Ovasitol side effects for PCOS

Ovasitol is a popular supplement for PCOS. While it does have benefits, there are also some potential side effects you should be aware of. Let's take a deep dive into what Ovasitol is, it's effectiveness, and potential Ovasitol side effects. 

What is Ovasitol?

Ovasitol is a specific formulation of Inositol, which is often referred to as a pseudovitamin. It's sometimes called vitamin B8. It's not a true vitamin, but is a relative of the B vitamin family. 

Inositol is a form of sugar naturally produced by the body, with most of it coming from the kidneys. It's also found in food sources, including buckwheat, chickpeas, nuts, and many fruits and vegetables. 

Ovasitol is myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol, in a ratio of 40:1. This is the same ratio that's produced by the body, which could be why it's considered more effective than either myo-inositol or d-chiro inositol alone.

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What Does Ovasitol Do? 

Myo-inositol acts like a key player in how our cells communicate, especially for hormones like insulin (which controls blood sugar), FSH (important for fertility), and TSH (for thyroid function). It's crucial for normal cell growth, nerve development, bone health, and reproduction. Think of it as a vital messenger within our cells, helping things run smoothly.

Ovasitol and Insulin Sensitivity

Ovasitol may be particularly helpful for women with insulin sensitivity due to PCOS, diabetes 1 or 2, and other metabolic conditions. 

Ovasitol and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

A comprehensive study on Ovasitol has revealed potential benefits for women with PCOS, a common hormonal disorder. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. Treatment with Ovasitol been shown to:

• Significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
• Reduce male hormones like testosterone.
• Help restore regular ovulation and increase pregnancy rates.
• Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• It's also noted to be better tolerated than common medications like metformin for PCOS symptoms.

Myo-inositol and Diabetes Complications:

The study suggests that myo-inositol deficiency, often caused by high glucose levels, plays a role in common diabetic complications affecting the nerves (neuropathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and eyes (retinopathy), as well as cataracts. Supplementing with myo-inositol has shown promise in animal studies to prevent or reduce these issues, even in the presence of high blood sugar. It can also help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Comparison With Prescription Medications 

Metformin and pioglitazone are two medications which are considered the gold standard for improving insulin resistance in conditions like diabetes and PCOS. However, they come with a significant risk of side effects.

Animal studies suggest that myo-inositol is two times more effective for lowering glucose than these medications. 

Another meta-analysis looked at Myo-inositol and compared it to metformin. The analysis involved six trials with a total of 355 patients. The analysis found no difference between the two treatments on fasting insulin, testosterone, hormone changes, and body mass index (BMI). This means that both treatments were equally effective.

In addition, women taking metformin had a higher risk of side effects. The study goes on to conclude that Myoinositol is "more acceptable for the recovery of androgenic and metabolic profiles in PCOS women". In simple terms, this means that Myoinositol should be considered the better treatment option. 

Who Might Need More Myo-inositol?

There are several factors that can increase our body's need for myo-inositol or deplete its levels:

• Insulin Resistance and Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes): High blood sugar levels actually reduce the absorption and production of myo-inositol in the body, and cause more of it to be lost in urine. This creates a vicious cycle, as a lack of myo-inositol can then worsen insulin resistance.
• Aging: As we get older, our need for it increases.
• Lifestyle Factors: Regular caffeine (especially coffee), antibiotic use, high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, and even low sodium can deplete myo-inositol.
• Certain Medications: Lithium and valproic acid medications can deplete inositol.

Health Benefits of Ovasitol

The health benefits of Ovasitol go beyond managing PCOS symptoms. In fact, women who don't have PCOS may want to consider taking Ovasitol as well. 

Mental Health Support

Inositol has a link with serotonin (which makes you feel happy and calm) and dopamine (which makes you feel motivated). Inositol is a secondary messenger for serotonin. Researchers have proposed that it may work similarly to common SSRI antidepressants, which block the reuptake of serotonin, creating higher levels in the brain. This means Ovasitol could be beneficial for anxiety and depression.

One study shows that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) showed significant improvement in their mental health, including anxiety, depression, and overall mood when taking Ovasitol. 

Women with PCOS report a higher level of panic disorder, with 15% of PCOS sufferers experiencing the disorder. A few small studies have determined that women taking inositol, regardless of whether they have PCOS, have fewer panic attacks, and the attacks they do experience are less severe. 

While more research needs to be conducted on Ovasitol for mental health, the preliminary findings suggest its worth trying. 

Fertility and Reproductive Health 

Fertility concerns are common in the U.S. Ovasitol may help support reproductive health, particularly when you are trying to conceive. One study shows that myo-inositol supports fertility by improving egg quality, promoting mitochondrial health in egg cells, and supporting energy production. 

Because Ovasitol lowers androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, it can also help support regular period cycles and healthy ovarian function. 

Why Ovasitol Instead of Myo-inositol for PCOS?

In patients with PCOS, a paradox occurs. The ovaries are not insulin resistant, even though patients typically have insulin resistance and issues with ovulation. More myo-inositol is converted to D-inositol in the ovaries, which leads to higher D-inositol levels and lower myo-inositol levels in the ovaries, which causes dysfunction. At the same time, D-inositol levels in other areas of the body, like the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat, are often low. 

Combining myo-inositol and D-inositol in the form of Ovasitol helps address both these issues at the same time, increasing myo-inositol levels in the ovaries, and d-inositol levels in other areas of the body. 

Ovasitol Side Effects

As we've just learned, Ovasitol PCOS is generally well tolerated, and there's a much lower risk of side effects compared to metformin. However, there are some side effects you should be aware of. We'll start with the most common side effects, and then move on to side effects that are rare, but can occur. 

It's important to note that some side effects can overlap. For example, excessive sweating can be a side effect of Ovasitol, or it can be a symptom of low blood sugar. If you experience any side effects, particularly beyond gastrointestinal issues, mild headaches, and mild itching or skin irritation, it's a good idea to give your doctor a call. 

Gastrointestinal Issues

The most common Ovasitol side effects are gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and upset stomach. You may also experience loss of appetite. Most people report these issues resolving within a week or two of beginning Ovasitol. These effects are significantly less likely if you take Ovasitol as recommended, which is typically twice a day with a meal. 

Headaches

Headaches are another common side effect of Ovasitol. You may be more likely to experience headaches if you are prone to headaches. A higher dosage and medication interactions also increase the risk of headaches. 

Itching or Skin Irritation

Some people report itching or skin irritation after taking Ovasitol. It's important to note that mild itching or skin irritation is different from a severe allergic reaction, which we will discuss next.

Allergic Reactions

A severe allergic reaction rare, but is a medical emergency. It can lead to anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. If you experience intense itching or a rash over a large part of your body, you should contact your doctor or visit the hospital.

Other signs of a severe allergic reaction include: 

• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
•  Wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing or talking
•  Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

High or Low Blood Sugar

Generally, Ovasitol increases insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. However, both high and low blood sugar have been reported as a side effect. While rare, very high or low sugar levels can be life-threatening. 

Symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) include: 

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased thirst and frequent urination

Symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) include: 

• Shakiness
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Confusion and disorientation 
• Weakness and fatigue
• Mood symptoms including anxiety or irritability 
• Fast heart rate
• Slurred speech
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Loss of consciousness (hypoglycemic coma)

Liver Problems

Rarely, Ovasitol can cause liver problems.

Symptoms of liver problems include:

• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Stomach upset or loss of appetite
• Light-colored stools
• Yellow skin or eyes

Muscle Pain or Weakness

Muscle pain and weakness are also potential, but rare, side effects of Ovasitol. 

Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

Chest pain or shortness of breath are uncommon, but potential side effects associated with Ovasitol. 

Should You Consider Ovasitol Supplement?

If you have PCOS, diabetes, PMDD, or want to improve your fertility, Ovasitol is worth considering. While more research is needed, what we know so far suggests that Ovasitol is as effective as metformin for PCOS, with far fewer side effects. It also helps support your overall reproductive and mental health. 

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