We know all too well the frustration of losing weight with PCOS and so many of us want to know how to lose weight with PCOS. Time and again doctors have told us that we need to lose weight to improve our symptoms but they don’t offer any guidelines as to how to do that. Try as we may, our bodies just won’t co-operate.
We’ve already looked at why weight loss is so hard with PCOS but now it’s time to look at HOW to lose weight with PCOS. This research is of particular interest for me personally as my little guy is now 6 weeks old and I was unfortunately not able to breastfeed as I was severely anaemic following the birth. I was devastated to not be able to breastfeed but the up side is that I can now tackle my PCOS and baby weight.
So, let’s look at the action plan and just how we can lose weight in spite of PCOS.
Increase the Protein Content of your Diet
A study published in 2011 shows that women who have a higher protein to carbohydrate ratio in their diets have greater weight loss than those women who eat a standard diet (1). The study followed 57 women with PCOS who were assigned to two groups: those following a standard diet (less than 15% calories from protein and 30% from fat) and those with a higher protein diet (more than 40% calories from protein and 30% from fat). The women following the higher protein diet lost more weight after 6 months than those eating a standard diet and they also had a smaller waist circumference.
This confirms something that I have believed for a long time and explains why I always suggest a protein or meat component for every meal.
Take Inositol
I’ve already written an article on the benefits of Inositol for PCOS (which you can see here). Let’s look at Inositol in terms of weight loss, though.
A study done in Italy with 92 women with PCOS looked at the benefits of Inositol for women with PCOS. 47 of these women were given 4g of Inositol per day with 400mcg Folic acid while the other group of 45 women took the Folic acid only. After 14 weeks, the women taking Inositol and Folic acid showed significant weight loss, as well as improvements in their metabolic markers. The folic acid group gained weight instead of losing it. (2)
I firmly believe that Inositol was key in improving my fertility to help me conceive. I also feel that it helps to manage my carb craving. I personally prefer taking the powder form as the capsules tend to be fairly low dose and you land up taking 8-10 capsules per day.
I use Jarrow Formulas Inositol Powder, 227g, which is available from Amazon.
Restrict your Caloric Intake
This seems a pretty obvious one and makes sense to a lot of us. But, how much should we be restricting our calories to? That’s a really difficult question to answer because it really depends on your current weight, your basal metabolic rate and your activity levels.
One study done with overweight women suggests that a diet of 1200-1500 calories per day (3, 4). It’s important to note that many of the women involved in the study were obese. You would probably need to increase your calories if you’re exercising and leading a more active lifestyle. Another piece of research suggests 1800 calories per day to maintain weight in overweight women with PCOS (5).
So, I would suggest that less than 1800 calories per day is advisable if you want to lose weight, aiming for 1200-1500 calories per day, bearing in mind that you may need to increase that if you are very active and exercising frequently.
Get Support
Making any kind of diet and lifestyle changes is difficult and we often need the support of those around us. One person you may not think of providing support is your doctor. You may want to consider approaching your doctor for help. One study found that women who had regular 6 monthly appointments with their doctor were able to lose more weight than those who didn’t. Their doctor gave advice on a healthy diet and lifestyle and prescribed medication if it was necessary (6).
There are also many other forms of support to keep you accountable and encourage you on your weight loss journey, from forums and support groups to weekly weigh ins. If you do feel like you need some help with weight loss as well as nutritional advice, PCOS Foodies offers monthly meal plans and an online community to give you all of the help that you need. You can check it out here.
Exercise
In the interest of covering all of the bases, I think we need to look at exercise In relation to PCOS and weight loss. We know that exercise is hugely beneficial to managing PCOS and its symptoms (you can read more about that here). Interestingly, though, exercise does not necessarily result in weight loss for women with PCOS and a restricted calorie diet is one of the most effective ways to lose weight with PCOS (7).
Summing it Up
We all know how tough it is to lose weight with PCOS. The good news, though, is that it’s not impossible! If you are ready to make some changes and lose some of the extra weight, why not try these things:
- Increase your protein intake
- Take Inositol
- Restrict your calories
- Get support
If there is something that I’ve missed that has really helped you or if you have had success in losing weight in spite of your Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, please leave me a comment below!
