Reproductive Endocrinology Thyroid and Metabolic Function
RRM Academy Synopsis
Myo-inositol may aid ovulation and pregnancy in PCOS, 13 studies
A 2026 scoping review of 13 studies looked at myo-inositol supplements in women with PCOS, also called PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Studies reported possible gains in ovulation and pregnancy rates. Egg and embryo quality results were mixed.
Key Findings
- A search of six databases between 10 January and 20 February 2026 identified 77 records, and 13 studies were included in the review.
- Several included studies suggested myo-inositol may be associated with better cycle regularity and ovulation in some women with PCOS; other analyses found no statistically significant effect.
- One included review associated myo-inositol, alone or combined with d-chiro-inositol, with higher clinical pregnancy rates among women with PCOS who were having ART.
- Some studies suggest benefits for egg and embryo quality, but several reported no statistically significant improvement, so no firm conclusion is drawn on that outcome.
- The reviewed clinical protocols reported no severe adverse events and no long-term toxicity, and the review names no absolute contraindications.
Interpretation
The authors ran a scoping review of 13 studies on myo-inositol use in women with PCOS, also called PMOS. They found links between myo-inositol and better ovulation and higher pregnancy rates. Egg and embryo quality results were mixed. No severe side effects or long-term harm were reported. The authors see support for a positive effect on fertility and ovarian function, and they call for larger trials that track live births and long-term safety.
RRM Context
Restorative reproductive medicine looks for the reason ovulation stops in PCOS. This review points to insulin resistance as a driver and studies myo-inositol as one supplement aimed at it. Egg and embryo quality findings were uneven. Some pregnancy data came from women using IVF, which works around the ovulation problem instead of fixing it.
Abstract
Objectives
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread and complex endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing potential, characterized by reproductive dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a key pathogenetic factor contributing to ovarian dysfunction and reduced fertility. Myo-inositol (MI), a ubiquitous polyol, has earned a reputation as a promising dietary supplement due to its vital role in insulin signaling pathways. This scoping review aimed to map the available scientific literature on the effects of MI supplementation in women with PCOS, with particular emphasis on fertility and ovarian function, and to identify gaps in the current evidence base.
Methods
This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A literature search was conducted against six electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO (MEDLINE Complete), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted between 10 January and 20 February 2026. Eligibility sources included original articles (observational and randomized controlled trials), meta-analyses, systematic and narrative reviews, published in English with full text available, focusing on adult women with PCOS. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. In accordance with the scope review methodology, no formal critical appraisal of study quality and no quantitative synthesis were performed. This is consistent with JBI methodology, which does not require critical appraisal for scoping reviews unless explicitly justified.
Results
Of the 77 records initially identified, 13 studies were included in the review, and no duplicates were found. These potential benefits should be interpreted cautiously, as the available evidence is heterogeneous and varies across study designs. Potential benefits were also reported for hormonal and metabolic parameters, including reductions in hyperandrogenism and the improvement of insulin sensitivity. Some studies suggest benefits for oocyte and embryo quality, but results remain inconsistent.
Conclusions
MI supplementation may support PCOS management, particularly in fertility-related outcomes. Its ability to improve ovulation, increase pregnancy rates, optimize ART outcomes, and mitigate the risk of OHSS highlights its clinical utility. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, and some outcomes, particularly oocyte and embryo quality, remain inconclusive.
Topics
Keywords
ART, PCOS, myo-inositol, ovarian function, ovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome
