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Inositol and PCOS

Updated May 2022

Since writing the Honest, Hairy Truth articles, I’ve had a lot of questions and feedback from many of you wanting more information on Inositol and PCOS. For some of those who have tried it, the results have been dramatic, with one woman losing 21 pounds in a month since taking it. For some of those who have tried it, the results have been dramatic I have to say that my results have not been as dramatic but I have seen a slight improvement in my weight and hirsutism.

Inositol is absolutely one of my favourite PCOS supplements and, together with a good PCOS diet, it has made a huge impact on my symptoms. To find out more about how to manage PCOS naturally, you should check out my FREE training, “How to Manage PCOS Naturally.”

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What is Inositol?

Inositol is a naturally occurring substance that used to be considered as one of the B vitamins. The body is able to produce it on its own, though, so it isn’t considered a vitamin anymore.

Inositol is the common name given to Myo-Inositol. So generally, if you see Inositol supplements, it is Myo-Inositol on the bottle.

This is important because myo-inositol is part of a family of 9 forms of inositol, otherwise known as an “isomer”. This gets a bit technical so bear with me. An isomer has the same technical composition and arrangement of molecules but the placement of the atoms differs.

Huh? Basically, there are nine compounds in the Inositol family that are all basically identical except for one minor change between each. This means that if your body is lacking in one form of Inositol, it can convert one of the other compounds into the one that is lacking.

 

What does Inositol do?

pcos and inositol two spoons with white powder and two white capsulesIt seems that Inositol has two jobs really. The first one is that it is important in the insulin receptors of each cell. The receptor is on every cell wall and works as a lock and key mechanism. Insulin needs to fit just right for the receptor to open and let the insulin work its magic on the cell. If the receptor isn’t working very well, your body produces more insulin to compensate, leading to insulin resistance. Inositol helps the receptor work more efficiently so Insulin can bind properly the first time, causing your body to not produce too much insulin.

Its second job involves the Insulin signaling pathway. Now, I’m not a Biochemist but my understanding of inositol’s role in insulin signalling is as follows. As insulin attaches to the cell wall, it sets in a motion a series of changes within the cell. Inositol plays a role in this series of changes and it is important for insulin to be effective within the cell. (1)

Inositol is also involved in stopping insulin’s effect on the cell. In a sense, it helps to flip the off switch.

Right, that’s most of the technical stuff over, I hope.

 

Inositol and PCOS

Let’s move on to the good stuff… Why we should all be taking Myo-inositol.

I could give you loads of research articles but I’m just going to give you the summarized version of the effects of Inositol on PCOS (2):

 

  • Increased progesterone
  • Increased SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) – Deals with any free testosterone in our blood stream
  • Lowered testosterone levels
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Decreased luteinizing hormone
  • Induced weight loss (that sounds good to me)
  • As mentioned in my Honest Hairy Truth post, it has also been shown to be effective in managing hirsutism
  • OVULATION!

 

PCOS and inositol happy womanThere is also some good research on how myo-inositol supplementation helps with fertility and pregnancy. Inositol has been shown to:

    • Restore normal ovulatory activity and ovulation induction, leading to improved fertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    • Improve egg quality and pregnancy rate in women with failed IVF and thereby improve IVF outcomes
    • Improve pregnancy rate and lower cancellation rate in women with PCOS

Although myo-inositol is safe to take throughout pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding, please check with your doctor if you do fall pregnant while taking it.

 

How much and how?

Inositol is available in capsules and powdered form. The research studies were conducted using 4g per day of inositol and combining it with Folic Acid. If you take 4g in capsule form, you’ll land up taking a lot of capsules (I found 500mg capsules so I would need to take 8 a day).

The powdered form is mixed in a glass of water. It has a slightly sweet taste and I can hardly taste it. So, when I started taking Inositol, I started with the Jarrow Formulas Inositol Powder, 227g which is available on Amazon.com

Ovasitol from Theralogix is also a great option. It combines two kinds of inositols – D-chiro-inositol and myo-inositol – in a 40:1 ratio. This is the same ratio that these two inositols are found in the body. There is strong evidence for both D-chiro and myo-inositol and PCOS. So, this is what I now take. You can get Ovasitol (using PRC code 144144) at the best price here.

You may also have heard of Cystofert for PCOS. Cystofert is a similar combination of D-chiro-inositol and Myo-Inositol but it only has 1100mg per tablet, as opposed to the recommended 2g of inositol per dose.