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152 Responses
Hi, I’m 15 years old and was diagnosedw with PCOS when I was 12. Since then I’ve been doing as much as I can to loose weight and last year I lost 3 stones in 4 months. I then when to the doctor and prescribed me a contraceptive pill to help with my irregular periods and the pill increased my depression and anxiety levels to the extreme. Then in the winter I gained all the weight back because I was comfort eating and I was hating myself. I did exercise on a cross trainer and it really helped, I did 30minutes almost everyday and I felt a difference straight away however I still get that yoyo weight thing and every time I lose weight I end up gaining it after a couple of months. Is there anything suitable for someone my age to do that will help weight loss? Ive tried acai berries and they do help I just need something that works quickly with results
I was wondering what brand of inositol is best?
I used Pregnitude and really liked it. I was able to get pregnant when i used it daily for 6 months. I’m in the US though. Not sure if it’s available everywhere. I got it off Amazon.
I highly recommend the Insulite PCOS System…it made me feel like a normal human and made my body work the way it should…my pcos symptoms started reversing after 6wks and I was loosing weight consistently within 3 months….of course a pcos diet was key to that as well.
I am suffering from PCOS as my insulin level is higher than the range. My age is 26 . Height 5’6″ .weight 137 lbs i.e. 62 kgs. I would like to get a PCOS diet plan and exercise plan so that i can conceive ASAP.
Thanks
How much folic acid do you take with it?
400mcg a day along with 4g of inositol
What is Inistol? I have PCOS, I am on Metformin. Is this for symptoms of PCOS?
https://www.pcosdietsupport.com/supplements/inositol-and-pcos/
Tarryn wrote a really good article on it.She explains it well here
I’m using the Swanson 100% Pure Inositol Powder. How many tsp should I be taking a day?
Through research with PCOS, I have started taking Ovasitol a few weeks ago. I believe it is pretty similar to Inositol. Would you recommend Ovasitol? Anyone one else taking it shown good signs of weight loss?
Any comments appreciated.
I also started taking Ovasitol and was wondering the same thing. I took it for about 2 weeks and got off track so starting again. I have a hard time taking it because I can smell and taste it! (Yuck!)
It helps if you use a small amount of water, or a small cup. It hardly takes much for it to dissolve. So instead of whole glass, two gulps is so much easier.
Hi Tarryn, thank you so much for your wonderful site, I’ve just discovered it after 15 long years of PCOS symptoms which make my life a misery. I just have one simple question (as you’ve answered any other questions I had in your replies to this article – the most commitment I’ve seen on a blog/support site anywhere!)
I found the Inositol at a really reasonable price at the link below (I live in Ireland), I just wanted to know if the source matters re: quality/effectiveness?
Many Thanks!
http://m.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/inositol/10530319.html?utm_source=googleprod&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gp_sports&affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gclid=CjwKEAjw65GqBRCj3fLFwK2SpWoSJABa3E3crSB4CelPivWmXebsLm3rgCEzXksucNO1sJ1xA_Tt2xoCNyfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&variation=10530320
Hi Taryn,
I have just got some Inositol powder, and confused with how much I should be taking.
On the packet, it suggests one scoop per day 1 scoop approximately 500mg in 50mls water, so how much should I be taking? I know you say you take 4g per day, but not sure if that is a measured weight of powder? or just 4 scoops of powder?
Thank you for your response.
4g of inositol is roughly one teaspoon worth. It’s a B vitamin so more than you need will just be flushed out if your system, so don’t worry about a potential overdose. I usually make a PCOS Gatorade with a packet of stevia sweetened drink mix, a 24oz bottle of water, the inositol, 8 drops of kelp extract (for iodine/thyroid health) and 2 tablespoons of MSM powder (supports joint tissues and detoxes) daily. It’s a good way of getting all the supplements in for the day.
How much insitol do you use ? And what brand ? Thank you !
Hi,
I am 23 and was diagnosed with PCOS about a year ago and it has been a daily struggle.
I am currently on birth control pills to manage my period but I don’t really feel it is working and my weight is out of control.
I used to exercise daily but saw no results and got very discouraged.
I would like to try Pregnitude after reading this but, is ti safe to take with birth control pills?
So I have been diagnosed with PCOS for a few years now. I am turning 40 next month. I am freaking out because I am having a much harder time losing weight and am growing facial hair 🙁 This is terrible. I just want to feel good about myself. I tried Inositol for about a month but didn’t see any results, I guess I will try again.
