PCOS + Inositol: A Love Story
Did you know PCOS is reversible? It's a syndrome, not a disease, meaning we can correct the underlying cause and restore normal hormone function.
Understanding your symptoms
People with PCOS will have a collection of symptoms that reflect reproductive hormone irregularity
Anovulation and infertility- no ovulation or irregular ovulation resulting in irregular (longer) cycles or a complete absence of menstruation. Trying to conceive can be very difficult when cycles are unpredictable
Hirstuism- a hair growth pattern typical to males with hair on the chest and chin. Arm hair may also be thicker. This is due to higher testosterone
Hair thinning and hairloss- Androgenic hairloss, AKA male pattern baldness presents with thinning hair at the top of the head and hairline
Weight gain- PCOS patients may have a difficult time losing weight, although around 10% of these patients see no change in weight and may remain quite slender. Due to higher testosterone, the body type tends to be athletic and easily gain muscle. People with PCOS tend to accumulate more white fat than brown fat, which is less useful for cellular energy and more difficult to burn off
Acne- elevated testosterone will increase sebum production contributing to oilier skin and acne
Insulin resistance- overtime PCOS patients develop insulin resistance and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Inositol
Inositol reduces insulin resistance by re-sensitizing the cells to respond to insulin and pick up glucose out of blood circulation. It also pushes testosterone and AMH secretion into a normal range thereby restoring ovulation, improving egg quality, and increasing fertility and pregnancy rates.
Inositols are sugar alcohols found in plants and they play an essential role in hormone function. Specifically, they are essential to balancing reproductive hormones and insulin levels (ie, blood sugar). The beneficial types of inositols for PCOS are myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio.
As a supplement, inositols are so safe and exactly as effective as its closest pharmaceutical counterpart, metformin. The recommended dose is 4g/day (split into two doses of 2g each), but studies have shown that no side effects were found in doses as high as 18g day. GRAMS! Not milligrams! Expect to see improvements in hormonal health and related symptoms in three-nine months of starting inositol and other PCOS supplements.
Here is a complete list of recommended supplements for PCOS:
Inositol is the number one supplement essential to any PCOS protocol
Vitamin D improves fertility by benefiting ovarian reserves and AMH levels even in those without vitamin D deficiency
Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce testosterone and hirstruism, and improve insulin sentivity and menstrual irregularity
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and detoxing agent that lowers insulin and androgens and improves menstrual regularity. Take 600mg three times per day
Amla, saw palmetto, and reishi are herbs that inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and improve hairloss
White peony root and vitex (chasteberry) benefits ovulation and pregnancy in PCOS by reducing testosterone, increasing progesterone and regulating estrogen and prolactin
Melatonin has been shown to improve egg quality. Do not exceed 3mg/day if trying to conceive
If you’d like to receive 10% off on any of these supplements, register an account with my online dispensary and we’ll get you hooked up for life. This discount will apply to all your supplement shopping needs and doesn’t expire!
Note, this information is not intended to diagnosis or treat you. For personalized healthcare please book an appointment or consult with your primary care physician.