Myo-inositol (PCOS)
Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.
The verdict
Widely prescribed for PCOS, but Cochrane finds no high-quality evidence backing routine use.
An insulin-sensitizing compound widely prescribed to PCOS patients before IVF or ovulation induction.
What the evidence shows
Cochrane (13 trials, 1,472 subfertile women with PCOS): no high-quality evidence supports the now-common clinical practice of prescribing it, for live birth or adverse-effect outcomes.
Evidence tier
Cochrane review (weak)🔵 A Cochrane systematic review exists; evidence is low/very-low certainty.
Frequently asked questions
- It's widely prescribed for PCOS, but Cochrane (13 trials, 1,472 women) found no high-quality evidence backing routine use for live birth.
- No significant adverse-effect signal appeared in the trials, but 'no proven benefit' is the key point — discuss it as part of a PCOS plan.
- See our PCOS and fertility page for the wider picture.
Does myo-inositol help you get pregnant with PCOS?
Is it safe?
Myo-inositol for PCOS specifically?
Sources
Take this further
Sources last reviewed .