Study: myo-inositol with folic acid for PCOS
A 2009 study indicates that myo-inositol plus folic acid supplementation can reduce or even eliminate hirsutism caused by PCOS.
The study participants
- Fifty women around 25 years of age
- BMI less than 30kg/m2
- No hormonal medications in the past six months
- All had hirsutism
- Seventy-six per cent had acne
Results of the study
- The study participants saw a significant reduction in hirsutism and acne
- Thirty per cent saw complete resolution of their hirsutism
- Fifty-three per cent of those with acne saw a complete disappearance in acne
- Of those with acne, the number with severe acne went from 32 per cent to 13 per cent
- There was a significant reduction in luteinising hormone, testosterone and insulin
- Participants saw a significant improvement in insulin resistance
The authors concluded that ‘myo-inositol (MYO) treatment improves insulin sensitivity, decreasing circulating androgen levels. As a consequence, MYO supplementation benefits cutaneous disorders of hyperandrogenism, reducing hirsutism score and acne.’ _________ This 2012 study showed that myo-inositol plus folic acid may be effective in PCOS.
Study participants
- 111 women around 25 years of age
- BMI greater than 30kg/m2
- All had PCOS
Results of the study
- Study participants saw significantly improved menstrual cycle regularity
- Significantly improved acne
- Significantly decreased androgens (testosterone, DHEA and DHEA-S)
- Insulin and insulin resistance significantly reduced
- Cholesterol and triglycerides significantly reduced
How much to take
2g of myo-inositol with 200mcg of folic acid, twice daily for six months.
How to take it
For best absorption take half an hour before food and two hours away from caffeine.
Bottom line
This doesn’t work for everyone but you will know if it works for you after 3-6 months. Â
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Josephine Cabrall is qualified naturopath specialising in PCOS and hormonal and fertility issues, based out of Melbourne, Australia. Josephine is a fully insured member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS).