For women experiencing the effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — such as metabolic and hormonal imbalances — all eyes are on two particular ingredients, and for a good reason. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol aren’t new (they are actually very well-researched), but they are currently trending in the social media world.
Both supplements help support a properly functioning metabolism and help balance the body’s naturally occurring hormones, key areas of focus for women with PCOS. PCOS is rooted in hormone imbalance, and its symptoms include everything from fluctuating weight and menstrual cycle irregularity to skin problems and fertility issues.
Tim Skwiat, MEd, CSCS, Pn2, head of research and development at supplement brand Eu Natural, shared more insight into how both ingredients (a combination the brand pairs in its REGULATE CYCLE SUPPORT product) can help those living with PCOS.
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What is Myo-Inositol?
For starters, let’s break down Myo-Inositol, which is both naturally occurring in the body and in various foods, including fruits, beans, and nuts. This vitamin-like compound helps promote hormonal balance by supporting how your body uses insulin.
“Myo-Inositol…is the most abundant inositol found in humans, where it is found in almost every tissue in the body, including the ovaries in women and testes in men,” explains Skwiat. “Supplementation with 2- 4g/day of Myo-Inositol offers nutritional support for women experiencing the effects of hormonal imbalances.”
According to Skwiat, adding Myo-Inositol to your wellness routine can help support healthy ovulation, promote menstrual cycle regularity and hormonal balance, maintain blood sugar levels, and support insulin sensitivity, amongst other things. As a result, Myo-Inositol offers clear nutritional support for women experiencing the effects of hormone imbalance and PCOS.
When a supplement combines Myo-Inositol with D-chiro inositol — especially when they pair them in their naturally occurring 40:1 ratio — this dynamic duo becomes a nutritional powerhouse for metabolic and hormonal balance.
What is D-Chiro-Inositol?
“D-Chiro Inositol is the second most abundant inositol in the human body, where it is commonly found in the very same places as Myo-Inositol,” explains Skwiat.
D-Chiro-Inositol helps support what Myo-Inositol already does really well. Like Myo-Inositol, D-Chiro-Inositol also plays an important role in helping insulin work properly and maintaining healthy blood sugar. Skwiat underscores that because this is D-Chiro-Inositol’s main focus, it tangentially helps support metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian health.
In addition, when paired together, Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol’s hormone-focused roles can help aid in regulating your menstrual cycle, a top concern for women with PCOS, which is typically accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles as one of its side effects.
How quickly can Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol help?
While everyone’s journey is different, Skwiat explains that consistently taking Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol is key to seeing their impact on a person’s daily life.
“When it comes to supplements intended to support fertility, metabolic health, and hormonal balance, it is generally recommended that you take them for at least 3 months before you expect to see significant changes in hormone balance, fertility, and the like,” explains Skwiat. “Having said that, you could see an improvement in energy levels, mood, and even sleep soon after starting”
Together, the paired dynamic duo helps support your body’s natural hormonal balance and metabolic health. For many women, especially those experiencing the effects of PCOS, this could be a difference maker.
Before adding supplements to your wellness routine, starting an exercise program, or changing your diet, remember to check in with your healthcare provider.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. There is no guarantee of specific results, and the results can vary. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.
Vivian Nunez is a writer, content creator, and host of Happy To Be Here podcast. Her award-winning Instagram community has created pathways for speaking on traditionally taboo topics, like mental health and grief. You can find Vivian @vivnunez on Instagram/TikTok and her writing on both Medium and her blog, vivnunez.com.