Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem caused by hormone imbalance effecting 10% to 20% of reproductive age women. Many are struggling with symptoms including unwanted hair, infertility, obesity, scalp hair loss in women, mood swings, irregular periods, diabetes, insulin resistance, and acne.
Multiple treatments exist today with the gold standard of treatment being oral birth control to decrease androgens, such as testosterone, thereby decreasing insulin resistance. Women often do not tolerate birth control for multiple reasons, including mood changes and number one being the desire for pregnancy.
Medical Conundrum: How do you treat a disease and achieve fertility when the most common treatment is birth control?
In the past, Metformin (an insulin sensitizer) has been used “off label” to increase fertility and achieve weight loss. Metformin side effects include upset stomach in some women.
What happens if you do not tolerate Metformin or birth control, but desire to become pregnant or lose weight?
Research has shown Myo-Inositol and D-chiro inositol combination supplements increase fertility, decrease excess androgens, and aid in weight loss. This natural supplement is available from multiple manufacturers in varying dosages and concentrations making it difficult to know how much to take (5). Incorrect ratios of Myo-inositol to D-chiro Inositol can cause worsening of symptoms or harm (6).
How does Inositol compare alone or in combination with Metformin?
Research studies have shown that the combination of metformin with Inositol supplementation improved rate of pregnancy, reduced acne and signs of androgen excess, waist circumference, and regulated cycles within 3-6 months (2, 1 , 4). Other studies have shown there is no significant difference between Metformin and Inositol use alone (3).
Schedule a PCOS Sisters Telehealth appointment to determine what treatment is right for you here. We are a PCOS specialized telehealth care clinic providing primary care and PCOS treatment for women throughout Florida, Georgia, Texas, & New York. PCOS Sisters Treatment Program is derived from peer reviewed research and evidence based practice methods delivered by Nurse Practitioners.
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