For those that are on Metformin, why did your DR prescribe it?
PCOS causes mild insulin resistance, which is part of the issue with losing weight, and the reason for prescribing Metformin.
Hi ladies, i have been diognised with PCOS just last week and am currently on metformin. I haven’t seen my period since November 2014, now its almost 5 months but am not pregnant not even on contraceptives. Is it possible that i will be able to ovulate and have periods after taking metformin? Thanks
Stella you will ovulate while on metformin it is just going to take a while for it to kick in I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 15 it is a long difficult road considering I am now 25. Just be patient with the medication it will eventually work.
Most women won’t see results from metformin for at least 4 months. I gave up after 1 month as well and am now taking it again. I’ve been diagnosed since I was 11, i still struggle every day im 24 now.
Just keep in mind metformin WILL work, but it takes tome!
I’m about to turn 41 this week and have never been so frustrated with the difficulty around weight loss with pcos. I don’t ever miss A menstral cycle, my symptoms are more around hair growth, mood swings fatigue etc. I also had fibroid surgery a few months ago. However, I am extremely active. I do hot yoga, spin 4-5 days a week. I just completed a hot yoga 30 challenge and didn’t lose a pound. I’m trying to cut down on dairy, I do drink soy, but no pcos meds, no birth control. I’ve never had children, but am considering going back on bc to stabilize, but am so frustrated. Recommendation or advice welcome…
I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 13, I am now 43. I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 26. The PCOS never goes away. I have had no luck with any medication thus far. I am currently looking into the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I dream of one day being able to look into the mirror and smile back at that person. Since being diagnosed with PCOS, I have high blood pressure, epilepsy, IBS& diverticulitis.HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
DEAR FRIEND:
PLEASE THINK TWICE ABOUT HAVING A GASTRIC SLEEVE. I HAVE PCOS AND I HAD THE LAP BAND. I GAINED 11 POUNDS AFTER SURGERY. IT DID NOT WORK FOR ME.
I had the sleeve and not a day goes by that I don’t thank god that I DID IT ! I am down to 187 ! I was close to 300 lbs at the time I had surgery!
I recommend the sleeve over the band because now people are rushing in to get their bands removed. I have no problems taking in vitamins, and I have normal periods .
The hersuitism is still there but I am doing laser treatments thAt have been keeping the hair at bay.
Please go for a consult , you WONT be sorry!
( I am 2 yrs out, normal blood sugar, diabetes gone, normal bp , normal cholesterol , weight only flux 5 lbs when I’m getting my period)
I am considering the sleeve. What changes did you have to make to your diet and are they permanent?
Hi,
I am 30 and was diagnosed at 18 with PCOS. I am currently on birth control and my husband and I are actively trying NOT to get pregnant. However, we hope to start trying at some point in the future.
I am, however very much trying to loose weight. The low calorie diet seems to be working, but it is still hard and slow to see results. I’m interested in the Pregnitude to see if this helps. The fatigue and cravings are the hardest part so far. Other than freaking out my husband when it arrives, do you know of any issues with it affecting birth control?
Thanks,
Abbie
Where can you get this stuff? I pretty sure I’ve had PCOS since I was a teenager but just recently got told I have it. I would like to lose weight. Its different for me though when I actually put dome effort into it I can loss weight. I just suck at sticking with things! Also looovvvee food haha. But I do have slite facual hair very embarrassing to me. Anyone know how to get rid of it? Or will losing weight help with that also.
Thank you for a wonderful website with lots of useful info. Just wanted to clarify something: if I decide to give up dairy, shall it include all cheeses as well? If so, i can not live without it 🙁 please help xx
i really have to say how much i appreciate this website and all its information i have got from it and so good to see there are so many women who do find havin pcos does have a huge impact on their life’s especially their confidence, in the past people have said to me its not life threatening so why do you get so upset about it? im glad its not just me who feels this way, im going shopping this afternoon and have written down a list of things from this site that will help me start my new diet! thankyou!
What Mg of the Inositol? and how often? Thanks
Thank you SO much for your wonderful support and advice on this site. I have a quick question for you, as I am currently in Germany teaching for a year and my medical care has taken a huge hit because of that.
