[Supplement]"Is inositol essential for pregnancy preparation?"

Hello, I'm hi.mybebe, waiting for a baby angel.

 

Today, I'd like to talk about inositol, a nutritional supplement for preparing for pregnancy.

 

Last June, during my regular check-up at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, it was discovered that I not only had polycystic ovaries, which I had known about for a long time, but also nodules (endometriosis) on both ovaries. The hospital recommended inositol supplementation, and I've been taking it steadily ever since.

 

For women of childbearing age, menstrual cycles, flow, and duration can vary, but typically menstruation occurs once a month, lasting within a week. However, irregularities in menstruation, such as skipping periods or lengthening cycles, can occur for various reasons. If menstrual irregularities persist, it's advisable to undergo medical examinations. The reason for this is polycystic ovary syndrome.

 

The typical symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome is ovulation dysfunction.

 

One of the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome is insulin resistance. Research on the effectiveness of inositol in improving insulin resistance issues is actively being conducted. Let's learn more about inositol.

 

chapter 3. INOSITOL

 

Inositol is a naturally occurring compound. Formerly referred to as vitamin B8, it is now widely known as a substance that our bodies can produce on their own, leading to its exclusion from the vitamin classification. However, since the amount synthesized by our bodies is minimal, it is advisable to consume it through food or supplements.

 

The efficacy of inositol:

Improvement of insulin resistance

When insulin is excessively secreted due to certain issues, a protein that inhibits male hormones decreases, leading to an increase in male hormone levels. For women preparing for pregnancy, elevated male hormones impede ovarian maturation and ovulation. Continuous ovulation stimulation hormone secretion without proper ovulation leads to decreased ovarian quality and increased immature eggs, resulting in reduced chances of pregnancy. Research has confirmed that inositol intake can lower male hormone levels and improve insulin levels.

 

Improvement of egg quality

For couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques, egg quality is crucial. However, diminished ovarian function results in a lower number of collectible eggs despite ovulation induction, and if egg maturation doesn't occur properly, fertilization rates decrease. A comparison between groups taking inositol and folic acid versus those taking only folic acid showed better outcomes in the former group. Consistently taking inositol might be beneficial for increasing chances of conception.

 

Improvement of sperm quality

Inositol has been shown not only to induce ovulation but also to enhance sperm motility and function in men, thus improving reproductive capabilities.

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a syndrome in women characterized by excessive production of male hormones, leading to hormonal imbalance. Elevated male hormone levels result in increased immature eggs, causing abnormal ovulation. Improving insulin resistance may also help in the management of PCOS.

 

Hirsutism, acne, obesity, etc.

These issues are also related to insulin resistance. When insulin fails to function properly, problems like hirsutism and acne can arise due to the action of male hormones.

 

Dosage of inositol:

The daily recommended dosage of inositol is 1,000 to 4,000 mg. I personally take 3,000 mg as recommended by my doctor.

 

Foods rich in inositol:

Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, etc.), legumes (black beans, mung beans, etc.), grains (barley, brown rice, wheat, corn, oats, etc.), vegetables (broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, etc.), fruits (bananas, grapes, oranges, peaches, etc.), meats and fish (pork, chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, etc.).