How long does myo-inositol take to work?

So, you’ve read all about the benefits of myo-inositol for PCOS and you’re ready to start taking Inofolic Alpha. But it’s only natural to feel impatient about when you’ll see a difference, especially if you’re struggling day to day. So how long does myo-inositol take to work?

What is myo-inositol?

My-inositol is a carbocyclic sugar found in your brain and other tissues. It has an effect on the insulin response in our cells. It’s also part of many different biochemical pathways within egg cells, such as follicular development and oocyte maturation. In fact, my-inositol is a part of various processes, including:

✔ Fertility and reproduction

✔ Peripheral nerves — development and functioning

✔ Bone formation

✔ Carbohydrate metabolism (the constant supply of energy to your cells)

What is the role of myo-inositol supplements for PCOS?

When you have PCOS your cells can become less responsive to insulin, so that you can’t absorb glucose properly. This causes you to have increased blood sugar levels. Myo-Inositol counteracts this as it increases your sensitivity to insulin. 

Multiple studies have found that it’s highly possible that you have an imbalance of inositol in your body if you have PCOS. If this is the case, inositol supplements can come to your rescue as inositol acts as a mediator of insulin action. If you have PCOS, there’s a link between a deficiency of inositol in your body and insulin resistance. This could ultimately lead to other metabolic disorders.

Insulin resistance caused by lack of myo-inositol can also cause symptoms such as:

• Hunger
• Thirst
• Weight gain
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Fatigue
• Pins and needles in your hands and feet
• Food cravings (especially sweet and salty!)

What else can myo-inositol be used for?

Myo-inositol also lowers levels of androgens (including testosterone), which reduces PCOS symptoms such as acne and excessive body hair. Plus, it decreases fat cell biomarkers in your blood, leading to a reduced likelihood of metabolic syndrome (excess body weight, high blood pressure etc.) and in turn this decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. And that’s not all: irregular periods are a common symptom of PCOS and myo-inositol can help regulate your menstrual cycle, increase your ovulation frequency and improve egg and embryo quality. All good news!

How long does myo-inositol take to work?

Myo-inositol can be absorbed by your body quickly as it’s water-soluble with high bioavailability (the extent and rate at which myo-inositol enters your systemic circulation). It starts taking action straight away, but it takes longer to see noticeable results.

Some people with PCOS have been found to be myo-inositol resistant as a result of poor absorption in the intestines. Inofolic Alpha is a myo-inositol supplement with a difference: it also contains alpha-lactalbumin to help your body to absorb it.

How long do you need to take myo-inositol to start experiencing its benefits?

It usually takes around three months of taking a myo-inositol supplement to see the results. That’s why we recommend taking Inofolic Alpha (or Inofolic Alpha Plus for women with a higher BMI) for at least three months. However, for some women it can take 6 to 12 months before they experience any change. And if you notice a positive difference in your PCOS symptoms, you’ll be happy to know that it can be taken indefinitely!

How to take myo-inositol

Inositol can be found in foods such as nuts, grains, beans and fruit. But when you’re using myo-inositol as a treatment, then you need to take it as a supplement to ensure that you’re getting enough to be beneficial. Myo-inositol supplements can either come in a capsule or a powder form. You dissolve the powder in water and you usually have two sachets of powder a day.

It’s recommended that Inofolic Alpha is taken with a small glass of either still or sparkling water. Avoid taking it with sweetened drinks as this can prevent absorption and lessen effectiveness. It’s also best to take it on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before food.

The difference between Inofolic Alpha and other myo-inositol products is that 

Inofolic Alpha contains alpha-lactalbumin as well as myo-inositol and folic acid. Alpha-lactalbumin improves the absorption of myo-inositol in the intestines as women with PCOS often absorb it less efficiently.

We understand that when you’re at the end of your tether with PCOS symptoms you’ll be impatient to see results. Hang on in there! Myo-inositol is proven to be an effective and safe treatment for PCOS. To inspire you, read some of our uplifting success stories and remember that you aren’t alone. 

References:

Fruzzetti F, Perini D, et al. Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and myo-inositol, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017 Jan; 33 (1): 39-42

Greff, D et al. Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology volume 21, Article number: 10 (2023)

Merviel, P et al. Impact of myo-inositol treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in assisted reproductive technologies. Reproductive Health volume 18, Article number: 13 (2021)