Currently I am taking a large multivitamin, Vitex Berry, Omega 3 supplements, Saw Palmetto as an anti-androgen, and cinnamon to regulate blood sugar–all every day. Oh, and Progon B-L as a natural progesterone when I’m supposed to be ovulating… o_O
I have periods, but they fluctuate between 28 days and 45 day cycles. I am extremely healthy, doing all of the right things with diet and exercise, and am only about 5 lbs over my ideal weight–but my acne will not go away, and hirsutism is mild but slowly worsening. I don’t know what to do about supplements, because I am already taking so many, yet I want to switch to the ones that are right for me (perhaps myo-inositol?)… I also don’t want to just keep piling on more and more supplements as I hear about more results…I’m at a loss.
Is there something you might suggest, knowing my current supplement regime, that I should do? Perhaps remove one thing and replace it with another?
I know this is a relatively long message, but I really appreciate the help! I’m surprised that you don’t mention vitex as a pcos supplement too, as many others do.
Becareful with saw palmetto I took it for 6 months and my cholesterol spiked to danger levels and it took me 2 years to get it down.
s
Thanks for all of the information and support you provide. I learned about Inositol helping PCOS on your website. 2 weeks before I started Inositol, I had blood work done and my blood glucose was 103 (pre-diabetes range), where it has been for years. The inositol arrived and I began taking it. 2 weeks after starting inositol, I had more blood work taken. This time my blood glucose was 90!! A significant improvement for me (I have tried for years to lower the blood glucose without any success).
Although the scale hasn’t budged, people have commented on how it looks like I have lost weight. I notice my waistline is getting a little smaller, and my biceps & quads are getting more defined (maybe due to the hard exercising I have done for years).
Yesterday, my husband commented on how clear my skin is. I was having cyclic cystic acne, that required steroid injections from the dermatologist to help with the pain, every month. When I watch my dairy and gluten and take the inositol, my face stays clear!
One downside, I now have to deal with all the new wispy hair that is growing back on my scalp, where my hair had been thinning out. But I know that those tufts of wispy, short hair are filling in where I was balding (or at least it felt liked was balding), so I will deal with this downside any day!
This has been awesome! Where I live we don’t have any doctors or dietitian or support networks for PCOS and I’m glad I came online for help!!
Heading out to buy the recommended supplements to hopefully see some change – I’ve been struggling with my diagnosis and because there isn’t enough information out there for me to even understand, it’s very hard for my family and friends to understand what I’m going through and like the doctor the biggest harp is “just loose some weight” but as you all know it’s not that simple!
Fantastic website and amazing followers – look forward to getting to know you all better! 🙂
Will keep you posted with the supplement progress xx
Hello Energy! I took inositol and folic acid today for the first time today. I took it at 1 pm and it is almost 11 pm. I took 2g of inositol (half the dose recommended for the day) and I scrubbed my house, made two meals for the week, and then some. Is this normal? I’m fearful of taking the 2nd dose right now. Is this something I have to work up to?
FYI, I am already dairy free because it causes asthma symptoms for me. I’m slowly giving up bread but it is hard. Giving up red meat though has given this multi-issue PCOS lady a weight loss boost. I’m hopeful that the right lifestyle choices when it comes to food will help the inositol/folic acid addition take the rest of the weight off. I have 100lbs to lose!
I understand that coffee can deplete inositol levels quickly, and I have stopped drinking it. But, what about green tea? A cup of Green Tea has 1/3 the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. I feel so good after drinking my green tea in the morning. Would I have to start drinking decaf green tea now? Decaffeinated teas actually have extra chemicals in them due to the process of removing the caffeine. What should I do?
Hi there! I just want to say a huge thank you for all the information you provide here. I recently just had 2 back to back miscarriages and was diagnosed with mild pcos 6 weeks ago, this week I had my scan to confirm. In the time between the blood tests and scan I decided to make some of your recommended changes after struggling with weight, facial hair and acne since I came off the pill last May to ttc! Dairy, gluten and processed food gone and so is 10.5lbs and my acne (thank the Lord as I’m nearly 27 and starting to get a little embarrassed). I have not calorie counted or excercised yet, but shall start soon to reach my normal “goal”, but it’s melting off, Inositol is a total wonder supplement! Thank you with every bone in my body. I’m coming back to normal 🙂
Xxx
Dear Tarryn,
I saw that you take Inositol. Do you think its okay on long term? I started taking casual inositol tablets and I experience that my depression is gone and i am happier. I also experienced increased focus and “clear mind” after 1month of 2000mg/day. Also my period delayed almost 2weeks, this bothers me a bit.
