Managing the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often involves balancing hormones. One specific challenge is high testosterone, which can affect everything from hair growth to skin health. A review of data involving 440 women found that taking inositol was linked to a significant drop in total testosterone levels.
The study also showed that inositol helped increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that helps regulate hormones in the blood. These changes were most consistent and strongest in women with a normal body weight. While the findings are promising for hormonal balance, it is important to note that the results were less clear for women who were overweight or obese.
Because this research involved several different studies, there was some variation in the results across different groups. Additionally, the data on insulin resistance and weight-specific outcomes were preliminary. If you have PCOS and are considering adding inositol to your routine, talk to your doctor to see if it fits your specific health profile.