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Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar that helps manage PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). There are two forms of inositol – Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It affects about 10% of women worldwide and can cause various symptoms, such as irregular periods, mood swings, sleep apnea, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility.

Sadly the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, studies show it is linked to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

Studies show that supplementation with a mixture of MI and DCI can help to control menstrual cycles, reduce insulin resistance, lower androgen levels, promote ovulation, and improve Fertility in women with PCOS.

Inositols work as a second messenger for insulin, and a lack of them contributes to the various symptoms of PCOS.

1. Inositol Improves Insulin Resistance

One main symptom of PCOS is insulin resistance; most women with PCOS bodies make insulin but can’t use it properly. Insulin resistance is linked to high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes.

Inositol improves and lower insulin resistance in women with PCOS. This can help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It helps improves insulin resistance by encouraging your cells to take up more glucose from your bloodstream, letting you process sugar better and reducing your blood sugar levels.

2. Inositol Helps To Prevent The Development Of PCOS-Related Diseases.

Besides insulin resistance and the high levels of androgens, other health issues are linked, such problems as

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Prediabetes & type 2 diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Fertility Issues
  • Endometrial cancer

Inositol helps prevent the development of PCOS-related diseases by helping you control your blood sugar levels and boost insulin production (which lowers your risk for diabetes).

In addition to being an antioxidant, inositol also works to lower Inflammation throughout the body, which is essential for stopping cancer and heart disease. It also supports bone health by promoting calcium absorption from food into the bones.

3. Inositol Regulates The Menstrual Cycle

Inositol is important in keeping a healthy menstrual cycle. Many women with PCOS experience irregular menstrual cycles or may not ovulate.

Inositol improves menstrual regularity and improves ovulation which can help to boost Fertility. It also enables you to avoid long bloating and discomfort during your period, which is a plus.

inositol for pcos the healthy woman

4. Promotes Weight Loss

Inositol is a natural supplement that helps women with PCOS lose weight, reducing their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. It helps lower the insulin level in your body and reduce blood sugar levels. 

Inositol help improves insulin resistance by letting your cells take up more glucose from your bloodstream. This will allow you to process sugar better, decreasing your blood sugar levels and making it easier to lose weight.

5. Reduces Androgen Levels

Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens, such as testosterone, which can lead to acne, hair growth (hirsutism), and other symptoms. Inositol helps to reduce insulin levels, and lower insulin levels will help to reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS, which can help to improve these symptoms.

6. Inositol Reduces Inflammation

PCOS is also linked with chronic Inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and other health problems. Inositol helps to reduce Inflammation in women with PCOS, which can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of other health complications such as Cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Inositol can help ensure your blood glucose is in the normal range. Your body needs to keep a steady glucose level to function correctly, and if you have PCOS, this may not happen as well as it should.

When your body doesn’t get enough insulin or other hormones to help control blood sugar levels, they might rise too high and stay there for extended periods (hyperglycemia).

Inositol also supports healthy liver function, which helps control blood sugar levels throughout our bodies—and without this support system running well, everything else can fall apart too.

8. Inositol Can Enhance Fertility

To get pregnant, your ovary must release an egg that travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (ovulation). Many women with PCOS do not often ovulate due to hormonal imbalances. 

Because of these ovulatory problems, many women with PCOS cannot get pregnant. Research has shown that inositol supplementation can help correct these hormonal imbalances and increase ovulatory activity. 

9. Inositol Reduces Bloating

10. Can Improve Mental Health

Depression and anxiety often show up with PCOS, and 40% of women with PCOS meet the standards for sadness, especially younger girls. Some studies suggest that inositol can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS due to its effects on brain chemicals such as serotonin.

Inositol has been studied as a treatment option for depression, mainly for persons who do not respond well to traditional antidepressant medications.

Inositol work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which is also the mechanism of action of many antidepressant medications.

11. Improves Ovarian Function

The bottom line is while it’s not a PCOS supplement, inositol is a safe and effective treatment option for women with PCOS. It is available in supplement form and can be taken alone or combined with other treatments, such as metformin or birth control pills. However, as with any supplement or medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before mixing inositol with other medicines to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your needs.

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