My other question is about spearmint tea. I am about to start drinking it, today i bought some. How long have you been drinking it and have you experienced hair loss on your head? I heard that spearmint can do that and i am afraid to lose my hair on my head.
Should you take the D-Chiro-Inositol instead of just the inositol alone? Im trying to figure this all out and just want to feel normal again. I’ve heard great things about both but not understanding which is better for PCOS. Thanks 🙂
Im now almost dairyfree, eating high proteïn, low carb.
Useing the pregnitude, prenatal vitamins and omega 369.
Exercising 2-3 times a week.
Also am i keeping a fertilitychart with an app on my phone.
Temping and using ovulation tests.
It sounds like alot to do but it really isnt. I integrated it in my Life and is now a part of my Life. I temp when i wake up, urinate to do ovulationtest, brush my teeth and take shower and have breakfast with the pregnitude, prenatal vitamin and omega 369. The 2nd pregnitude i take when im having dinner. Simple right?
Now my first question to you guys:
Is there something im missing, or something i could add to my program to increase ttc proces?
And question#2 : what is your experience with using ovulationtests?
I heard that pcos sometimes causes false positive tests, because of the lh hormone but i never tested positive except for the day after my app predicted me to ovulate. So im hoping the test was right.
I did all that + was on Metformin and took Maca. You might consider trying inositol (instead of rx Metformin). OPK worked for me (and temping should confirm it). Good luck and stay strong!
Hi Lindsey,
I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time – hang in there!
Sounds like you’re doing all of the right things. I would add in some supplements:
Pregnitude
Vitamin D
Omega 3
That should help improve your fertility and manage your symptoms!
If you’re taking the Jarrow Inositol powder it should be 1 teaspoon morning and evening to get you to your 4g.
Hello! I am new to this and have been diagnosed with PCOS. Honestly I have known for years something was wrong. I am now 30 married and TTC. I am on 500mg metformin 2 a day. About to start clomid round 2. I am currently so upset. Kind of a mad at the world feeling. I have been Faithfully trying to lose weight. Reduced intake to 1700 calories a day with working out 5-6 days a week prior to work. Mixing in spinning class, cardio and weight lifting. 1 month has gone by and I have lost not an oz. My clothes feel better but nothing. I am so mad right now about this. Like why am I killing myself eating well and working out and nothing 🙁 I am trying not to give up but its hard tokeep working so hard. I have just really watched calories not really cut things out. Any suggestions? I just ordeted pregnitude. Walgreens sells the same one as amazon for 36. Please advise.
Hello,
I purchased the Jarrow inositol power. How many scoops do I use it’s 600mg so I am guess 3 scoops per day. 600mg is . 5 grams if I am correct? I just want to make sure I am doing it right?
Also how many grams of protein do you recommend I read 75grams a day.
600mg x 3 scoops = 1800mg = 1.8g
The article suggests 4g.
You would need about 6.5 scoops. Double check that each scoop is 600mg though.
Hi Kim,
A quarter of a teaspoon is 600mg. So, a full tsp is 2.4g. I take 1 tsp morning and 1 in the evening…
Where do you buy Inositol????
Inositol from Now Foods brand at the online store called iherb.com
You can use this code (LIN940) to get $5 or $10 off your order. They have the best price and shipping charges of anyone. I like the powder better than the pills.. I think it gets absorbed faster so you can feel the results. Just mix with about 1/4 cup of water.
….iherb.com ships all over the world
Hii tarryn!
Im About to start eating high protein, low carbs, and dairy and glutenfree.
Also have i bought the pregnitude. I just want to make a full effort ttc and losing weight while im ttc.
Question 1, can i use omega 369 next to the pregnitude.
Question #2 i do eat lots of dairy at the moment if i eat soyproducts instead is this going to help or do i really need to cut all of the dairy.
