Effectiveness of myoinositol for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 29052180 · doi:10.1007/s12020-017-1442-y
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42017064563) evaluated randomized controlled trials comparing myoinositol against placebo or conventional medications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The primary outcomes analyzed were homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), estradiol (E2), and total testosterone levels.
What was found
Ten trials with a total of 573 patients were analyzed. Compared with control groups, myoinositol significantly improved the HOMA index (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.65; 95% CI -1.02 to -0.28; P = 0.0005) and significantly increased estradiol levels (WMD 16.16; 95% CI 2.01 to 30.31; P = 0.03). It did not produce a statistically significant reduction in total testosterone (WMD -16.11; 95% CI -46.08 to 13.86; P = 0.29).
Why it matters
This review consolidates randomized trial evidence indicating that myoinositol can improve metabolic markers (insulin sensitivity) and increase circulating estrogen in women with PCOS, supporting its role as an adjunct or alternative metabolic therapy.
Limits
The total pooled sample size across 10 trials is modest (573 patients, averaging ~57 patients per trial), which limits statistical power and precision for endocrine endpoints like testosterone. The abstract does not specify the control interventions separately (placebo vs. active pharmacological controls), dosage or duration of treatment, or safety and clinical pregnancy outcomes.
Cited by
- supports Inositol supplementation increases insulin sensitivity in patients with PCOS.