Myo-inositol significantly improves the hormonal and metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent study published in Cureus.
Takeaways
- Myo-inositol shows significant promise in improving hormonal and metabolic profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), addressing key aspects of the condition such as insulin resistance.
- Rates of PCOS have increased globally, affecting a significant percentage of women and leading to various health issues including reproductive dysfunction and cardiovascular risks.
- The Rotterdam criteria are commonly used for diagnosing PCOS, encompassing factors such as anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian appearance.
- A clinical study found that myo-inositol supplementation restored menstrual cycle regularity in a majority of patients and significantly reduced LH levels, normalizing the LH/FSH ratio.
- Myo-inositol treatment resulted in notable improvements in metabolic parameters, including reduced fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, with most patients experiencing minimal adverse effects, suggesting its safety and efficacy in PCOS management.
PCOS rates have risen in women of all age groups over time, impacting 2.2% to 26% of women worldwide. PCOS is associated with reproductive dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular risk factors, and psychological implications.
Insulin resistance, seen in 70% to 80% of obese PCOS women and 20% to 25% of lean PCOS women, significantly impacts the clinical development of PCOS. Myo-inositol, found in fruits, vegetables, walnuts, almonds, and beans, has been recognized as a potential method of PCOS management.
Myo-inositol decreases insulin resistance by supporting glucose uptake through intracellular insulin uptake pathways. Experts have hypothesized inositol delivery is vital for insulin resistance development in patients with PCOS.
To evaluate the association between myo-inositol and PCOS treatment, investigators conducted a prospective clinical study. Women aged 18 to 40 years presenting with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria (ESHRE/ASRM 2003) were included in the analysis.
The Rotterdam criteria included anovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and ultrasonographic polycystic appearance on 1 or both ovaries. A diagnosis was based on the presence of at least 2 of the 3 criteria.
Exclusion criteria included known cases of PCOS on treatment, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, hyperprolactinemia, pregnant or lactating, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, and significant pulmonary, cardiac, hepatic, renal, neurological, or psychiatric illness and malignant disease. Participants received a tablet myo-inositol 1 g twice per day for 6 months.
Clinical assessments and baseline investigations were performed prior to treatment, including serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and related parameters. Menstrual cycle regularity was reevaluated at 6 months, and side effects were also reported.
There were 90 women included in the analysis, aged a mean 26.70 ± 6.78 years. Of patients, approximately 61% were unmarried, 42% had infrequent cycles with scanty flow before the study, 36% had infrequent cycles and normal flow, and 15% had amenorrhoea before therapy.
Menstrual cycle regularity was restored in approximately 69% of patients. Spontaneous restoration of menses was reported in 79% of patients with amenorrhoea.
FSH was not significantly reduced between baseline and after treatment, from 5.33 ± 0.85 to 5.59 ± 0.97. However, LH was significantly reduced during this time, from 10.31 ± 7.92 to 7.42 ± 6.25. This indicated a normalized LH/FSH following 6 months of myoinositol therapy.
Significant improvements were also observed for the metabolic profile. While the reduction in FBS from 83.33 ± 8.84 to 82.71 ± 8.60 was not statistically significant, fasting insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly reduced.
Adverse drug effects were not reported in 85% of patients. Adverse effects experienced by some patients included abdominal pain, nausea, generalized weakness, and diarrhea.
These results indicated improvements in endocrinological and metabolic parameters of PCOS following myo-inositol treatment. Investigators concluded myo-inositol is a safe and effective method of PCOS treatment.
Reference
Sharon MP, Mellonie P, Manivannan A, Thangaraj P, Logeswari BM. The effectiveness of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective clinical study. Cureus. 2024;16(2):e53951. doi:10.7759/cureus.53951