Thank you and love
HI Shasha,
can help you with answer to question 2 . No soya products is not good for you as they are genetically modified and who knows what kind of hormones it consist. Try changing milk to almond or coconut milk, all sort of diary free smoothies – it helped me a lot 🙂 Im on diary free more that a month now and to my big surprise I don’t miss ir at all, as while spending time on searching for new ideas found much more nicer and much healthier replacements 😉 Good luck !
Thanks Giedre!
Its almost a month ago that i stopped eating dairy, Well except for 1 bowl of yoghurt in the morning. And i must say it wasnt hard at all…
Im going to change the yoghurt for almondmilk anytime Soon now… I noticed that im dropping weight more easily now. Thank you for your support
Hi Shasha,
Good luck on your TTC journey! I hope you get that BFP soon. The Omega is fine to take with pregnitude.
I would avoid all dairy and soy. Dairy raises our testosterone levels, making symptoms worse. Soy has been shown to delay ovulation so I cut it out as well. Here is an article on it… http://www.pcosnetwork.com/articles/dieting-weightloss/soy-and-pcos-safe-or-harmful/
Thank you Tarryn!
I almost cut out all the dairy for a month now. Except for 1 bowl of yoghurt in the morning.
But im planning to swap the bowl for almondmilk or maybe coconutsmoothie.
I just want to personally thank you Tarryn, for this site. Ive hit rockbottom with grieveing and prayed to God to help me find a way to cope with this desease pcos (ttc) when i found your site on Google. I think you earned a place in heaven ( in About 100 yrs hahaha) helping so Much women to cope with pcos. Love
Im on metformin and i recently had my second child. the doctor told me it was ok to take the metformin while breastfeeding but what about the Inositol and folic acid? I still take my maternity vitammins which has some folic acid but is that enough? Ive seen other people post the same question asking if its ok to take while breastfeeding but have not been answered yet. I would love to know since Im having a hard time loosing this baby weight again.
Thanks
Hi Dina,
Some women take it while breastfeeding and report no negative effects on their baby. There is not enough research on it while breastfeeding so I personally stopped Inositol until I had stopped breastfeeding…
Any knowledge on using goats rue and how long do you take these supplements for does Pcos go away
What about D-chiro-Inositol? I saw this mentioned in another book. Also how much omega 3 should we take? Thanks!!
Hi Christy,
Myo-Inositol is converted to D-chiro-inositol so they do very similar things but the D-chiro is more expensive which is why I use Myo-inositol. Here is some research on it: https://sites.google.com/site/miscarriageresearch/supplements-and-miscarriage/d-chiro-inositol
And what’s your daily dosage of myo? What would be the daily dosage of d chiro? Thank you !
Is it safe to take Inositol and Metformin?
Thank you,
Emma
Hi everyone,
I have just started to follow this path and want to thank you for this wonderful site.
I’m watching my meal and exercising for yes, and my weight wouldn’t move more that 3 – 4 kg down and back… Double checking my diet this time and started taking Inositol as well. I take it for less then 2 weeks and I started feeling bitter taste in my mouth, I’m not sure if it’s because of Inositol, but it never happened before. Have anyone ever experienced this kind of side effect?
Does anyone know if there are any adverse side effects of taking 1000 mg L Glutamine pills and 1800mg BCAA pills (Branch Chain Amino Acids) whilst working out?
The glucose is really ti help support blood sugar. And the BCAA’s are great to have while working out. They help fuel muscle and let any protein you eat post workout bond to the muscle better. I’ve been using them for years. (I’m an elite athlete workout out 5-6 days a week)
Any thoughts on vegan bcaa powders rather than capsules? they have stevis extract would that affect PCOS (blood sugar) in any way?
After years of dealing with PCOS, I have finally been diagnosed. It has been a relief to finally understand what is going on with my body. All the years of struggling to keep weight off, missed/irregular periods, infertility and so on. I now feel like I’m on the road to a healthier life. At 39, that means everything to me.
It took me 4 different doctors for them to finally diagnose me! I knew something just wasn’t right. A specialist was the one that diagnosed me, but I am relieved and am now on a gluten free diet and taking my metformin and will be adding pregnitude next! I will be TTC sometime next year so I want by body to be healthy and ready 😀 😀
Hello. Just read your blog and I love it. I went and bought the inosital and folic acid today. I only found the inositol in capsule form. The bottle says take one a day. But you suggest 8 a day right? Oh…the capsles are 500mg.
hi veronica,
i am also taking the capsule form right now.. from Solgar Inositol veggie caps. i took 4 in the morn, and 4 evening. 🙂
Hi salbiah,
I did that as well. Did you notice any changes? I feel like I am menstrating constantly. Do you hsve these symptoms?
