The relevance of inositols treatment for PCOS before and during ART

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that occurs in 8-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by oligo or anovulation, hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovaries, but also by an increased insulin plasma level especially in overweight/obese women or in those with familial diabetes. In the last years, among the insulin sensitizers, the use of the two active isoforms of inositols (myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol) has been spreading for the treatment of PCOS insulin resistance. Several studies have shown a positive role of inositols both on the metabolic profile of PCOS patients, but also on hormonal parameters. Hence, inositols can positively affect the infertility that characterizes many PCOS patients, acting both on ovarian function and spontaneous ovulation and during IVF procedures, in terms of oocyte quality and pregnancy rate.