Trying to conceive: the benefits of myo-inositol for getting pregnant

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you have probably already heard about the benefits of myo-inositol. But did you know that it can also be useful in other situations, such as irregular cycles, endometriosis, or when trying to conceive?

By supporting metabolism, hormonal regulation, and egg quality, myo-inositol can be a valuable ally whether you are trying to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

In this article, we invite you to get to know myo-inositol better and understand how it can support your journey to parenthood, whether you are undergoing fertility treatment or trying naturally.

If you have questions about PCOS and fertility, you will also find many helpful resources in our dedicated article on this topic.

Myo-inositol: definition and role

Long mistakenly classified as a B vitamin, inositol is a molecule naturally present in all tissues of the body and produced from glucose.

Although it is chemically similar to glucose, there is no cause for concern: inositol belongs to the group of sugars that are naturally and healthily present in the body and play essential roles in many physiological processes.

It is therefore not considered an essential vitamin, as the body is capable of producing it on its own. However, our needs may increase in situations such as chronic stress, insulin resistance, highly processed diets, or when planning a pregnancy.

This is also the case for women with so-called “non-metabolic” PCOS, meaning PCOS without overweight or insulin resistance. One study highlights that in women with PCOS, excessive activity of the enzyme converting myo-inositol into D-chiro-inositol can deplete ovarian myo-inositol reserves (1).

What is the role of myo-inositol?

If inositol is found throughout the body, particularly in nervous tissue, the heart, and the liver, it is because its functions are wide-ranging.

It plays a role in cellular communication and neurotransmitter signalling (dopamine, GABA, serotonin), influencing mood and even sleep. However, its most well-documented role concerns carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which is why it is often considered the supplement for women with PCOS.

How to choose the right form of myo-inositol

Inositol exists in nine different forms, known as isomers. Five of these occur naturally in the human body, mainly within cell membranes.

The two most studied forms are myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol:

• Myo-inositol
  This is the most abundant form, representing around 95% of free inositol in the body. It acts as a secondary messenger for hormones such as insulin, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), helping cells receive and correctly interpret hormonal signals.
• D-chiro-inositol
  Partly derived from myo-inositol, it plays a more specific role in insulin signalling and glucose storage.

In women with PCOS, the natural ratio between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol is sometimes disrupted, which can impair ovarian hormonal communication (2). This is why supplementation combining both forms is often recommended, to mimic the natural proportions found in healthy ovaries.

Psst! These are exactly the two forms used in Ovastart.

How long does it take for myo-inositol to work?

Hormonal balance rarely happens overnight. Studies show that the first benefits of myo-inositol supplementation generally appear after around three months, including reduced androgen levels and improved insulin sensitivity (3).

Why myo-inositol is useful with or without PCOS

Myo-inositol and PCOS: proven benefits

Myo-inositol is widely recommended for PCOS because it acts on several key aspects of the condition.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is commonly involved in PCOS and may contribute to symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, cravings, chronic fatigue, and excessive androgen production, leading to irregular cycles or acne.

Several studies confirm the positive impact of myo-inositol on insulin resistance. A meta-analysis showed significant reductions in fasting insulin levels, improved insulin sensitivity (measured by HOMA-IR), and an improved lipid profile (4).

Irregular menstrual cycles

Irregular cycles are one of the most common PCOS symptoms. This imbalance is often exacerbated by insulin resistance, as excess insulin stimulates androgen production and further disrupts ovulation.

By improving insulin sensitivity, myo-inositol addresses one of the root causes of cycle irregularity.

When ovarian cells poorly receive hormonal signals from the brain, follicle maturation is disrupted, delaying or blocking ovulation. Acting as an intracellular messenger, myo-inositol improves ovarian responsiveness to hormones such as FSH, supporting more harmonious follicle development and the return of more regular cycles.

Several studies have also shown normalisation of the LH/FSH ratio (often altered in PCOS) and improved menstrual regularity (5).

Hirsutism and acne

Physical symptoms such as hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne are also common in PCOS and are often linked to excess androgens.

By improving insulin resistance and hormonal signalling, myo-inositol helps address the underlying causes. One study demonstrated a reduction in testosterone levels alongside significant improvements in acne and hirsutism among women supplementing with myo-inositol (6).

Inositol and endometriosis: what does research say?

Current research on inositol and endometriosis mainly focuses on D-chiro-inositol in animal models. One mouse study showed reduced lesion growth and inflammatory mechanisms (7).

Myo-inositol, however, is well documented for supporting egg quality and reducing oxidative stress, two key factors for women with endometriosis.

Inositol is not a treatment for endometriosis, but it may help reduce certain barriers commonly encountered when trying to conceive with this condition.

Fertility: why does myo-inositol support conception?

By improving insulin sensitivity and hormonal communication, myo-inositol helps create a hormonal environment more favourable to fertility.

Regular ovulation and cycles increase the chances of conception, but fertility also depends on egg quality and hormonal responsiveness.

Myo-inositol supports follicle growth, which directly impacts egg quality.

Improved hormonal signalling for optimal egg maturation

As an intracellular messenger for FSH, myo-inositol helps oocytes properly receive hormonal signals needed for final maturation. One study showed improved ovarian response, with increased numbers and quality of mature oocytes (8).

Supporting oocyte energy metabolism

Ovocytes require significant energy to grow and divide. By improving glucose utilisation, myo-inositol helps provide the energy needed before and after fertilisation.

Protection against oxidative stress

Myo-inositol helps limit oxidative stress in follicular fluid, protecting oocytes from free radical damage and supporting DNA integrity—key factors for successful fertilisation (9).

Myo-inositol and assisted reproduction (ART)

Myo-inositol is also beneficial when conceiving through ART.

Improved response to ovarian stimulation

Studies show better ovarian response, with more mature oocytes obtained using lower doses of hormonal stimulation (10).

Reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation

Women with PCOS are at higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Improved ovarian responsiveness allows lower stimulation doses, and myo-inositol may help protect against inflammation and vascular permeability involved in hyperstimulation (11).

Improved fertilisation and pregnancy rates

ART studies show improved fertilisation rates and higher clinical pregnancy rates among women supplementing with myo-inositol (12).

Focus on Ovastart: the optimal myo-inositol & D-chiro-inositol duo

At SOVA, we strongly believe in the benefits of myo-inositol for your fertility journey.  

Ovastart was designed to support hormonal balance and normal fertility.

• 4 g of inositol per day, divided into two doses
• Combination of myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol in a ratio supported by clinical studies
• Supports both egg quality and hormonal balance

Active vitamin B6 and methylated vitamin B9

• Methylated B9 (L-methylfolate): supports maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
• Active B6 (P5P): supports hormonal regulation and reduces fatigue

Highly absorbable zinc

Zinc supports normal glucose metabolism and testosterone levels and plays a role in follicle maturation and egg quality. In Ovastart, it is provided as zinc bisglycinate for optimal absorption.

Natural sources of myo-inositol

Diet provides around 700 mg of inositol per day, mainly from legumes, seeds, and whole grains. However, clinical studies demonstrating fertility benefits use 4 g per day, which is difficult to achieve through diet alone.

Supplementation remains the most effective way to reach therapeutic doses.

In summary

If you want to support your fertility journey and prepare the ground for conception, Ovastart can be a simple and effective first step.