Hello! I was just diagnosed with PCOS. I am currently taking Metformin. I contacted my pharmacist after reading on here about the inositol/ folic acid. The pharmacist said it is perfectly fine to take them while on Metformin. I ordered pregnitude as it is simple and covers both things. If you go to Pregnitude website you can have it delivered with no shipping fee. Mine is set to arrive tomorrow and I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks for all the support and information on this site.
Awesome! Explains a lot when me and my friend are doing the same exact workouts and same diet and she was dropping weight and I wasn’t. I am glad there are answers! I’ve always known something wasn’t right with me, but I am not on metformin and will be adding Pregnitude soon 🙂 Thank you all for the knowledge and support!
What is Pregnitude?
It is a mixture of instoil and folic acid.
Have you heard of pregnitude?? It has inositol and folic acid together could this also aid in weight loss or is it best to take 2 them separate? The inositol and folic acid? HELP 🙁 I am on Metformin right now….
Hi Valerie,
Pregnitude is the same as Inositol and folic acid. It is considered safe with metformin but you should check with your doctor to be sure…
I had the same question. It is hard for me to lose weight and I found this site thankfully. I go to the gym and workout 4 days a week but my weight is still the same. I was diagnosed with pcos about 4 years ago. I am now taking metformin and I wanted to ask if Its ok to take metformin and inositol at the same time? BTW I am going to TTC later this year 😀
Hello! I recently found your FB page and I am enjoying all of your blog posts so much! I am interested in trying the inositol, but how much of the powder do you use? The container says 1/4 tsp, is that effective? Thanks so much for all of your good advice :o)
I’m wondering the same thing!
To get the full dose you need to take 1 tsp morning and 1 in the evening. That will bring you up to your recommended 4g. (that is if you are using Jarrow Inositol powder).
Hi Tarryn, so I should not take all of the Jarrow Inositol pills in the morning with my Jarrow 800mcg folic acid pill? I should split the pills to half in the morning and half at night?
Hi Tarryn – My 15 year old daughter was just diagnosed with PCOS. I love this site. I bought the jarrow inositol and the folic acid; she only takes 1 folic acid pill a day, right?!
It says in the article above that it’s 4grams (4,000miligrams) of inositol with 400micrograms of Folic Acid so you’ll need to caculate that with what each 1/4 tsp equals for your particular inositol bottle.
I was diagnosed with PCOS quite a few yrs ago, I am now 37 and wanting a family. I am of regular weight (5’4″, 128 lb) but have the typical symptoms of facial hair around my chin and no menstrual cycle. I eat very clean, all organic, no fast food, and no dairy. Would you suggest fertility drugs at my age ? I just don’t want to go on synthetic meds if I don’t have to but if comes down to it I will. Thx for you’re support! pS love your blog!
I was diagnosed with PCOS quite a few yrs ago, I am now 37 and wanting a family. I am of regular weight (5’4″, 128 lb) but have the typical symptoms of facial hair around my chin and no menstrual cycle. I eat very clean, all organic, no fast food, and no dairy. Would you suggest fertility drugs at my age ? I just don’t want to go on synthetic meds if I don’t have to but if comes down to it I will. Thx for you’re support!
you can go to an endocronologist and u gonna be able to have a baby thnx god i have to two beautiful daughters they are my life he can help u
Hi Tarryn,
Can you take the inositol powder, folic acid and chromium while breastfeeding? If so what amounts are safe please?
Thank you
Mel
I’d like to know as well. To add to it have you any experience with goats rue it helps with breast milk production and is what metformin is made from. Only ten weeks postpartum and am not producing like I was 🙁
Do you know if Inositol safe to take with Metformin?
Thank you,
Genger
I would Like to know this also…
Hi Genger and Danielle,
It is safe to take Inositol and Metformin together but I strongly recommend checking with your doctor as you may not need both.
Chromium picolinate is also helpful, in dosages of 200-800mcg/day (depending on your needs). This works well for those losing weight through diet AND exercise.