 

Some Commonly Asked Questions About Myo-Inositol Supplementation

 

How long does Myo-inositol take to work in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

We all tend to want results and want them now (I’m exactly the same!) Some women report seeing improvements within a week – weight loss or a reduction in cravings. But, we need to remember that it takes at least 3 months for an egg to be developed in the ovary. So, we need to give Inositol at least 3 months before we can see maximum benefits. So be patient and give it some time. It will be worth the wait!

 

How long does it take for myo-inositol to regulate periods?

PCOS and Inositol periodWe know that one of the hallmarks of PCOS is an irregular menstrual cycle. This can make trying to conceive incredibly frustrating!

As mentioned already, it takes 3. months for oocyte maturation and therefore you need to be ton inositol treatment for at least 3 months before you can expect a more regular period.

 

Do you know of any myo inositol PCOS weight loss success stories?

When it comes to losing weight with PCOS, it’s always a bit of a tricky one. many of us want to lose weight but our hormones are playing havoc!

The good news is that Inositol has been shown to help with weight loss in PCOS.

One study compared 3 weight loss methods in obese PCOS patients. They compared the use of Myo-inositol, diet and combined therapy myo inositol (mi) and d-chiro inositol (dci). The results showed that those women who used the combined mi and dci, as well as a good PCOS diet, had the most accelerated weight loss (3).

I have been using Inositol (Ovasitol in particular), and found that when I initially started taking inositol, my cravings were much more under control and I did have some success with weight loss.

 

Are there any side effects to taking inositol?

There are very few side effects when taking myo-inositol. It is a very safe supplement to take.

Some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps and headaches, which usually resolve after a few days.

 

Can Inositol help with Gestational Diabetes?

PCOS and Inositol pregnant woman checking blood sugar levelsOne of the many impacts of PCOS is the increased risk of gestational diabetes. The wonderful news is that myo inositol reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.

A randomized controlled trial have compared women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes using an oral glucose tolerance test. Some women supplemented with myo inositol whilst others took folic acid on it’s own (4).

Those women who took myo inositol showed increased insulin sensitivity and a lowered risk of developing gestational diabetes.

 

Can you get Inositol Over the Counter?

The good news is that inositol is available over the counter, without a prescription. If you are concerned about taking inositol, please do speak to your doctor before you start taking inositol as part of your PCOS treatment plan.

 

Do you recommend Myo inositol administration with Metformin?

PCOS and Inositol thumbs upIf you are struggling with insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, you may have been prescribed Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug.

Both metformin and inositol help to improve insulin sensitivity. This means that taking both together may result in lower glucose levels. Some of the women that I have worked with have found that taking slightly less inositol can prevent this.

If you are uncertain about the effect of Metformin and Inositol together, please do speak to your doctor before starting on Inositol.

 

Summing it Up

So, all of the research on Inositol looks promising for women with PCOS. I have been taking Inositol for years and really feel the difference in my cravings when I am not taking it. I’d love to hear about your experiences of Inositol and if it’s helped you with any of your PCOS symptoms. Please leave me a comment below and we can share the inositol love!

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References:

1Hooper, Claudie. “An Overview of Insulin Signaling Pathways | Abcam.” An Overview of Insulin Signaling Pathways | Abcam, www.abcam.com, 0 0 2000, https://www.abcam.com/pathways/overview-of-insulin-signaling-pathways.

2“Miscarriage Research – Inositol.” Miscarriage Research – Inositol, sites.google.com, https://sites.google.com/site/miscarriageresearch/supplements-and-miscarriage/d-chiro-inositol. Accessed 9 May 2022.

3Le Donne, M., et al. “Effects of Three Treatment Modalities (Diet, Myoinositol or Myoinositol Associated with D-Chiro-Inositol) on Clinical and Body Composition Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PubMed.” PubMed, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 1 Mar. 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30915778/.

4Tahir, F., and Z. Majid. “Inositol Supplementation in the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – PMC.” PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 1 Sept. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823013/.

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Tarryn Poulton

Tarryn Poulton

Tarryn Poulton is a PN1 Certified Nutrition Coach and PCOS expert who has been a leader in the online PCOS space for over 8 years. Tarryn has the support of leading clinicians from around the world who support her scientific approach to understanding and talking about PCOS this includes all medical journals and ongoing research. You can read more about Tarryn and the team here.

200 Responses

200 Responses

  1. Pingback: PCOS and Pregnancy: Success! | PCOS Diet Support

  2. Hi Tarryn,
    I started the diet and supplements you suggest about 4 weeks ago and I can see some new hair growth on my scalp! I just have one question: you say to take inositol with folic acid, and also that you take 2g inositol in the morning and the other 2g in the evening. I also have been doing that, but I only take the folic acid in the morning as it is one tiny tablet. Is that ok, or do you mean I should also split the folic acid in two? Otherwise I might be better off to take the full inositol dose in the morning with the folic acid.

