The Surprising Benefits of Myo-Inositol for Menopause + More

alcohol menopause wellness Dec 31, 2024

Myo-Inositol is one of my favorite supplements. Known for its ability to support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and even mental well-being, Myo-Inositol is becoming a go-to choice, and with good reason. Myo-inositol benefits are so impressive, and whether you're managing PCOS, navigating menopause, or aiming to jumpstart your metabolic health, this nutrient holds promise.

In this article, you will learn:

Key health benefits of Myo-Inositol backed by science.
How Myo-Inositol supports hormonal and metabolic health.
Practical tips for using Myo-Inositol effectively.

Let’s dive into what makes Myo-Inositol such a beneficial addition to your wellness routine.

What Is Myo-Inositol?

Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the B-vitamin family. Although it’s sometimes called a vitamin, Myo-inositol is actually a type of sugar alcohol, or polyol, that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. Myo-inositol is also sometimes referred to as simply inositol. (1)

In the body, myo-inositol acts as a building block for molecules involved in cell signaling. It is particularly important for insulin signaling, which regulates how the body uses and stores glucose. This function is why myo-inositol is often studied for its role in managing conditions like insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and Type 2 diabetes. It also contributes to hormonal balance and neurotransmitter function. This makes it a key nutrient for both physical and mental health.

Inositol is naturally produced by the body. But the synthesis of inositol requires magnesium, so magnesium deficiency can also lead to an inositol deficiency. You can also find myo-inositol in foods such as grapefruit, beans, grains, and nuts. (2)

While it’s present in a regular diet, supplementing with myo-inositol is often required to achieve therapeutic levels of this nutrient.

Science-Backed Benefits of Myo-Inositol

Myo-Inositol is celebrated for its diverse health benefits. It really is like the Swiss army knife of supplements. I’ve been recommending myo-inositol to my patients for years, and it’s one of the powerhouse ingredients in my best-selling Relax Tonic formula.

Here’s why it’s one of my favorites:

1. Mental Health And Cognitive Function

Myo-Inositol plays an essential role in brain health, primarily by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It helps you feel more relaxed and calm.

Its support for mental well-being also includes (3):

Supporting symptoms of anxiety and depression, as it plays a part in the production of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter.
Supporting cognitive function and memory. Which is a lifesaver when brain fog comes knocking.
Promoting emotional resilience and stability, which can help you better cope with stress.
Research suggests that Myo-Inositol supplementation may even have potential for supporting mental health disorders like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (4,5,6)

2. Blood Sugar Regulation

One of the standout benefits of myo-Inositol is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and support insulin sensitivity.

In fact, research indicates it’s as good or better than metformin (blood sugar medication) and better tolerated to boot. (7,8)

Insulin resistance is a key driver of metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes and PCOS. It’s also one of the big reasons weight gain starts to pile on in midlife.

It’s thought that myo-inositol supports insulin sensitivity by:

Reducing sugar cravings and energy crashes. This is a game-changer when you’re trying to lose weight and get your metabolic health in order.
Supporting insulin signaling pathways, helping cells more effectively use glucose for energy.
Balancing fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, markers of blood sugar control. (9)

3. Menopause Support

The transition into menopause brings hormonal shifts that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. From weight gain to hot flashes, menopause can bring some serious hits to your quality of life — and pose a serious threat to your metabolic health.

Myo-Inositol has shown potential to alleviate some of these issues by:

Supporting metabolic health. In fact, one recent study showed an improvement in hot flashes, mood, BMI, and waist circumference, when participants took 2,000 mg of myo-inositol and cocoa. (10)

Another study followed a group of menopausal women for a year and found that those in the group taking inositol significantly improved blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance) score. (11)

Supporting ovulation. (16) If you’re still in the perimenopause phase, this can be an absolute game-changer for your symptoms. Because typically, the first hormone to drop in peri is progesterone. And that’s because you stop ovulating so regularly. No ovulation = no progesterone. The lack of progesterone is at the heart of a lot of menopause trouble, especially sleep struggles and hot flashes.

4. Thyroid Support

Whenever a patient would come to me with indications their metabolic health was becoming compromised, I’d always check for thyroid function. An impaired thyroid can wreck your metabolism — even if it’s subclinically impaired, meaning it’s in the beginning stages of thyroid disease. I don’t like to wait until a patient’s thyroid is completely compromised before taking action.

