Does MYO and ALA Supplementation Improve PCOS Outcomes?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of myoinositol (MYO) and α-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on hormonal and metabolic markers in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 58 women aged between 18-40 years who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. The case group (n = 29) received MYO (2000 mg/day) and ALA (400 mg/day) supplements, while the control group (n = 29) did not receive any treatment. Data on the subjects' anthropometric measures, glycemic indices, sex hormones, and lipid profiles were collected. Results: The results demonstrated that, following three months of MYO + ALA supplementation, the case group exhibited steady body weight (p = 0.484) and BMI (p = 0.405), whereas the control group demonstrated a significant increase in both (p = 0.029; p = 0.026, respectively). A stratified analysis based on BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio revealed that HbA1c (%) was significantly lower in the "normal" subgroup compared to the "risky" subgroup within the case group (p < 0.05). Although the mean HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR values were comparable between the two groups, the LH/FSH ratio significantly increased in the control group (p = 0.010). No significant differences were observed in the lipid profiles between the two groups; however, LDL levels decreased significantly in the case group (p = 0.024). Across all classifications, the "normal" subgroup consistently exhibited lower HbA1c and TG/HDL ratios than the "risky" subgroup. Conclusions: Adding MYO + ALA supplementation to standard PCOS treatment may offer metabolic benefits, particularly in maintaining glycemic control, body weight, and BMI. Supplementation also reduces LDL.