10 Ovasitol Benefits for PCOS (And What to Watch Out For)

People rave about Ovasitol but is it really worth the hype? 

As a registered dietitian specializing in PCOS, I’m going to answer all of your questions about the potential benefits of Ovasitol for PCOS. 

This blog post will dive into what the science actually says about the benefits of Ovasitol, the potential side effects, and who shouldn’t take it so that you can decide if it may be a good choice for you.

What is Ovasitol?

Ovasitol is an inositol supplement made by the US-based company Theralogix. This pure inositol powder supplement is unflavored and contains two types of inositol: myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol.  

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.

What’s So Special About Ovasitol? 

You may be wondering: why is Ovasitol specifically always talked about? Ovasitol contains two different types of inositol: myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol. These two forms of inositol are in a 40:1 ratio, which is the same ratio that is naturally found in our bodies. 

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

Ovasitol is also third-party tested and NSF certified for quality and purity. Dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way that food is. 

Ovasitol Benefits for PCOS

Alright, let’s talk about the actual benefits of Ovasitol for those with PCOS.

Based on research studies, we know that Ovasitol can help to:

• Lower glucose and insulin levels
• Reduce body weight
• Decrease cholesterol levels
• Reduce carb cravings
• Improve thyroid function
• Lower testosterone levels
• Regulate your menstrual cycle 
• Improve egg quality
• Improve IVF outcomes
• Decrease gestational diabetes risk

Let’s take a look at the research a bit further, shall we? 

Lowers Insulin Resistance

Around 70%–80% of women with PCOS (including 15%–30% of lean women with PCOS) have insulin resistance. Unfortunately, over half of those with PCOS will go on to develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40 (1). 

If you’re insulin resistant, your body doesn’t effectively use the hormone insulin, which helps to move glucose (aka blood sugar) into the cells for energy. Inositol works like a backup system to help your body to use insulin more effectively. 

Studies have repeatedly shown that inositol can lower glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Promotes Weight Loss

There’s debate about whether or not Ovasitol can help you lose weight. Overall, research seems to be mixed, however, it makes sense that Ovasitol could help with weight loss. 

Since Ovasitol can significantly improve insulin sensitivity (similarly to Metformin, even), decrease carb cravings, and lower inflammation, it may lead to weight loss. 

One randomized controlled trial in particular found that those who combined myo-inositol plus d-chiro-inositol lost more weight than those who took myo-inositol alone. The group with the combo inositol supplement lost 13.9% of their body weight in 6 months. 

To learn more about why weight gain happens and how to lose weight with PCOS, check out these posts: PCOS Belly: What Causes It? and How To Lose Weight With PCOS.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

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

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, which are often low in PCOS. 

Reduces Carbohydrate Cravings

Many people report a significant reduction in carb cravings and sugar cravings when they start taking Ovasitol. This is probably due to the significant effects inositol can have on insulin and glucose levels, which often cause cravings. If weight loss is one of your goals, less cravings may promote easier weight loss.

Lower Testosterone Levels

High androgen levels are commonly 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 found that inositol supplementation can lower testosterone levels. Two research studies saw a 55% and 73% reduction in free testosterone levels, respectively (2, 3). Wild, right?!

If you can lower your testosterone levels, you could see a significant improvement in your classic symptoms of PCOS such as hair loss, excess hair growth, and acne.

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. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot happen.

While PCOS is often thought of as a reproductive issue, regular ovulation and periods are important regardless if you’re trying to conceive or not. Regular periods are linked to better bone health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health. 

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 (4).

For those who don’t experience restored ovulation and regular periods with Ovasitol, you may be inositol-resistant. If this is you, switching to Ovasitol Plus may be a good option. Read more about Ovasitol Plus vs Ovasitol here.

Improved Egg Quality and IVF Outcomes

Fun fact: did you know that women are born with all of the eggs that they’ll ever have? 

Due to hormone imbalances though, many people with PCOS suffer from poor egg quality which is linked to lower fertility rates for those trying to get pregnant. Thankfully, 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 both PCOS and non-PCOS women (5).