Myoinositol is involved in the regulation and production of thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). By supporting cellular signaling pathways, it ensures that the thyroid gland functions more efficiently and maintains a balance between underactive and overactive states.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Research shows (and I’ve often found) that myo-Inositol, often combined with selenium, could:

Support healthy thyroid function. (12) And possibly support symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain as a result.
Support autoimmune antibody levels, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), which are elevated in Hashimoto’s patients. (13)
Possibly reduce thyroid nodules in subclinical thyroid patients (14)

5. PCOS Management

Myo-Inositol is widely recognized for its effectiveness in supporting Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women. (15)

Inositol is such a powerful PCOS ally, because it could support insulin sensitivity and:

Support ovarian function, making it easier for women to ovulate regularly, which is a key challenge for those with PCOS. (16)
This enhances menstrual cycle regularity. (17) Myo-Inositol can also increase pregnancy rates in women with PCOS by improving egg quality and reducing insulin resistance, a common underlying issue in this condition. (18)

6. Fertility Enhancement

Myo-Inositol has emerged as a powerful tool for supporting fertility, particularly in women dealing with hormonal imbalances like PCOS or insulin resistance. (19,20)

Because it supports overall metabolic health and supports ovulation, myo-inositol benefits for fertility could include:

Improving egg quality and maturation, which are critical for successful fertilization.
Enhancing ovulation rates by addressing underlying hormonal disruptions. (21)
Supporting better outcomes in assisted reproductive treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) by optimizing ovarian response. (22)
Men can benefit from inositol in this department as well. It appears to help support sperm quality, which also obviously helps with fertility. (23)

7. Other Potential Benefits

Myo-inositol’s versatility means its benefits extend to areas beyond hormones, metabolism, and fertility.

Some additional potential benefits include:

Skin Health: Myoinositol could potentially reveal clearer skin, as many skin changes are linked to insulin resistance. PCOS is also closely tied to hormonal acne caused by elevated androgen levels, which result from insulin resistance.
Cardiovascular Health: Inositol could also support lipid profiles, including reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. (10,11)

Anti-Inflammatory Support: Myo-Inositol’s safety profile and broad impact on cellular health make it an exciting prospect for holistic wellness.

How to Use Myo-Inositol

Myo-Inositol is both versatile and easy to incorporate into your daily supplement routine, but I prefer to use it at night, in combination with magnesium, l-theanine, taurine, and GABA for the ultimate relaxing nightcap.

My Relax Tonic formula combines all of these synergistic ingredients to compliment myo-inositol’s mood-supportive characteristics. It’s a powdered drink mix that tastes amazing and gives you a healthy way to end the day. Learn more about Relax Tonic here.

How Much Myo-Inositol Per Day?

The ideal dosage of Myo-Inositol depends on your specific health objectives, and what your physician recommends.

> For PCOS and hormone balance, we often see 2,000–4,000 mg daily recommended.

> For insulin sensitivity and blood sugar support 2,000 mg daily is commonly used in studies.

> For menopause support 2,000 mg daily, often combined with supplements like magnesium to address additional menopausal symptoms is ideal.

Always consult a healthcare provider to tailor the dosage to your needs, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Remember, as with most things in life, consistency is key. Take your supplements at the same time each day to build a routine and ensure steady levels in your body.

Myo Inositol Benefits

Myo-Inositol is such a versatile supplement with numerous potential health benefits, from managing hormonal imbalances to supporting mental health and improving fertility. Its natural ability to restore balance in the body makes it a valuable tool for individuals navigating conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or menopause.

I personally take myoinositol every night in my Relax Tonic, my favorite way to unwind at the end of the day.

Be sure to check out Relax Tonic for yourself and see why people rave about the way it makes them feel!

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tyna Moore is a licensed doctor, she is not the reader’s or listener’s personal doctor. Individuals should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatments, supplements, sauna use, or significant changes to their exercise routine. The benefits of strength training and other exercise interventions can vary among individuals, so personalized advice is essential to avoid potential injury. Professional medical advice should not be disregarded or delayed because of something read or heard in this content.

This blog may contain affiliate links, meaning Dr. Moore may earn a small commission if purchases are made through these links, at no additional cost to the consumer. Links to Dr. Moore’s courses and supplements are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Statements about supplements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual results may vary.

Use of this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Tyna Moore. Readers and listeners are advised to consult a licensed healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

References

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