Myo-Inositol: A Natural Solution for Female Fertility

Becoming pregnant is a critical milestone in a woman’s life, and it is also one of the most challenging. However, the right treatment strategy can help prevent or manage most of the complications that may arise from conception to delivery. Inositols, which are essential in enhancing female fertility and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, can play a significant role in this regard. Among them, Myo-inositol (Myo-ins) stands out as a safe substance that has shown promise in treating problems with conception and pregnancy.

What is Myo-Inositol?

Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring sugar that was previously classified as a vitamin belonging to the vitamin B family. However, it no longer carries this label and is being used more frequently in infertility treatments. Myo-ins engage in several signaling mechanisms, such as the pathways for insulin and gonadotropins, and are expected to have a favorable impact on fertility.

The Function of Myo-Inositol

Myo-inositol has been shown to decrease androgen levels (male hormone levels), which can be a big help for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who are hyperandrogenic. It restores ovulation in a significant portion of anovulatory PCOS patients. Myo-inositol supplementation may worsen hyperandrogenism in many infertile women, including those with premature ovarian aging (POA, also known as occult primary ovarian insufficiency or oPOI) and hypo-androgenic PCOS (H-PCOS). Both of these cause women to have abnormally low androgen levels.

Myo-Inositol and PCOS

Insulin resistance is prevalent in PCOS patients, which is why Myo-inositol is given as a supplement to them. It is an insulin-sensitizing substance that controls various cellular processes, including insulin utilization. Clinical research suggests that D-chiro-inositol and Myo-inositol may also:

•  Lower serum androgen levels (male hormones)
• Trim down triglycerides
• Increasing HDL levels (the good cholesterol)
• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction
• Myo-Inositol and Metformin

Combining Metformin with thiazolidinediones and Myo-inositol mixed with D-chiro-inositol appears to be superior to Metformin alone in reducing insulin resistance and lowering total testosterone levels in women with PCOS. In particular, the combination of D-chiro-inositol and Myo-inositol promotes menstruation recovery.

Myo-Inositol and Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can lead to difficulties with pregnancy and delivery, as well as diabetes later in life. Myo-inositol, found in corn, cereals, meat, and green vegetables, can affect the body's sensitivity to insulin. Myo-inositol supplementation has been linked to a decrease in the incidence and rate of gestational diabetes. It raises BMI, affects insulin sensitivity, and lowers insulin resistance after pregnancy. It has positive results in lowering the rate of GDM in pregnant women.

Myo-inositol and IVF

For those women who are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, inositol has been shown to have advantages.

A group of 60 women discovered to have low ovarian responsiveness were the subject of a study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Thirty of these ladies were given a Myo-inositol and folic acid supplement. The other thirty were given a folic acid-only supplement. The next step was - controlled ovarian stimulation.

Impressive results were obtained! Myo-inositol-containing supplements improved the ovarian sensitivity index, increased fertilization rates, and reduced gonadotropin dosage requirements. The likelihood of the eggs developing into embryos was therefore higher, and less medication was required.

It’s safe to conclude that Myo-inositol improves the quality of oocytes and embryos and the pregnancy rate. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, coupled with each other, boost the success of IVF. Combining the two as part of therapy may be preferable because both substances are crucial to the reproductive system.

Any side effects of Myo-inositol?

Most adults can safely use inositol. In most cases, a side effect is limited to minor nausea, stomach discomfort, weariness, headaches, or dizziness.

Before taking Myo-inositol, discuss with your doctor whether you are breastfeeding or intend to do so. Because inositol is naturally abundant in breast milk, a controlled dose shouldn't endanger your breastfed child.

No recognized drugs or dietary supplements interact negatively with inositol regarding health. However, phytic acid, a naturally occurring type of inositol, can obstruct your body's normal absorption of minerals, including iron, calcium, and zinc. Many different plants, seeds, nuts, and beans contain phytic acid.

Consider consulting a doctor before beginning an inositol supplement. Ask if you need to take it with another supplement to ensure you receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Who shouldn’t use Myo-Inositol?

Females with low androgen levels should not use Myo-inositol. This is a crucial conclusion. Myo-inositol supplementation is contraindicated for many infertile women. Only targeting people with traditional PCOS and abnormally high androgen levels would result in a significantly smaller potential target market.

High testosterone levels, or hyperandrogenism, are virtually solely a concern for people with traditional PCOS. Myo-inositol will reduce androgens from normal to abnormally low levels in all other infertile patients. It will further reduce testosterone levels in women with premature ovarian aging (POA), also known as occult primary ovarian insufficiency (oPOI), and women with hypo-androgenic PCOS-like phenotypes (H-PCOS), and are already diagnosed as hypo-androgenic. The prescription of Myo-inositol in such patients will have the opposite effects on the ovaries as expected because ovaries require excellent testosterone levels to produce good egg numbers and quality.

In conclusion, Myo-inositol has shown promising results in improving female fertility, treating problems with conception, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is a safe substance that engages in many signaling mechanisms, such as the pathways for insulin and gonadotropins, making it effective in treating infertility, particularly in women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Myo-inositol has also been found to have positive effects on gestational diabetes and IVF. Although most adults can safely use Myo-inositol, it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements. With its potential benefits, Myo-inositol is definitely worth considering for women trying to conceive or struggling with fertility issues.