Should You Be Taking an Inositol Supplement?
Inositol has been gaining buzz in the health and wellness world, especially in conversations around hormone balance, fertility, and metabolic health. But is it right for you? Let’s break down what inositol is, what the science says, and how to know if it’s worth adding to your supplement routine.
What Is Inositol?
Inositol is a vitamin-like compound that is naturally made in the body and plays a role in several cellular processes in the body. It comes in multiple forms as a supplement, but the two that get the most attention are:
Myo-inositol (MI)
D-chiro-inositol (DCI)
While MI alone can be pretty effective, the two often work best together in a specific ratio, usually 40:1 MI to DCI, to support insulin sensitivity, hormone signaling, and ovarian function.
Who Might Benefit from Inositol?
You might consider an inositol supplement if:
✅ You have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Inositol is one of the most well-studied supplements for PCOS. Research shows it can help:
Improve insulin sensitivity
Lower testosterone levels
Support regular ovulation
Improve egg quality and fertility outcomes
Many people with PCOS have underlying insulin resistance, and inositol helps address that without the side effects of medications like metformin.
✅ You're trying to conceive and want to support egg quality
Even in people without PCOS, inositol has shown promise in supporting egg quality, especially in those over 35 or those undergoing IVF.
✅ You're dealing with blood sugar imbalance or insulin resistance
Inositol can help regulate blood sugar and improve how the body responds to insulin—helpful for people dealing with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, or unexplained fatigue and sugar cravings.
Who Might Not Need It?
Inositol is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may not be necessary if:
Your cycles are regular and predictable
You don’t have signs of insulin resistance
Your hormone levels and lab work are stable and in range
You’re already taking another supplement or medication that addresses the same pathways
In other words, more is not always better. Inositol is helpful when there’s a reason for it, not just as a wellness catch-all.
How to Take It
If you and your provider decide it makes sense, you can find inositol as a powder or capsule. The most researched dose is:
2,000 mg myo-inositol + 50 mg D-chiro-inositol, taken twice per day (for a total of 4,000 mg MI + 100 mg DCI daily)
Some brands offer the 40:1 ratio in a single scoop or packet, which can be more convenient.
Another thing to know about inositol is that 38% of women are inositol resistant, meaning they don’t absorb inositol well. This means you won’t get the most out of your inositol supplement. One of my favorite brands, FullWell, just came out with a new inositol product that contains an ingredient called alpha-lactalbumin, which significantly increases the absorption of inositol. This is a GREAT option if you feel that you haven’t seen results you were expecting with inositol in the past. For a full breakdown of why I love this product, check out my YouTube video here.
Bottom Line: Should You Be Taking It?
Inositol isn’t a magic fix—but it can be a powerful support for the right person. If you’re dealing with PCOS, irregular cycles, trying to conceive, or struggling with blood sugar and cravings, it may be worth exploring with your healthcare provider (or someone like me, who looks at labs and symptoms together).
Need help figuring out if inositol—or any supplement—is right for you?
I work with clients one-on-one to personalize a plan based on labs, health history, and goals. Let’s make sure your supplement routine is actually supporting your hormones, not just collecting dust on the counter.
👉 Book a discovery call here!