    Gr.,
    melanie

  3. Oh my goodness! I am so glad I found your article. I am about to order the powder and I can’t wait to see the results.
    Since i can remember, I have been irregular. However, I had no idea I had PCOS until December ’12. My doctor put me on diane 35….Unfortunately, this only made my body feel worse so I discontinued taking the pill just this month (August). I am hopeful now that I can get regular cycles with Inositol and even get pregnant without using any meds! My doctor suggested to take prenatal vitamins as of now… So plus the Inositol I am set! Can’t wait until the day I get to tell my husband that we are expecting a little baby…and better yet, to be a mommy. Thank you for giving me hope!!!!

  4. Hi there it’s so nice to feel like I’m not alone I’ve been taking notes while reading the above comments just want to make sure I’ve got it right:
    Myo inositol 200g morning and night
    Folic acid 400mcg once a day
    How much vitamin D and omega 3?

    Also someone recommended:
    Chromium 2000mg a day and
    Saw palmetto 329mg a day
    Are these safe with what you recommend?

    I’m hoping all the above with the proper diet and exercise while shift this beard once and for all !

    Many thanks

    X

  6. Hi there it’s so nice to feel like I’m not alone I’ve been taking notes while reading the above comments just want to make sure I’ve got it right:
    Myo inositol 200g morning and night
    Folic acid 400mcg once a day
    How much vitamin D and omega 3?

    Also someone recommended:
    Chromium 200mg a day and
    Saw palmetto 329mg a day
    Are these safe with what you recommend?

    I’m hoping all the above with the proper diet and exercise while shift this beard once and for all !

    Many thanks

    X

  7. Hi tarryn, I am pregnant nw BT jst in my early stage……I very pcos and I want to know if it’s okay to take inositol nw or metformin cos I realised dnt want to lose display bby and also watched supplements did u use when u were preggy

  8. Hi Tarryn

    I have just been diagnosed pcos this year with years of struggling with my weight since I was 3 years old 🙁 & irregular periods I didn’t start them until I was 16 had 1 period then nothing.
    My doc put me on the pill which helped me have periods but had to come off them at 24 as they were making feel sick, I’m 26 now & haven’t had a period for 2 years. I changed my doc a she sent me to have blood tests & ultrasounds which confirmed I have pcos finally, she has put me on metformin 1000g a day & I take seven seas trying for a baby pills to 1 a day & I’ve just ordered jarrows inositol powder to try cant wait till it comes il let u know how I get on.
    This website is absolutely fantastic I have learnt so much on here more than the Internet just like to say thank u I finally understand what has been wrong with me all my life 🙂 xx

    Also can I just ask my sister is trying to get pregnant she has weight problems but does not have pcos can she take inositol aswell she had a miscarriage last year 🙁 & have been trying ever since no luck yet x

  9. Hi Tarryn
    Im confused, how many mgs of Inositol should we be taking each day in conjuction with the 400mcg of Folic Acid?

  10. Hi Taryn!
    Few questions…1) should you take inositol if you are already on Metformin? And 2) I’m just so frustrated and confused by PCOS, I’m trying to get pregnant so is the goal here to completely get rid of PCOS or just to ovulate? Every time I have an ultrasound there are still cysts and I’m just not understanding if I can get pregnant with cysts still there or not?! Thanks!!

  11. Hi..oh please helppp! Im in iraq there is no good doctor in here 🙁 im 18 and i have PCOS problems..i even have hair on my neck .. U know what i mean ..about the metformin the doctor told me and i had metformin for 3months..it didnt work even abit! So today i checked about vit B12..can it help to get a regular menstrual cycle? Cause my menstrual cycle is not regular,5 or 6 months with out coming! So b12 helps alone? I mean does it need to be taken with something else like folic acid?..and about inositol..should i take it with folic acid? Or just its own? Please help 🙁 thank u alot

  12. https://ie.myprotein.com/myprotein/my.basket?localTemplate=true&section=checkout&page=basket&isLocal=true

    Just found this link for anyone on this side of the world. Hope it helps.
    I have had a rough time with PCOS, since my teens, been on metformin for about 5 years, lost some weight, but spots & hair really bad , don’t want to take Dianette any more. My son who will be four in October was conceived on four rounds of Clomid (3 x 50mg & 1 x 100mg) hoping number 2 will be conceived sometime sooooon!!! Took a few rounds of 50 mg again but periods actually stopped! Tried 100mg & that has actually brought on a period (painful as hell 🙁 ) so hoping that the ball is rolling now. Very pleased to hear about this supplement. Will try anything at this stage!! Thank you!!!