If pregnancy is your goal, don’t miss my fertility guide: How To Get Pregnant with PCOS Naturally.

Decreases Gestational Diabetes Risk

Since insulin resistance is so prevalent in those with PCOS, the risk of gestational diabetes is also higher as well. One review found that 40% of PCOS pregnancies will be complicated by gestational diabetes (6).

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. I personally took Ovasitol throughout my second pregnancy and had significantly better glucose levels compared to my first pregnancy when I did not take Ovasitol.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Improved Thyroid Function 

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

If you’re also one of those lucky ones, inositol can reduce TSH and thyroid antibody levels (8, 9). It’s recommended to take inositol separate from any thyroid medication you may be taking. 

Recommended Dose of Ovasitol

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

Ovasitol Side Effects

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 or other medications that may lower your blood sugar levels.

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

Inositol (and subsequently Ovasitol) is considered safe for long-term use.

Who Shouldn’t Take Ovasitol?

If you struggle with low blood sugar levels, experience frequent hypoglycemic episodes, or are taking anti-diabetic or blood sugar lowering medications (such as Metformin or GLP-1 medications), you should exercise caution with Ovasitol. Although there aren’t any known interactions between Metformin and Ovasitol, taking Ovasitol in addition to these medications or medical conditions can exacerbate hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. 

Inositol is technically a sugar alcohol and may cause bloating or digestive upset in people with IBS or FODMAP sensitivity. If you are sensitive to FODMAPs, particularly polyols, you may experience digestive issues with Ovasitol.

If you decide to try Ovasitol, you can use this link or enter PRC: 202702 at checkout for a discount within the United States. For those in Canada, use the code ALYSSA on the Theralogix.ca website for a discount.

Note: anyone considering starting a new supplement, including Ovasitol, should first discuss it with their healthcare provider. 

Alternatives to Ovasitol

If you’re considering an inositol supplement, I recommend Ovasitol. It contains the same 40:1 ratio of myoinositol and d-chiro inositol 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 to ensure that what they’re advertising is what you’re actually getting. Ovasitol is also the most affordable option when you look at the cost per serving. 

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 the Wholesome Story’s label, making the cost per serving significantly higher than Ovasitol. 

Ovasitol Benefits FAQs

How long does it take for Ovasitol to start working?

Some people report feeling positive benefits, such as reduced carb cravings, within a week or two. 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 to make this possible.

What are the disadvantages of Ovasitol?

There are very few disadvantages of trying Ovasitol. The main disadvantages would be if you would experience any of the rare but potential side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and mild gastrointestinal issues. 

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. 

Can I put Ovasitol in my coffee?

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

I’m not trying to get pregnant, can I still take Ovasitol?

Yes, you can take Ovasitol even if you’re not trying to conceive. I often get asked this question since so many of the benefits of Ovasitol are fertility-focused; but Ovasitol works to improve the underlying root cause of PCOS symptoms. Anyone with PCOS who wants to improve their metabolic health and PCOS symptoms can benefit from Ovasitol. 

The Bottom Line: Ovasitol Benefits

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

Ovasitol benefits include its ability to improve metabolic health by lowering insulin resistance, BMI, inflammation, cholesterol, and testosterone levels. Many people report that Ovasitol significantly reduces their carb cravings. It can also improve thyroid function, fertility, menstrual regularity and ovulation rates, egg quality, and reduce your risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Ovasitol has many potential upsides with few potential downsides. It’s one of my first recommendations for supplements for anyone who is looking to improve their metabolic health or fertility health.

If you decide to try Ovasitol, you can use this link or enter PRC: 202702 at checkout for a discount within the United States. For those in Canada, use the code ALYSSA on the Theralogix.ca website for a discount.

To see more of my favorite products (and product bundles!) for PCOS by this company, Theralogix, read this post: Top Theralogix Supplements for PCOS (+Coupon Code!).

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Disclaimer: this is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for or replace professional medical advice for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or any other medical condition. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplements.