulation, muscle cramps, and acne breakouts. Regular intake of inositol-rich supplements helps hormonal balance, regularises the menstrual cycle, and aids timely ovulation for improved fertility in women. Besides, taking inositol supplements with biotin capsules can reduce acne breakouts and revive the skin’s radiance.
Supports healthy heart
Insulin resistance and fluctuations in blood glucose levels not only affect your energy levels but have a deep impact on heart health as well. Nutrition and healthcare experts reveal that regular intake of inositol either through diet or supplement lowers the levels of unhealthy fats in the body, thus reducing the risk of heart ailments such as cardiac arrest or stroke.
Improves metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a health condition that takes your body’s metabolic processes off-kilter. Besides, metabolic syndrome increases your risk of several health concerns such as high blood pressure, belly fat, diabetes, and heart diseases. It is found that women who include inositol-rich foods in their diet or are regularly supplemented with multivitamin for women that contain inositol have shown improvement in their metabolic syndrome.
Tips on choosing an inositol supplement
While certain foods in your diet contain inositol and your body produces a little amount of inositol, women with PCOS may need extra amounts of inositol. While the online pharmacies and the supplements aisle of local pharmacy stores are loaded with a number of inositol supplements. However, it is important to choose the right one for better results.
Before picking any inositol supplement for PCOS, it's important to check that it contains the right balance of myo and d-chiro inositol in the body’s naturally occurring ratio of 40 to 1. Also, don’t forget to check the labels for the list of ingredients and certifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the supplement.
Recommended dosages
The Myo-inositol supplement makes up over 90% of the inositol content in your body cells. Doses for insulin sensitivity and fertility issues are often lower than those used in the treatment of neurological disorders. However, it is best to seek medical advice to know the right dosage for you depending on your medical history and the body’s requirements.
These are a few benefits of using Inositol supplements for PCOS. If you are one of those women suffering from the discomforting symptoms of PCOS, including inositol-rich foods or supplementing with inositol can help relieve the symptoms. Besides, the active ingredients in inositol supplements can benefit health in a number of ways. So ladies, make inositol supplements a part of your fitness routine and bid goodbye to PCOS symptoms.
Read also: Here’s Why You Need to Add Collagen to Your Skin Care Now
FAQS for Inositol PCOS
Can inositol treat PCOS?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder with no sure cure. However, supplementing with the right balance of Myo and d-chiro inositol can help relieve the symptoms and discomfort.
Which is the best inositol powder for PCOS online?
There are several brands coming up with PCOS supplements online. You must pick one from the reputed brand which contains natural food sources of Inositol. As per the google reviews, Dr. Morepen’s PCOS Balance powder is one of the best inositol supplements available online.
Does inositol improve the body’s response to insulin?
Inositol is a carbohydrate that improves insulin resistance and regulates blood sugar in people suffering from diabetes.
Is metformin a better supplement for PCOS than Inositol?
Many health portals tout metformin and inositol as effective remedies to manage PCOS symptoms. However, metformin is said to have certain side effects on the body. On the other hand, inositol is believed to be a safer supplement for the treatment of PCOS than metformin.
Can Dr. Morepen’s PCOS Balance be purchased online?
Yes. Dr. Morepen’s PCOS Balance powder is available on their official website as well as on e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon & Flipkart.
Is inositol helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle?
Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that regulates the hormonal balance in the body and regularises the menstrual cycle in women.
Is inositol safe for use?
The inositol supplements by reputed brands are often certified and safe for everyday use.