  13. Hi Tarryn,
    Thanks so much for the info!
    I have started using Myo-Inositol powder now for 1 week and just after 2 days my waking blood sugar was down to 5.1 from 6.7 meaning that my insulin resistance must be improving already! I also have much less bloating/ water gain. One question for you, do you take it with or without food? I am finding conflicting information on the web. Thanks again!
    Holly

    1. Hi Holly,

      That’s brilliant news! I’m so glad that its helping!

      I took mine after breakfast every morning and after dinner in the evening.

      Hope that helps,

      Tarryn

  14. Hi 🙂

    I am 22 and got diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago, after numerous trips to the doctors. In the end I had to ask to be tested for PCOS as they told me I was too young at the time to have it. After having the tests, the results showed I have PCOS. I was placed on yasmin tablets, and basically forgotten about by the doctors. I have returned time after time, asking for help with weight gain and excess hair. But after being told 5 days a week in the gym isn’t enough “there are 7 days in a week” and also being told “join a slimming world or weight watchers class they will help you” the doctors have left me no choice but to fight PCOS alone. I have started taking inositol 650mg tablets (3 a day) and hope to see results soon.

    Are there any other steps I can take to reduce the symptoms of PCOS?

    Thank you in advance 🙂

    1. Hi Lowri,

      The medical community can be very frustrating! I’m so sorry that you have had so little help with managing your symptoms.

      Make sure you are also taking Folic Acid, Vitamin D and Omega 3. Also, you should be following a good PCOS diet to help mange your insulin and testosterone levels.

      Hope that helps,

      Tarryn

      1. Thanks for your reply. I’m not looking to become pregnant any time soon, should I still take folic acid tablets? Or are they only need to increase the chance of becoming pregnant?

        Thanks

        Lowri

        1. Hi Lowri,

          All of the research has been done on Folic acid together with Inositol so I would take the folic acid to make sure that you get the maximum benefits.

          Tarryn

  15. I am suffering from PCOS since last 2 years and going through several medication but of no use. I want to conceive but not succeeded and my periods are always irregular. My treating doctor told me that I have to go for Laproscopic surgery and to remove the Cyst. Then after I think to go for the second opinion and contacted another doctor who given me the 5 injection of MONOCEF to take everyday and one tablet for vitamins and one tablet named OVACET, and the doctor told me that no need for the surgery although just go for the medication now for three months and everything will be fine.
    Now I am little bit confused as what to do whether going for this medication or Laproscopy. I am very much pleased to see your research in this blog and really you are doing a lot help for a woman like us.
    Waiting for your valuable reply.
    Thanks
    Nusrat

    1. Hi Nusrat,

      Thanks for your comment and for sharing your story.

      Ultimately, you need to make an informed decision about what the implications of both are. Monocef seems to be an anti-biotic. You may want to find out why he is treating you with antibiotics. The Ovacet is Inositol and Folic Acid and should be really helpful with managing your symptoms. It has been shown to improve fertility, help with spontaneous ovulation and improve egg quality.

      The laprosccopy is more invasive and even if the cyst is removed, it won’t necessarily deal with the underlying cause of your fertility issues (PCOS).

      Why not try the medication for the three months and monitor your symptoms. If you haven’t seen any improvement, you can consider the laproscopy. Also, make sure you’re taking Omega 3 and Vitamin D and that you’re following a good diet.

      Hope you get some amazing baby news soon!

      Tarryn

      1. Sorry for nosing in, but Tarryn is right about diet! It seems to me that in many countries doctors just prescribe the metformin but don’t say anything about diet and sport. Unless you follow the IR diet you won’t really improve. Here in Hungary they say that in this treatment metformin is 30% helping the improvement and the other 70% are diet and sport. Also if you dont follow the diet you will have nasty side effects with metformin(glucophage).

      2. Thanks a lot Tarryn. I am going to start this but one more thing I am noticing in me that I started the Joint pain and when I am standing feeling a heavy pain in my kneels(bottom back of my Foot). When I consulted a Neurologist he has given me medication but he told me not to take Ovacet. Now I don’t know what to do as I don’t want to break my Ovacet treatment along with the Omega 3. Please advice what to do

        1. Hi Nusrat,

          I’m sorry that you’re having such a hard time. I don’t know that neurologist’s reasons for advising against Ovacet but I would be inclined to ask more questions about why he is advising against it. I can’t tell you to go against your neurologist’s opinion. Why not break your ovacet treatment for a while and see how your progress?

          Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!

          Tarryn

  16. Plz v been on inositol and folic acid for like 3months nw and I jes found out dat am preggy. Plz can I still continue wif d supplement or stop. Dnt wanna lose d preggy due to insulin and oda pcos sytmz

    1. CONGRATULTAIONS Oyinda! That’s amazing news! Inositol has been shown to help maintain pregnancies in women with PCOS. You can read more about that here: https://sites.google.com/site/miscarriageresearch/supplements-and-miscarriage/d-chiro-inositol I would also consult with your doctor to check the dosages though. I continued with my 4 g per day for the first trimester but, again, I have not found research to support this dose and your doctor will be better able to advise you.

      Hope you have an amazing pregnancy!

      Tarryn

  17. Hi Tarryn,
    I’ve ordered Inositol and fish oil, cant wait to start using them. Could you advise if i could take the inositol at once? i work full time and wouldnt be able to do morning and afternoon like you suggested.
    Thanks for helping women like me. Really grateful for yr time

      1. Hi Tarryn,
        I started taking the fish oil supplement (EPA 180mg,DHA 120mg)daily and also Just received my Jarrow powder Inositol and about to start using it. How do I take 4g a day if i have to take it at once? Can I take it at night?

        1. Hi Jedidiah,

          Take two level teaspoons in some water or juice. You can take it all at once and at night. Just remember to take it with Folic Acid (400mcg per day)

          Tarryn

          1. Thanks a million Tarryn. Cant wait to come back to you with the good news.
            Keep up the good work!!

  18. You skipped my comment :((( what I wrote on 17th July.

    ello Tarryn,

    So do you know if it is ok to take if I do not need at all to loose weight?

    I’m on metformin since 1,5 year and I would like to change to inositol. My insulin levels went back to almost normal, only my LH is high all the time despite the fact that I’m ovulating, I’m regular and have nice progesterone. So it’s weird, I hope inositol will really make the balance with my hormones, also I would like to have less acne they are usually on my jawline, around my earlobe, they are cystic, most of the time, I can’t get rid of them like normal pimples, I just have to wait and they are absorbing by themselves. I also suggested it to a dear friend who has no period for a long time, and doctors can’t do a thing about it, hope it will help her finally.

    Thanks,
    Esther

    1. Hi Esther,

      I didn’t mean to skip your comment – sorry! I’m working my way through a huge backlog of comments and will get there eventually 🙂

      It sounds like your testosterone levels may still be high if you are struggling with cystic acne. I would absolutely recommend taking Inositol and Folic acid, whether or not you need to lose weight. Also, make sure you are taking Omega 3 supplements as this has been shown to lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS.

      Hope that helps!

      Tarryn

      1. Thanks Taryn!!! Well, testo levels were always fine, I’m struggeling with LH, also once DHEA-S was checked, it was also fine, weird… I just wanted to know whether you can tell that a thin pcoser can take inositol as some said it helps to loose weight. I’m already taking omega 3 with really high EPA content and also folic acid(Solgar metafolin) as I have MTHFR gene mutation. By the way I will start the Jarrow powder tonight… Exciting.

        Thanks for the support,
        Eszter

    1. Hi Lauren,

      Here is a lengthy and scientific article that mentions Inositol and endometriosis http://www.acupuncturesf.com/articles/endometriosis.html

      The answer is that a substance called IP6 helps with endometriosis and can help prevent the growth of this abnormal tissue. IP6 is manufactured by the body from Inositol. So, it may help. You could give it a try and see if your symptoms improve?

      Let me know if you found it helpful!

      Tarryn

  20. Hi Tarryn,

    Can Inositol be taken with Metformin (2 gram daily)and Clomid?

    Thanks,
    Naznin

    1. Hi Naznin,

      You may want to check with your doctor but it can be used with metformin and I’m sure with Clomid as well. It has been well researched in terms of its improvements in fertility, not just ovulation but also in terms of improving egg quality.

      Hope that helps!

      Tarryn

  21. Hello Tarryn,

    So do you know if it is ok to take if I do not need at all to loose weight?

