If you’ve seen anything online about PCOS supplements, you’ve probably heard of Ovasitol. People sing praises to Ovasitol and claim this supplement can promote healthy hormone levels and weight loss.  

Now you may be wondering if this product is really worth all the hype. This article will review what the science actually says about this supplement to help you decide if it may be a good choice for you.  

This post contains affiliate links meaning that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you decide to try Ovasitol, use PRC: 202702 for a 15% discount within the United States. 

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone imbalance that affects approximately 6-12% of women of reproductive age in the US. 

Some common PCOS symptoms include: 

• Anovulatory cycles or irregular periods
• Hair loss
• Hirsutism (unwanted hair growth)
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders
• Fatigue 

Birth control pills, anti-diabetic medications such as Metformin, and weight loss are commonly prescribed for those struggling with this condition. Many PCOS patients are looking for other options, such as natural supplements, to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. 

What is Ovasitol

To understand Ovasitol and its potential health benefits, we need to know what inositol is. 

Inositol is a type of sugar that’s naturally found in foods, such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, and beans. It’s similar to a B vitamin and it actually used to be commonly referred to as vitamin B8. 

Inositol supplements are the most well-studied supplements for PCOS. 

Recent studies have shown that those with high caffeine intake (particularly coffee), insulin resistance, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or a high intake of sugar and refined carbs require higher amounts of inositol (1).  

Ovasitol is a name brand inositol supplement produced by the company, Theralogix. This pure inositol powder supplement is unflavored and contains two types of inositol: myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol. It contains these two forms of inositol in a 40:1 ratio, which is the same ratio that is naturally found in our bodies. 

Favorable research has been seen with myoinositol or d-chiro inositol alone, however, the best outcomes are usually seen with the 40:1 ratio of these two types of inositols. 

What are the Benefits of Ovasitol

Lower Glucose & Insulin Levels

Around 70%–80% of women with PCOS (including 15%–30% of lean women with PCOS) have insulin resistance. Over half of those with PCOS will go on to develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40 (2). 

Insulin resistance is when your body cannot effectively use the hormone insulin, which is responsible for moving glucose (blood sugar) into the cells for energy. Inositol works as a secondary messenger to help your body to use insulin more effectively. 

Because of this, studies have repeatedly shown that inositol can lower glucose and high insulin levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

People with PCOS are also at a higher risk for developing heart disease and other metabolic disorders. 

Another benefit of Ovasitol is that it can lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. It can also improve HDL (good) cholesterol levels. 

Reduced Carbohydrate Cravings

Many people report a significant reduction in carb cravings when they start taking Ovasitol. This is possibly due to the significant effects inositol can have on insulin and glucose levels, which often cause cravings.  

Lower Testosterone Levels

High androgen levels are often seen in PCOS. Androgens are male sex hormones, such as testosterone, and are usually responsible for symptoms such as hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), acne, and hair loss. 

Clinical trials have shown a reduction in testosterone levels with inositol supplementation. Two research studies saw a 55% and 73% reduction in free testosterone levels, respectively (3, 4).

Regular Menstrual Cycles and Ovulation

Irregular periods and anovulation are one of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS. PCOS is also the number one cause of anovulatory infertility – meaning the body does not ovulate regularly. 

Inositol can provide significant improvements in menstrual regularity and improved ovarian function. One study showed that ovulation was restored in 61% of women within 12 weeks with the use of inositol (5).

Improved Egg Quality and IVF Outcomes

In terms of reproductive health, women are born with all of the eggs that they’ll ever have. Due to hormone imbalances though, many women with PCOS suffer from poor egg quality. Poor egg quality is linked to lower fertility rates among women trying to get pregnant. 

Nutrition and lifestyle changes can play an important role in improving egg quality. 

A combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol can improve egg quality, pregnancy rates, and fertility outcomes in women with PCOS. It also has been linked to improved IVF outcomes in PCOS and non-PCOS women (6).

Decreases Gestational Diabetes Risk

Since the prevalence of  insulin resistance is high in those with PCOS, that also makes the risk of gestational diabetes higher as well. 

