The Link Between Insulin and PCOS
For many women with PCOS, the ovaries are caught in the crossfire of high insulin levels. When you have insulin resistance, your body produces excess insulin to manage blood sugar. This surplus insulin travels to the ovaries and signals them to produce more androgens (male hormones) than they should.
This surge in androgens is what leads to the classic PCOS symptoms: facial hair, thinning head hair, and the disruption of the ovulation cycle. Without regular ovulation, your body can’t produce enough progesterone, leading to the "heavy" or irregular periods many women struggle with.
Addressing this root cause is why Inositol has become the gold standard in natural PCOS support.
Inositol: The Cellular "Volume Knob"
Inositol is a sensitiser. Its primary role is to help your cells "hear" the signals being sent by insulin. If insulin resistance is like your cells wearing noise-cancelling headphones, Inositol is the tool that helps them take the headphones off.
By improving insulin sensitivity, Inositol helps lower the total amount of insulin circulating in your blood. When insulin levels drop, the ovaries are no longer "over-stimulated" to produce testosterone. This creates a ripple effect: acne often clears up, energy levels stabilise, and—most importantly—the body is finally able to release an egg.
Beyond cycles, Inositol is heavily studied for its impact on egg quality. For women looking to conceive, Inositol supports the maturation of the oocyte (egg), making it a cornerstone for fertility support.
Why Folic Acid is More Than Just a Pregnancy Vitamin
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) is world-renowned for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, but its role in PCOS management starts long before conception.
Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and cellular repair. In the context of PCOS, it works alongside Inositol to improve the follicular environment—essentially making the "nest" where your eggs grow healthier.
It is also important for managing homocysteine levels. Many women with PCOS have elevated homocysteine, which is linked to higher inflammation and cardiovascular risks. Folic acid helps keep these levels in check, supporting overall metabolic health.
A Note on Methylfolate:
Many women carry a genetic variant (MTHFR) that makes it hard for them to process synthetic Folic Acid. In these cases, using L-Methylfolate (the active form of B9) is often preferred as it is more bioavailable and easier for the body to use immediately.
The Power of the 40:1 Ratio
Not all Inositol is created equal. Your body uses two main types: Myo-Inositol (MI) and D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI). While they sound similar, they have different jobs. MI helps with glucose uptake and egg quality, while DCI helps reduce androgen levels.
In a healthy ovary, these two exist in a very specific 40:1 ratio. Research has shown that when we supplement using this exact 40:1 MI to DCI ratio, we see much better results than using Myo-inositol alone. This balance is critical because too much DCI on its own can actually be detrimental to egg quality, while the 40:1 ratio supports both metabolic health and reproductive function.
How to Combine them for Best Results
When Inositol and Folic Acid are taken together, they create a synergistic effect. Studies have shown that the combination is significantly more effective at restoring spontaneous ovulation and improving metabolic markers than taking either nutrient in isolation.
- Dosage: The clinical standard is 4,000mg of Myo-Inositol paired with 100mg of D-Chiro-Inositol (the 40:1 ratio) and 400mcg of Folic Acid (or Methylfolate).
- Timing: Splitting your dose—taking half in the morning and half in the evening—helps keep your insulin sensitivity steady throughout the entire day.
- Consistency: It takes roughly 90 days for an egg to mature. This is why you should commit to this duo for at least three months to see the full impact on your cycle and skin.
For ease of use, many women choose a comprehensive blend like Hormone Balance, which provides the 40:1 ratio and Methylfolate in one simple daily scoop.
