From the Guidelines
Myo-D-chiro-inositol supplementation is recommended for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate hormone levels, with a typical dosage of 1-4 grams of myo-inositol combined with 50-100 mg of D-chiro-inositol daily. This supplement has been proposed to play a role in the management of cardiometabolic and reproductive deregulation in PCOS 1. The combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol may help reduce PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, and fertility issues, as well as improve metabolic aspects of PCOS like weight management and blood sugar control.
Some key points to consider when using myo-D-chiro-inositol supplementation include:
- Typical dosage: 1-4 grams of myo-inositol combined with 50-100 mg of D-chiro-inositol daily, often divided into two doses
- Mechanism of action: improving insulin sensitivity and regulating hormone levels
- Potential benefits: reducing PCOS symptoms, improving metabolic aspects of PCOS, and enhancing fertility
- Side effects: generally mild, including nausea or digestive discomfort in some cases
- Interactions: may enhance insulin action and potentially cause low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those taking medications for diabetes 1.
It is essential to note that while myo-D-chiro-inositol supplementation may be beneficial for PCOS patients, the current evidence has some limitations, including the lack of data on dietary inositol consumption or supplementation between women with and without PCOS 1. However, the available evidence suggests that myo-D-chiro-inositol supplementation may be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments for PCOS, and its potential benefits on insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation make it a promising therapeutic option.
From the Research
Patient Information on Myo-D-Chiro-Inositol
- Myo-D-Chiro-Inositol is a combination of myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women 2, 3.
- The optimal ratio of MI to DCI is 40:1, which has been shown to improve endocrine and metabolic parameters in PCOS patients 2, 3.
- The combined therapy of MI and DCI has been found to reduce the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to MI supplementation alone 3.
- Myo-inositol alone has also been shown to improve insulin resistance and ovarian activity in PCOS patients, with a significant number of patients ovulating and becoming pregnant after treatment 4.
- D-chiro-inositol has been found to improve oocyte quality in women with PCOS undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), particularly when used in high doses 5.
- The physiological activities of MI and DCI dictate the dosages and timing of inositol supplementation in the treatment of PCOS, with MI enhancing the effect of metformin and clomiphene on fertility 6.
Benefits of Myo-D-Chiro-Inositol
- Improves endocrine and metabolic parameters in PCOS patients 2, 3
- Reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients 3
- Improves insulin resistance and ovarian activity in PCOS patients 4
- Enhances oocyte quality in women with PCOS undergoing ICSI 5
- Increases fertility in PCOS women seeking pregnancy 4, 6
Dosage and Administration
- The optimal ratio of MI to DCI is 40:1 2, 3
- High doses of DCI (300mg daily) have been found to improve oocyte quality in women with PCOS undergoing ICSI 5
- MI and DCI can be used in combination with other treatments, such as metformin and clomiphene, to enhance fertility in PCOS women seeking pregnancy 4, 6