Everyone wants a quick fix these days. Most of the time, a quick fix is the "lazy way." But for women with PCOS who seem to exercise like crazy, eat as healthy as possible, and partake in all things calming...it's about time someone figured out the "quick fix."
Along with some herbal support, a plant sugar called inositol is by far my all-time favorite supplement for women with PCOS who are struggling with weight gain, rising blood sugars, infertility, and anxiety. Let's look at how to help PCOS the natural way.
What is inositol?
A simple plant sugar commonly found in nature (specifically fruit, beans, corn, and nuts) that is directly involved in blood sugar regulating. Some researchers classify it as a B vitamin, but that's still up in the air.
Why do I love it?
Studies studies studies! It's always refreshing to have objective findings in this world of natural medicine. After only 3 months of supplementing with inositol, 15.1% of 3602 women diagnosed with PCOS conceived. That's AMAZING considering many women with PCOS struggle to ovulate, let alone retain an embryo. That's likely because inositol has shown to increase progesterone and decrease testosterone which is CRUCIAL to building a beautiful endometrial lining for an embryo to implant and grow.
Another solid study revealed 70% of patients taking inositol developed a regular menstrual cycle after 16 weeks of treatment compared to only 13% in the placebo group. The same timeframe of treatment also revealed lowered blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin. HELLOOOOO simplicity.
All to say, IF you have PCOS and haven't tried inositol...1010% I would encourage you to give it a shot. Many studies combine inositol with folic acid so, to help you along, here is a brand that I trust with a perfect mix of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol PLUS folic acid: Optify
At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!
Until next week,
Dr. Chelsea Leander ND, RH (AHG)
References
An assessment of lifestyle modification versus medical treatment with clomiphene citrate, metformin, and clomiphene citrate-metformin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Karimzadeh MA, Javedani M. Fertil Steril. 2010 Jun; 94(1):216-20.
Clements R. S., Jr., Darnell B. Myo-inositol content of common foods: development of a high-myo-inositol diet. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1980;33(9):1954–1967.
Randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial: effects of myo-inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Gerli S, Papaleo E, Ferrari A, Di Renzo GC. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2007 Sep-Oct; 11(5):347-54.
Regidor PA, Schindler AE. Myoinositol as a Safe and Alternative Approach in the Treatment of Infertile PCOS Women: A German Observational Study. Int J Endocrinol. 2016;2016:9537632. doi:10.1155/2016/9537632
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.