Hormonal imbalance brings about many different health issues in the female body, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of them. This syndrome may also lead to more severe health problems, including infertility and diabetes. Inositols, vitamin-like substances, have shown promising results in PCOS treatment. There are nine types of Inositols, but only two types benefit people with polycystic ovary syndrome: Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro inositol (DCI) . Myo-inositol is also referred to as vitamin B8 in Australia. This article explains how inositols benefit people suffering from PCOS, get better quality egg production, and give more control over blood sugar levels.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by several key features:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Hormonal imbalances can cause periods to be unpredictable, infrequent, or prolonged.
• Elevated androgen levels: Excess male hormones can cause acne, unwanted hair growth, and skin changes.
• Polycystic ovaries: Ovaries often contain multiple small, fluid-filled sacs that interfere with ovulation.
• Weight gain: Hormonal and metabolic issues can cause unintended weight gain.
• Fertility challenges: Disrupted ovulation can make conceiving naturally more difficult.
• Increased health risks: Women with PCOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease over time.

• Acne
• Weight gain
• Fertility issues

PCOS is often associated with an increased risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Benefits of Inositol (B8) Supplements for PCOS Treatment

There are many benefits of Inositol (B8) supplements for women with PCOS that aid in ovulation and fertility health , such as:

• Improvement of insulin levels.
• It helps ease intense cravings.
• Myo-inositol is vital in improving egg quality.
• Aids in reducing cholesterol levels.
• Can lower the risk of pregnant women developing Gestational Mellitus .
• It helps to ease inflammation.

Inositol Improves Insulin Resistance

PCOS can reduce cellular responsiveness to insulin, limiting glucose uptake in tissues. When insulin binds to its receptor, it activates insulin receptor substrates and triggers the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Inositols such as myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol form part of the phospholipids that act as secondary messengers in this cascade. These molecules activate protein kinases and phosphatases that regulate enzymes like glycogen synthase and assist in moving GLUT4 transporters to the cell membrane, thereby boosting glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells.

Many women with PCOS experience a lower conversion rate of myo-inositol to D-chiro inositol, which disrupts normal insulin signalling. Supplementing with a balanced MI to DCI ratio helps restore this pathway, improving insulin sensitivity and stabilising blood sugar levels. Research from Australian institutions supports the idea that optimised inositol intake can alleviate some of the metabolic challenges associated with PCOS.

Though the body voluntarily makes insulin, for people with PCOS, the body is sometimes more insulin resistant. Inositols are similar to a type of sugar our bodies make that helps balance our blood sugar levels , mood and fertility. They also help to increase your metabolism. Due to the body’s failure to use insulin effectively, PCOS increases the risk of infertility, obesity, diabetes , and high cholesterol. However, inositols produce molecules that trigger the body’s response to insulin.

You Can Get Inositols From Food and Supplements

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they support detoxification and maintain hormonal balance.
• Grapefruit – Bioflavonoids enhance inositol’s effects, promoting metabolism and hormonal balance.
• Cantaloupe (rockmelon) – Natural sugars and fibre stabilize blood glucose, supporting hormone balance.
• Whole-grain cereals (e.g., oats) – Rich in inositol and fibre, supporting insulin sensitivity and hormonal health.
• Whole wheat products – PThey provideessential nutrients and inositol to maintain hormone balance.
• Brown rice – Provides slow-release carbohydrates and minerals for steady energy and hormonal regulation.
• Mushrooms – Inositol derivatives and nutrients support hormone function.
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds) – They offer healthy fats and inositol, aiding insulin and hormone regulation.
• Legumes (lima beans, navy beans, chickpeas) – High in protein, fibre, and inositol, balancing glucose levels and hormones.

Inositol and Hormonal Regulation

Inositol also aids in balancing reproductive hormones in women with PCOS. Elevated androgen levels often cause acne, excess hair growth, and irregular menstrual cycles. Research indicates that inositol supports ovarian function by modulating hormone production, contributing to a reduction in excess androgens and improvements in these common symptoms.

Inositol may help restore regular cycles and alleviate skin and hair issues by encouraging a steadier hormonal profile. Australian clinical observations support its use as a complementary option for managing hyperandrogenism. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for your individual needs.

Conversion Process of Myo-inositol to D-chiro Inositol

In a healthy system, myo-inositol converts into D-chiro inositol—a crucial step for insulin signalling and egg maturation. In PCOS, reduced activity of the enzyme responsible for this conversion causes an imbalance that affects both metabolic control and reproductive health. The process works as follows:

1. Myo-inositol is the main form in cells, supporting various metabolic and signalling functions.
2. An enzyme called epimerase transforms some myo-inositol into D-chiro inositol.
3. In PCOS, lower epimerase activity leads to a buildup of myo-inositol and a deficiency of D-chiro inositol.
4. This imbalance disrupts insulin signalling, reducing the cell’s ability to absorb glucose effectively, which is vital for metabolic balance.
5. In ovarian tissues, the lack of D-chiro inositol can delay egg maturation, resulting in lower egg quality and affecting fertility.

Balancing this conversion with supplementation—typically in a 40:1 ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro inositol—has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and support reproductive health.

Myo-inositol is Used to Treat Gestational Diabetes

Recent clinical studies from 2021 to 2023 have reinforced the role of Myo-inositol in managing gestational diabetes among women with PCOS. Updated research shows that when Myo-inositol is taken in the recommended 40:1 ratio with D-chiro inositol, patients experience marked improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic regulation during pregnancy. Meta-analyses indicate that supplementation not only stabilizes fasting blood glucose levels but also helps reduce inflammatory markers, contributing to overall metabolic health. Additionally, these studies have observed enhanced ovulatory function and a lower incidence of gestational diabetes, underscoring the value of inositol supplementation as a safe and effective complement to traditional care in PCOS management.

Australian Guidelines and Recommendations

In Australia, many leading health professionals regard inositol supplementation as a supportive component in comprehensive PCOS management. While formal national guidelines specifically addressing inositol use remain under development, local experts and reputable organizations emphasize tailoring treatment to each individual’s hormonal and metabolic profile.

• Specialists encourage integrating inositol supplements with lifestyle modifications and conventional therapies, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and closely monitored.
• Australian healthcare providers advise selecting products manufactured under strict quality standards and recommend regular follow-up to assess treatment progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Ongoing research conducted within Australia is contributing to evolving clinical practices. It aims to refine dosing strategies and establish clearer usage protocols for optimal patient outcomes.

These recommendations underscore the importance of evidence-based, patient-centred care where inositol is used as a complementary option in managing PCOS under medical supervision.

Conclusion

Managing PCOS begins with understanding how hormonal balance and metabolic health affect your wellbeing. Inositol supplements, supported by research, combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can improve reproductive and metabolic outcomes.

Here are some steps to take:

• Work with your healthcare provider to develop an inositol plan tailored to your needs.
• Adopt a whole-food nutrition plan, reducing processed foods and refined sugars.
• Include regular physical activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming to support health and insulin sensitivity.

By taking informed, proactive steps, you can create a personalized PCOS management plan that maintains long-term hormonal balance and improves your wellbeing.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.