Myo-inositol vs. D-chiro inositol in PCOS treatment

Minerva Ginecol. 2015 Aug;67(4):321-5. Epub 2015 Feb 11.

Abstract

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women in fertile age. It is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance. Various therapeutic approaches have been attempted in PCOS, including diet and the use of pharmacological agents such as oral contraceptives (OCs) or anti-androgens. Recently, the introduction of inositol in the treatment plan has proved to be as reasonable as useful in countering the endocrine-metabolic disorders of this syndrome.

Methods: The aim of our study was to compare the clinical, endocrine and metabolic response after 6 months of therapy in 137 PCOS women characterized by oligomenorrhea and/or acne and/or mild hirsutism and insulin-resistance. The patients were treated with myo-inositol or with D-chiro-inositol or with placebo.

Results: Our study showed that both myo-inositol (MI-PG) and D-chiro inositol (DCI-PG) treatments are able to significantly improve the regularity of the menstrual cycle, the Acne Score, the endocrine and metabolic parameters and the insulin-resistence in young, overweight, PCOS patients.

Conclusion: Definitely, we assumed that both treatments with myo-inositol and with D-chiro inositol could be proposed as a potential valid therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with PCOS. Additionally, further examination and for a longer period of treatment are needed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Acne Vulgaris / etiology
  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Hirsutism / drug therapy
  • Hirsutism / etiology
  • Humans
  • Inositol / administration & dosage
  • Inositol / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Menstrual Cycle / drug effects*
  • Oligomenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Oligomenorrhea / etiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Inositol