Taking inositol for fertility may help PCOS patients achieve pregnancy

When you’re struggling to conceive, it’s natural to look for ways to improve your fertility. For those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), inositol for fertility may do just that. Our Las Vegas infertility doctors routinely treat patients facing the challenging symptoms and infertility that often come with this hormonal condition. In some cases, we may recommend taking inositol supplements to improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn can help with infertility.

How does inositol for fertility work?

Inositol is a type of sugar that both your body and certain foods produce. However, those who have polycystic ovary syndrome have trouble converting inositol from food into something the body can use.

Additionally, patients with PCOS tend to have insulin resistance, which means the body doesn’t properly respond to insulin. Over time, this resistance can lead to diabetes. It can also cause fertility issues, for several reasons.

• High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone.
• Too much testosterone can result in an imbalance of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.
• This imbalance can have a negative effect on ovulation (the release of an egg).

The good news is that taking inositol for fertility can improve both insulin sensitivity and ovulation in many PCOS patients. Specifically, myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) have the biggest effect on fertility. Taking these forms of inositol as supplements can give the body inositol that it can use, without having to convert it.

Who should take this type of supplement for PCOS and fertility?

Our Las Vegas infertility doctors always encourage patients to speak with them before adding any supplements. This includes inositol for fertility. If you and your doctor decide that an inositol supplement is a good idea for you, it’s important to get the right one.

The supplement you choose should include myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, specifically in a 40:1 ratio. Studies have shown that this combination can improve both ovulation and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients.

We realize that it can be overwhelming to navigate infertility and find the right treatment, but you aren’t alone. The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is here to offer guidance and support on your path to parenthood. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about inositol for fertility.