If you’re looking for natural, non-invasive ways to balance your hormones or ease the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), you’ve probably heard of inositol. This humble B vitamin has been shown to have a powerful and promising positive impact on hormone balance, especially for conditions such as PCOS. But what exactly is inositol, how safe is it and how does it help with hormone balance and PCOS?
What is inositol?
Inositol is a compound which is found within the vitamin B complex. It plays a crucial role in various cellular functions within the body and has a diverse and important role to play in cellular signalling, neurotransmitter regulation, and insulin sensitivity.
Inositol can be naturally found in foods such as citrus fruits, grains, legumes and nuts, but to experience the full benefits supplementation is often recommended. There are several forms of inositol – but myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most commonly studied and used, and most supplements on the market at the moment include one of these forms.
You can discover more about inositol and its wider benefits on the blog here.
How can inositol support hormone balance and PCOS symptoms?
Early research has shown that inositol supplements can help to address specific health concerns and conditions relating to hormonal imbalance and PCOS – such as improving insulin sensitivity, regulating menstrual cycles and supporting emotional wellbeing. Inositol is a versatile and powerful supplement, and because it supports hormone health in a number of ways it can have an incredibly positive effect on PCOS symptoms and quality of life.
1/ Cellular Signaling
Inositol serves as a precursor for inositol phosphates, which are involved in intracellular signaling processes. These processes are essential for various cellular functions, including the response to hormones and neurotransmitters. This can actively influence hormone balance and support healthier outcomes for PCOS sufferers, as a number of studies have identified a link between dysregulated cellular activity and the severity of PCOS symptoms.
2/ Insulin Sensitivity
Inositol in the form of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol has been studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity – which is a major influence in conditions like (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes. Through actively reducing insulin sensitivity, a healthier hormone balance can be restored and symptoms such as weight gain, acne and excess hair on the face and body can be reduced. This can also aid with weight loss, which can be more challenging for people living with PCOS.
3/ Fertility
Irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding and intense pain are all common issues women with PCOS face and can be amongst some of the most frequent and distressing symptoms of the condition. Myo-inositol continues to be studied extensively for its effect on female hormonal health – and initial research shows that supplementation may help to regulate menstrual cycles and improve the quality of eggs – two key concerns for women with PCOS.
How to use inositol for hormone imbalance
Although it is showing promising results in preliminary studies and within anecdotal evidence as an alternative treatment for hormone-related conditions, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand inositol’s effectiveness. As always, if you are considering using inositol as a supplement to help with hormone balance or a specific medical condition, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional first such as a doctor or registered dietitian, who can provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and monitor your progress.
Harness the benefits of inositol with Hormone Helper
Our breakthrough Hormone Helper blend supports hormone balance in a number of ways, incorporating powerful natural ingredients such as maca, choline, saw palmetto and inositol to gently and non-invasively detoxify excess hormones and support symptoms of hormone imbalance. We incorporate the wisdom of the East with contemporary scientific insights and cutting-edge medical research to create our revolutionary holistic supplement blends, designed to make a noticeable difference to your health and wellbeing from the inside out.