    I’m on metformin since 1,5 year and I would like to change to inositol. My insulin levels went back to almost normal, only my LH is high all the time despite the fact that I’m ovulating, I’m regular and have nice progesterone. So it’s weird, I hope inositol will really make the balance with my hormones, also I would like to have less acne they are usually on my jawline, around my earlobe, they are cystic, most of the time, I can’t get rid of them like normal pimples, I just have to wait and they are absorbing by themselves. I also suggested it to a dear friend who has no period for a long time, and doctors can’t do a thing about it, hope it will help her finally.

    Thanks,
    Esther

  22. Hi Tarryn,

    Just got my order of Inositol from amazon. It says to put quarter of a teaspoon in a liquid. How often should I do this?

    1. Hi Laura,

      All of the research has been done on 4g per day. So, I would take a flat teaspoon in the morning with some liquid and another teaspoon in the afternoon.

      Tarryn

  23. Hi, Tarryn +*+*+
    Im Darai I live in Thailand and Im have a problem with PCOS since I was 12. I just found your website and I get a lot of knowledge from your kind posting the blog , its make me know more about myselve too. Sorry if I use wrong gramma to communicate with you English is not my native languese. I read your website and thinks its amazing !! I got hope to fight with my sympthom againd . And wanna say thanks to you so much to lets me know about this sympthom so clearly than my doctor. In thailand the pcos knowledge is very poor, I met a lot of doctor in famous hospital but everyone not told me anything they just gave me birth control pill . And once I found out on the internet that metformin can help pcos with insulin resistant and other sympthom so I asks the doctor to give me metformin then she say ” You can take it but ai thinks its doesnt help “. well now im very sad and frustrate in my pcos life , and im found out the pcos people in my country dont know about the way to cure or improove sympthom much more.

    Im very interesting in the article ” myo inositol and Pcos ” that you share and I buy Jarrow Inositol in amazon already but I found the video in youtube http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I82OtKb4jtA
    i dont understand why myo inositol seem like the bad thing and seem like the only good thing is d chiro inositol to hepls? so if the myo inositol that I buy not transform to chiro inositol in my body its like I make my life more bad, is i right understanding or not ? please suggest me . thanks

  24. Hi, Tarryn
    Im Darai I live in Thailand and Im have a problem with PCOS since I was 12. I just found your website and I get a lot of knowledge from your kind posting the blog , its make me know more about myselve too. Sorry if I use wrong gramma to communicate with you English is not my native languese. I read your website and thinks its amazing !! I got hope to fight with my sympthom againd . And wanna say thanks to you so much to lets me know about this sympthom so clearly than my doctor. In thailand the pcos knowledge is very poor, I met a lot of doctor in famous hospital but everyone not told me anything they just gave me birth control pill . And once I found out on the internet that metformin can help pcos with insulin resistant and other sympthom so I asks the doctor to give me metformin then she say ” You can take it but ai thinks its doesnt help “. well now im very sad and frustrate in my pcos life , and im found out the pcos people in my country dont know about the way to cure or improove sympthom much more.

    Im very interesting in the article ” myo inositol and Pcos ” that you share and I buy Jarrow Inositol in amazon already but I found the video in youtube http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I82OtKb4jtA
    i dont understand why myo inositol seem like the bad thing and seem like the only good thing is d chiro inositol to hepls? so if the myo inositol that I buy not transform to chiro inositol in my body its like I make my life more bad, is i right understanding or not ? please suggest me . thanks

  25. hi im so glad i found this site !

    please can you advise if i can take this along with 2000mg of glucophage/metformin ?

    1. Hi Simonne,

      I would check with your doctor but it should be fine.

      Good luck,

      Tarryn

  26. Wondering if you think this may be benefical for me though I no longer have ovaries or a uterus? Clearly PCOS is an endocrine disorder which is not just linked to the ovaries. Have heard that taking progesterone can cause bloating, etc and I obviously don’t need that but am hopeful that it could still help manage my other symptoms. Thanks!

  28. Hi Tarryn

    You mentioned that Inositol is helpful for PCOS. Can you please share with us a trusted brand for combining vitamins and minerals in addition to the right nutrition that’s full of vitamins.

    For example, I’ve heard that Vitamin D3 is essential for women with pcos and should be taken in its liquid form.

    I am willing to try supplements and vitamins instead of going for hormone therapy.

    Thank you

    Vera

  29. I read this post months ago as I have PCOS and Ttc isnt easy. I am not on any drugs to treat it just try to eat cleanish. We tried for almost a yr with our first. This time had been 6 mo and nothing yet. I believed ovulation to be the problem. I looked into inositol cause of this post and after 1 mo we are pregnant! I took the powder 2x a day about 1t to get the full does but it has worked great for me. Thank you for posting and helpping us.

  30. Thanks for answer 🙂 i have just one more question..does myo reduce hirsutism and acne… i read in some articles.. for 3 to 6 months.. to take inositol reduce hirsutism and acne 🙂

  31. Thanks for answer 🙂 i have just one question..does inositol reduce hirsutism hair on face and body… ans acne 🙂

  32. I am planning to purchase prenatude I was curious is this just a supplement for women with PCOS who don’t get their periods. I am always afraid of trying something new only to end up having my cycle thrown even more out of whack. My problem is low progesterone resulting in heavy bleeding that lasts weeks at a time I just recently cut out dairy, wheat, gluten, sugar, and alcohol. I am hoping that once I purchase some supplement I will find the final pieces to solve the puzzle.

  33. HI Tarryn,
    I think I asked you this before but which inositol do you reccommend? I can’t seem to find it in my local health shop here (Ireland) or is it under a different brand name?
    Also can it be taken with Metformin? I’m currently on 1000mg daily.

    1. Hi Laura,

      I order Jarrow powder from Amazon. Also, I think it is safe with metformin but you should just double check with your doctor.

      Tarryn

  34. Tarryn,
    I was wondering if Inositol will also help with acne. I have been struggling with it a lot recently and NOTHING makes it go away. Also My hair has been falling out, do you know of anything I can take along with Inositiol, folic acid, and omegas that will make my hair grow back thicker and healthier? Is it ok to take all these supplements daily?

    1. HI Trinity,

      It is definitely okay to take all of your supplements daily. The inositol should help with acne. Also, make sure that you have cut dairy out of your diet as that should also help. Thyroid issues can also cause hair loss so make sure you have your thyroid levels checked. Once your testosterone is more under control, you should see an improvement in all of your PCOS symptoms, including hair loss.

      Hope that helps!

      Tarryn

  35. Hi Tarryn,

    Do you know if D-chiro-inositol is safe to take once you become pregnant or should it be stopped? Did you take it during your pregnancy?

    Thanks!

  36. Yes, my name is Taryn, too 🙂

    I am currently taking prenatal vitamins and would like to try the Inosital powder. My prenatal vitamins say that I am taking:

    Folate (Folic Acid & Folacin) 1000 mcg 250%

    Does this mean that I would be taking too much folic acid?

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Taryn – Nice to meet you!

      Your dose is quite high but I’m sure that it’s safe otherwise it wouldn’t be in that dose in your vitamin. I would just add Inositol to it.

      Tarryn

  37. Okay thanks ! My Doctor has me on birth control for years now to regulate my period but I’m concerned about not being able to get pregnant once I come off 🙁

  38. Hi 🙂 I was wondering if it would harm
    Me if I use a applied nutrition 14 day fat burn cleanse since I have pcos?

    1. Hi Alisha,

      I can’t say for sure as I have never used nor looked into the Fat Burn Cleanse. To be honest, I think diet and exercise is a tried and tested way of managing PCOS so I would personally stick with that.

      Tarryn

  39. Hi tarryn I’m just wondering I was looking on Holland & Barrett would this one bs ok to take Choline & Inositol (500mg)? Instead of the one off amazon an how meny would I have to take thanks x

    1. Hi Sammie,

      The 500mg of Choline and Inositol actually only has 250mg of Inositol. All of the research is based on 4g Inositol per day so you would need to take 16 tablets per day. There is a plain Inositol of H&B which is 650mg so you would need to take 6 per day. This why I prefer the powder as you can just take 1 flat teaspoon in some water morning and evening to get your 4g.

      Hope that helps.

      Tarryn

      1. Thanks 🙂 so with the powerderd u just have one teaspoon in the morning and one in the evening x

  40. I’d like to know witch tablets to order so I don’t end up buying the wrong ones if u could get back to me please thanks x

  41. Hi Tarryn,

    I was wondering if inositol is something women with lean pcos should take?

    Thanks

    1. Hi Lara,

      Inositol should definitely be taken by women with lean PCOS. We tend to have a shortage of Inositol anyway and it should help to improve your glucose metabolism, whether you are overweight or not.

      Tarryn

  43. Dear Tarryn,

    Thank you soooo much for sharing your story and for sharing this information with everybody. I just ordered my inositol and I am excited to use it but I have some questions that I hope to find answers to, as I searched everywhere with no luck:

    – Is inositol managing the symptoms (hair, acne, etc) as long as you take it or is it treating the problem? in other words, do women with PCOS needs to take it ‘forever’ to manage their hormon levels and thus their symptoms or is it for a period of time and then the body would adjust itself so they can go off it?

