Myo-inositol and thyroid function
Myo-inositol is a molecule known to help reduce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms. Recently it’s been shown to potentially relieve symptoms of Hashimoto’s and an underactive thyroid as well.
PCOS affects about 12 in 100 females of reproductive age (1–4). It shares common genetic triggers with Hashimoto’s, as well as similar symptoms.
Benefits of myo-inositol
For people with PCOS, myo-inositol can reduce acne and hirsutism (facial hair), while restoring a normal cycle and combating insulin sensitivity (5, 6). It also regulates levels of TSH and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), as well as insulin (7).
For people with hypothyroidism, myo-inositol helps cells that produce thyroid hormones become more efficient and faster at building T4 (8, 9). Myo-inositol balances thyroid hormones and reduces TSH, TPO, and Tg antibodies (8).
Myo-inositol dosage and health improvements
Myo-inositol can be used alone or taken together with selenium (8, 10, 11). Several studies have shown that 600mg of myo-inositol is able to suppress symptoms in Hashimoto’s patients (10, 11). It takes about six months of supplementation before the effects of myo-inositol (alone or taken together with selenium) are visible in blood tests (10, 11).
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting supplementation — as myo-inositol can cause certain side effects and shouldn’t be used under certain conditions.
How we write: our information is based on the results of peer reviewed studies using the National Library of Medicine platform. It is written by scientists and reviewed by external experts. If you believe we might have overseen crucial scientific information, please contact us at hello@boostthyroid.com
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to mitigate, prevent, treat, cure or diagnose any disease or condition. If you want to change your treatment, lifestyle, your diet, include supplements in your diet or have concerns about your health, please consult your doctor before trying new approaches.
References:
1. Knochenhauer ES, et al. Prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected black and white women of the southeastern United States: a prospective study,1998
2. Diamanti-Kandarakis E, et al. A survey of the polycystic ovary syndrome in the Greek island of Lesbos: hormonal and metabolic profile, 1999
3. Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS consensus workshop group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 2004
4. March WA, et al. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria, 2010
5. Artini PG, et al. Endocrine and clinical effects of myo-inositol administration in polycystic ovary syndrome. A randomized study, 2013
6. Unfer V, et al. Effects of myo-inositol in women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, 2012
7. Papaleo E, et al. Contribution of myo-inositol to reproduction, 2009
8. Benvenga S, et al. Favorable effects of myo-inositol, selenomethionine or their combination on the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress of peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: preliminary in vitro studies, 2017
9. Ohye H, et al. Dual oxidase, hydrogen peroxide and thyroid diseases, 2010
10. Nordio M, et al. Combined treatment with myo-inositol and selenium ensures euthyroidism in subclinical hypothyroidism patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, 2013
11. Nordio M, et al. Treatment with Myo-Inositol and Selenium Ensures Euthyroidism in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis, 2017
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