PCOS and Inositol-5

I am in my 30's and was put on the pill after having a child to help with my PCOS......did not work...and made me feel sick all the time.

I had to stop taking it.

I just ordered inositol-5 and have been taking it for 10 days and I have finally started my menstrual cycle. It has been a 1.5yrs since I last had it. I hope that this is a hopeful sign.

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Editor's comments: Yes, it's a hopeful sign.

In our newsletters, we reported two recent studies showing that inositol improves hormone balance and helps to restore normal cycles in women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

We also reported another medical study showing that women with PCOS who were taking inositol had a dramatic drop in their testosterone levels; their testosterone levels were only about 1/3 of what they were before taking the inositol. Too much testosterone is associated with many PCOS symptoms, including infertility.

Very recently, we reported research of PCOS women who took supplemental inositol for six months to determine its effects on skin conditions such as hirsutism (excess hair) and acne. After 3 months of taking inositol, the women had reduced testosterone and improved insulin function. In addition, after 6 months on the inositol, they also had significant reductions of both hirsutism and acne.

Another study has suggested that inositol may be beneficial for improving egg quality in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome.

So when you look at all the evidence, it appears the inositol supplementation is a very good idea. Inositol also does not have any of the side effects that birth control pills have.

The amount of inositol a woman needs will vary with the individual. Some will need more inositol than others. Some may need a special form of inositol called d-pinitol.

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psych med induced PCOS
by: Nancy

My 27 year old daughter has PCOS/metabolic syndrome as the result of taking atypical anti-psychotics to help treat bipolar disorder.

She's been on Metformin for at least a year and initially, it seemed to be helping her with a more regular menstrual cycle, less ovarian pain, less acne, less hirsutism, etc.

But lately, it seems like the Metformin isn't doing anything. She had a very delayed period last month and has had an increase in acne, etc.

She can not use any form of hormonal birth control or hormone treatment because they cause depression, mood instability and worsening of her bipolar symptoms.

Her current gynecologist strongly suggested trying the Mirena IUD to help with the PCOS. But my daughter said "no way", having tried a regular IUD, which caused excessive bleeding and unbearable cramping.

And when she was on Yaz, she plummeted into a deep depression and had to take a leave of absence from her job. She is extremely sensitive to medication dosages and she knows/understands her body and her brain chemistry more than anyone else.

So Inositol-5 or d-pinitol sound like they could be possible treatment options. She does not want to have children because of the bipolar disorder and the meds she must take so fertility isn't an issue, except that she, of course, doesn't want to get pregnant!

Are there risks or side effects to these supplements, esp in view of the bipolar disorder and the meds she takes? Does anyone have any personal experience or a similar situation? I'm sure that her gynecologist and endocrinologist will dismiss/resist this more "natural" treatment.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, comments on this matter.

Thanks!
Nancy

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Editor's comments: The supplements listed in the PCOS online store on this site do not have side effects and in general do not conflict with medications. The only caveat is that it's possible that some of the supplements may eventually lead to a lower optimal dosage of pharmaceuticals.

Fish oil in particular is known to help relieve depression. According to a medical study I have on file, people with bipolar disorder tend to be lower in omega-3 fatty acids, which are a major component of fish oil.

If your daughter is overweight, vitamin D may be helpful for depression, according to another study I have on file. Make sure she gets a vitamin D test.

As you and your daughter are discovering, pharmaceuticals are not the final answer to a long-term solution to PCOS and depression, which is a very common symptom. Diet and exercise do influence depression. As difficult as it may be, a big improvement in the quality of her diet and being more physically active will unquestionably help her with all of her PCOS problems, include intensity of bipolar episodes. This site features a PCOS diet ebook that may be useful.

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