The Inositol Supplements-Fertility Connection
In the world of supplements, few have demonstrated as much efficacy in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as inositol. PCOS is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels and can lead to fertility complications. In this blog post, we delve into the current evidence surrounding the impact of inositol supplementation on fertility, focusing on women living with PCOS.
What is Inositol?
Inositol is a sugar component that helps form the structure of the cell membrane. One of its prominent roles is to assist in regulating hormonal balance in cellular signalling. Fascinatingly, our bodies are capable of producing inositol, and it can also be sourced from various foods like fruits, beans, grains, and nuts.
There are nine forms of Inositol. Despite their similarities, each type of inositol has been found to impact PCOS differently. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most commonly researched and have shown promising results linked to PCOS and metabolic health.
The Role of Inositol Supplements in Boosting Fertility
1. Inositol Supplements: A Potential Answer to Insulin Resistance and PCOS Management
Inositol plays an essential biological role in regulating insulin levels within the body. Women with PCOS may have a “cell signalling” defect in processing glucose. When you eat carbohydrate foods, the foods get converted into glucose in the bloodstream, and the glucose needs to enter your cells to be used as energy.
In PCOS, this process takes longer and results in higher amounts of insulin needing to be secreted to help glucose enter your cells (also known as insulin resistance). Insulin resistance is a common feature for many women with PCOS.
A high level of insulin circulating in the body further facilitates androgen secretion (male-type hormones) by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Excessing male hormones also make women much more quickly gain weight but harder to lose. Most women with PCOS often also describe their intense sugar cravings as their body’s inability to process glucose effectively.
In terms of fertility, this metabolic syndrome and hormonal impairments can destroy ovarian function and interfere with the growth and release of the eggs from the ovaries, causing period irregularity and stopping ovulation. If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant.
Evidence suggests that Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) act as insulin second messengers. Inositols help the body respond more effectively to glucose at cellular levels. Inositols have proved effective in PCOS management by improving metabolic and hormonal states and restoring spontaneous ovulation.
2. Egg Quality, Ovulation, and Fertility: How Inositol Supplements Make a Difference
Irregular ovulation or anovulation is a prevalent trait of PCOS, and, as we now know, inositol supplementation looks promising in helping restore menstrual regularity and ovulation patterns in women with PCOS.
A recent study documented that 3602 infertile PCOS women used Myo-inositol (2000 mg twice daily) and folic acid (200 μg folic acid twice daily) between 2-3 months, 70% of the women had restored ovulation, and 15.1% of them achieved conception – that’s 545 pregnancies.
These findings shed light on the potential of Myo-inositol therapy for women with PCOS. The use of Myo-inositol led to improved fertilisation rates and showed a clear trend towards better embryo quality.
Other recent reviews exploring inositol supplementation in women with PCOS and infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments found inositol supplements to boost clinical pregnancy rates, increase fertilisation rates, and improve both egg maturation and embryo quality. They also reduced the need for ovulation induction. However, always check with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
3. Inositol Supplements and the Ideal Ratio
There is a “new” hypothesis that, for women with PCOS, there’s an overproduction of D-chiro-inositol while Myo-inositol gets depleted in the ovary. These imbalances and excess DCI can lead to poorer egg quality, impact how the ovaries respond and may harm oocyte development.
Currently, the best-recommended supplementation ratio of Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is 40:1. This is considered an appropriate approach to help improve fertility outcomes.
Bottom Line
Inositol supplementation offers hope for women with PCOS, improving metabolic health and optimising ovarian function. To ensure safety and personalised guidance, consulting a fertility dietitian is advised for a tailored supplement regimen. Together, we can journey towards enhanced well-being and empowered fertility.
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