Top 9 Benefits of Inositol for Women

Here are the top 9 benefits of inositol for women. Inositol is a type of sugar that has many health benefits especially for women. Find out why you need inositol in this article. 

One of the most popular and effective supplements for women's health these days is inositol. Inositol is referred to as vitamin B8 though it is actually not a vitamin but rather a type of sugar that helps process insulin effectively in your body.

A diet high in sugar inhibits inositol from being produced in your body - your liver and kidneys can produce inositol from glucose but if it is lacking or less, supplementing is a great option. Inositol is tasty - it is just like  powdered sugar but one with many benefits.

Benefits of Inositol for Women -

1. Inositol for Fertility & TTC - The most amazing benefit of inositol is for women who want to maintain their fertility or who are TTC (trying-to-conceive) and it also helps with gestational diabetes. Inositol (especially myo-inositol)may also help improve ovulation and overall reproductive health. 

2. Inositol for Mood Regulation - Inositol is great for women who suffer from depression, panic disorder, OCD, anxiety, insomnia and an over-stimulated mind. Inositol also helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA so taking inositol can have positive effects on overall mental health and well-being.

3. Inositol for Belly Fat & Insulin Resistance - Inositol will help with belly fat as it helps with insulin resistance and helps with balanced blood sugar. This is a great benefit as balanced blood sugar and insulin sensitivity are keys to balanced hormones in women.

4. Inositol for PCOS - Inositol is taken for preventing or reversing pcos, abnormal hair growth in women, to reduce the risk of preterm birth, metabolic syndrome and healthy weight. 

5. Inositol for Diabetes & Insulin Resistance - It is impressive to know that in one study inositol was found as effective as metformin for treating type 2 diabetes and reversing insulin resistance. This is crucial for women with PCOS and abnormal menstrual cycles.

6. D-Chiro Inositol is Better - inositol, called as D-chiro-inositol is often taken with folic acid to increase insulin sensitivity for people with diabetes.

7. Inositol for Hair Growth - Inositol is known for boosting hair growth so women who need help with hair loss or just better, thicker hair growth should definitely consider taking inositol.

8. Inositol for Preventing Cancer - Inositol can also help with ovarian function and health, preventing cancers in women like ovarian cancer as well as many others due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

9. Inositol for Improving Sleep Quality - Inositol may improve your sleep quality as it can help improve the latency phase (the time it takes to fall asleep) and also help in staying asleep.

So, here are the top nine benefits of inositol.

Which Inositol to Take? -

Myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol are two types of inositol available on the market and most studies suggest that taking them both together is much better than taking either one. 

How Much Inositol Should I Take? -

The kind of inositol supplement you buy will come with the right dosage. As always, I highly advise buying it in powder form that comes in a bag - not a plastic bottle with plastic capsules.

How To Take Inositol? -

Inositol is like a fine powdered sugar - it is super tasty so you can add it to your coffee, herbal teas and plant-based milk.

Who Should NOT Take Inositol? -

-Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must check with their doctor first before taking inositol. 

-If you are on any diabetes medication, consult with your doctor first as inositol (along with your medications) may lower your blood sugar levels too much. 

-Some women may not benefit from taking inositol for hair loss as it may cause more hair fall (as noted among a small segment of women. If that happens and you see no benefit of inositol for hair loss after some time, then stop taking it completely. 

-If you are underweight or have food disorders or trying to gain weight (rather than lose weight) then inositol may not work for you as it inhibits hunger and may lead to more weight loss. Do not take inositol in that case. 

-Always take inositol in low doses and if needed, increase the dosage gradually.

-Inositol is a super safe supplement because remember your body already produces it and is used to it but sometimes in supplement form it may produce some mild side-effects like nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and headache. 

Ref.(1). Ref.(2)