Inositol supplementation is associated with a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and also may reduce pre-term birth (7).

Ovasitol is safe to continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Improved Thyroid Function 

Approximately 25% of women with PCOS also have autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) (8). I’m one of those lucky ones! 

Research has shown that inositol can reduce TSH and thyroid antibody levels (9, 10). It’s recommended to take inositol separate from any thyroid medication you may be taking. 

Ovasitol Dosage, Side Effects, & Safety

The typical recommended dose for inositol is 2,000 mg myo-inositol plus 50 mg d-chiro inositol twice per day (4,000 mg myo-inositol and 100 mg d-chiro inositol total daily). This equates to two scoops or two single-serving packets of Ovasitol daily. 

Potential side effects of Ovasitol are rare but may include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). The risk of hypoglycemia is higher if you’re also taking Metformin, which is commonly prescribed for PCOS. 

A very small number of people also report some gastrointestinal side effects, although this is usually seen with very high doses.  

In humans, inositol doses of up to 18 g for 3 months have been noted to be safe and well tolerated. 

Alternatives to Ovasitol

I generally recommend Ovasitol if you’re considering an inositol supplement. It contains the 40:1 ratio of myoinositol and d-chiro inositol, which is the same ratio that’s naturally found in our bodies’ tissues. 

Ovasitol is also NSF certified, meaning it’s third party tested for quality and purity. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration), so it’s important to look for supplements that are tested by a third party. 

Another brand that is both third party tested and contains the 40:1 ratio is Wholesome Story. This brand also has a pill form if that’s more your jam. Keep in mind that the therapeutic dose of 4,000 mg of myo-inositol and 100 mg of d-chiro-inositol is actually twice as much as the listed serving on this brand’s label. 

Ovasitol FAQs

How quickly does Ovasitol work?

Some people report feeling positive benefits, such as a reduction in carb cravings, within a week. For some people, it takes a little longer to feel positive benefits. If you’re going to try Ovasitol, I recommend trying it for at least 3 consecutive months to determine if it’s helping you. Ovasitol does come with a 90 day supply.

What are the negative side effects of Ovasitol?

Side effects are rare and often seen at very high doses. Side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and mild gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 

How do they compare: Ovasitol vs Metformin?

Studies have found inositol performs similarly to Metformin in terms of lowering BMI and insulin levels and regulating menstrual cycles. Inositol does not carry the same side effects that Metformin does, such as GI upset and vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Ovasitol may be a good option for those who have adverse reactions to Metformin. It can also be taken in addition to Metformin. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re on prescription medications. 

How much weight can I lose on Ovasitol?

This will obviously vary among people. Study results are mixed as to whether inositol supplements can promote significant weight loss. 

One study, however, found that those who combined diet with a myoinositol + d-chiro inositol supplement lost more weight than those who used diet alone, or diet with a myoinositol only supplement. The group with the combination inositol supplement lost 13.9% of their body weight in 6 months (11).

Ovasitol and weight loss may be linked since inositol can lower insulin resistance, which is one of the most common reasons for weight gain with PCOS. 

Can I put Ovasitol in my coffee?

Yes, you can mix Ovasitol into any cold or hot beverage, including coffee. 

Conclusion

Inositol is a nutrient found in food such as fruits and beans. Inositol is the most well-studied supplement for PCOS and can decrease symptoms for many women. 

Ovasitol is a name brand supplement that contains a 40:1 ratio of myoinositol and d-chiro inositol, which is the optimal ratio for health and what’s found in our bodies’ tissues naturally. 

When combined with a healthy diet, Ovasitol may be part of an effective treatment plan for PCOS. 

Ovasitol can help to lower glucose, insulin cholesterol, and testosterone levels. Many report that it reduces their carb cravings. It can also improve thyroid function, fertility, ovulation, egg quality, and reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. 

The recommended dose is 2,000 mg myoinositol plus 50 mg d-chiro inositol twice/day. Side effects are rare and generally mild.  

Talk to your medical doctor before starting any new supplements, including Ovasitol.

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