    – What happens once you stop taking it (like if one fall pregnant)? will the hair and acne come back as they were?

    The reason I am asking these question is because I had the worst experience with metformin. Although I had PCOS, I used to have clear skin and almost no hair problem, I used metformin for around 10 month, I wasn’t feeling good, and I didn’t get my period regularly while I was on it. Once I stopped it, I started to get acne and unwanted hair and didn’t get my period for 8 months! I tried everything and did lifestyle and diet changes and that helped. Now my cycle is regular but quite long (34-38), but I am still struggling with acne and unwanted hair. We will be trying for a baby soon (4-5 months), so I know I ‘hopefully’ would have to stop it once I get pregnant, but I am worried what would happen then like would my skin and everything go crazy and unmanageable again?

    I really hope somebody can help answering my questions.
    Thank you, I really appreciate your help. x

    1. Hi Faith,

      The thing with PCOS is that researchers have found that there is something inherently wrong with the cells that produce insulin in women with PCOS (we tend to release too much insulin in response to carbs). Also, our ovaries tend to be too sensitive to insulin, producing too much testosterone. Basically, no medication is going to fix this as it is part of our make up, unfortunately.

      So, Inositol is a supplement to be take for the long term. Interestingly, it has been shown to lower the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS so you may want to consider taking it into your first trimester.

      It’s really important to manage your PCOS over the long term. As soon as you stop eating well, exercising and taking supplements, your symptoms will probably come back with a vengeance. So think of all of this as a lifestyle change and not just a temporary remedy.

      I hope that this helps and I’m sorry to not have happier news for you!

      I hope you get your amazing baby news soon!

      Tarryn

  44. As someone with MTHFR, I refuse to recommend that any client having difficulty conceiving take FOLIC ACID. Folic ACID (the synthetic form) is toxic to these people and will NOT have the health benefits you are looking for with pregnancy. For this reason I recommend the inositol powder on it’s own and adding a METHYL FOLATE supplement. Just something to think about.

  45. Can you tell me please does myo inostiol regulate the period and can i tae this whole of my life,i take the BCP but when i leave my period is irregular i have one period for 5 months.. :S does myo inostiol is natural wothout side effects like BCP 🙂

    1. Hi Donika,

      Inositol helps to regulate your glucose metabolism which will help to lower your testosterone levels and therefore regulate your cycle. It can be taken for as long as you want to. It may not give you a completely regular cycle (like birth control) but it will help.

      Tarryn

  46. Hey!
    Im a 18 years Old Girl & I ve been diagnosed with pcos lately.
    I really have Increased Symptoms for this , I ve been taking inositol with birth controll pills about 1 month.. .. It feels Great after the hope you gave me due to this research ^^ Im young but actually verry concerned about being fertile !! I love Kids 🙂
    My doctor asked me to take 4 g inositol per day & 1 tablet.Of birthcontroll pill for 6 months continously..Actually Im 173cm long & my weight is 63 , but i have no ovulation in addition to an excess in facial hairgrowth..Should I lose weight ? Or use any additional drug to remove the acne & hair …?

    1. Hi Ghadir,

      I’m glad your doctor has recommended Inositol! You need to make sure that you’re exercising regularly and following a good PCOS diet to help manage your symptoms. Also, hair growth is the symptom that takes the longest to improve so hang in there!

      Tarryn

  47. Hi I’m just wondering I’m not overweight in fact my bmi is 18 but I have got pcos and irregular periods so can I take inositol? Many thanks

    1. Definitely, Mel. It will help to manage your insulin and testosterone levels and can bring about a return of spontaneous ovulation.

      Tarryn

  48. I was wondering if this is something you take the whole cycle or just certain phases?

  49. Hey , i read your article, and its really nice i would like to know that being in India Iv got Tab Ovacet that has inositol 100mg and doc has advised me to take it twice a day…so that’s gonna be only 200mgs ryt…u think that dosage is gonna help me I mean we are ttc for last 1.5 yrs ..but recently i was diagnosed with pcos…so the doc advised me …weight loss and tab ovacet and folic acid, how soon can i conceive after i start taking these meds…?

    1. Hi,

      That dosage should be fine and I’m sure will help. I can’t say when you’ll be able to fall pregnant though. That really depends on each women’s body and cycle.

      Good luck!

      Tarryn

  50. Hi. Is it ok if I take the 4g of Inositol at once with 800 mcg folic acid thank you very much

    1. Hi Lena,

      I would only take 400mcg of Folic acid. It can be taken all at once.

      Tarryn

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