Inositols as universal regulators of women’s health

Up to 21% of women of reproductive age are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while nearly 70% of them are unaware of their diagnosis^[1]. Inositols play a key role in normalizing the condition of such patients. The importance of these compounds for women’s health was discussed at the 11th All-Russian Conference "Reproductive Potential of Russia: Spring Controversies", held in Moscow in March 2026.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. In three out of four patients, insulin resistance is a key driver of disease development^[2]. This leads to androgen excess, menstrual cycle disturbances, and infertility. Inositol supplementation helps restore insulin sensitivity, normalize hormonal balance, and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

The optimal ratio of the two key forms of inositol, myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, is considered to be 40:1^[5]. This combination leads to a faster and more pronounced reduction in free testosterone compared with the use of either form alone. In infertile patients with obesity undergoing oocyte stimulation, its use was associated with a greater increase in endometrial thickness and the number of maturing follicles, thereby improving the chances of pregnancy^[6].

The role of inositols extends far beyond their use in PCOS. They are critically important at other stages of the reproductive cycle as well. For example, the concentration of myo-inositol in the fluid surrounding the oocyte directly affects oocyte quality^[7]. In IVF programs, prior inositol supplementation may reduce the required dose of hormonal medications and shorten the duration of stimulation^[8], while their effect on insulin signaling makes these compounds effective in the prevention of gestational diabetes^[9].

Inositols also help with weight control: studies confirm that additional inositol intake leads to a statistically significant reduction in body mass index^[10]. Their use in postmenopause has been shown to reduce blood pressure by 11%, lower the HOMA index by 75%, and increase levels of "good" cholesterol^[11]. These findings support the role of inositols in maintaining cardiovascular health.

The combination of inositols with chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, manganese, active folates, and vitamin D₃, components found in Venarel^® Inosit, addresses multiple pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously. Inositols improve the cellular response to insulin, chromium reduces sugar cravings, alpha-lipoic acid enhances antioxidant protection, while methylfolate, manganese, and vitamin D3 contribute to hormonal regulation of ovarian function and antioxidant defense.

At present, no medicinal product containing inositol is approved in Russia, which makes the informed choice of dietary supplements particularly important for supporting women’s health. Since March 1, 2026, physicians in Russia have been legally entitled to prescribe such products to patients^[12]. This approach, supported by the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, offers a pathway to cycle normalization, weight management, and fertility restoration.

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¹ World Health Organization. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome (in Russian)

² Rahmatnezhad, Leili et al. “Association of insulin resistance with polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes and patients' characteristics: a cross-sectional study in Iran.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 21,1 113. 25 Nov. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-023-01160-z

³ Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Clinical Guidelines. 2024 (in Russian).

⁴ Janati, Sima et al. “Changes of Serum Level of Homocysteine and Oxidative Stress Markers by Metformin and Inositol in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Study.” International journal of fertility & sterility vol. 16,2 (2022): 102-107. https://doi.org/10.22074/IJFS.2021.530040.1125

⁵ Nordio, M et al. “The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios.” European review for medical and pharmacological sciences vol. 23,12 (2019): 5512-5521. https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_201906_18223

⁶ Taş, M., and B. Özçelik. “Does the Combination of Myo-Inositol Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women Undergoing Ovarian Stimulation With Clomiphene Citrate?”. Journal of Surgery and Medicine, vol. 3, no. 9, Sept. 2019, pp. 707-10. https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.624097

⁷ Lete I, Martínez A, Lasaga I, Centurión E, Vesga A. Update on the combination of myo-inositol/d-chiro-inositol for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2024;40(1):2301554. https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2023.2301554

⁸ Facchinetti, F., Dante, G., & Neri, I. (2015). The Ratio of MI to DCI and Its Impact in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Experimental and Literature Evidences. Frontiers in Gynecological Endocrinology, 103–109. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23865-4_13

⁹ Gambioli, Riccardo et al. “Myo-Inositol as a Key Supporter of Fertility and Physiological Gestation.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,6 504. 25 May. 2021 https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14060504

¹⁰ Zarezadeh, Meysam et al. “Inositol supplementation and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” Obesity science & practice vol. 8,3 387-397. 22 Oct. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.569

¹¹ Santamaria, A et al. “One-year effects of myo-inositol supplementation in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.” Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society vol. 15,5 (2012): 490-5. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2011.631063

¹² Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 669n dated November 17, 2025 “On Approval of the Procedure for Prescribing Dietary Supplements to Patients by Healthcare Professionals in the Provision of Medical Care” (in Russian)