Using inositol to improve reproductive and metabolic health in women with PCOS
Official title: Inositol Supplementation to Treat Reproductive and Metabolic Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double Blind RCT (INSUPP-PCOS)
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11167238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking inositol might help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by checking its effects on hormone levels and overall health over three months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $403,288 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AT009484-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome who are experiencing reproductive and metabolic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have polycystic ovary syndrome or those who are not experiencing reproductive or metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of inositol supplementation on women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause reproductive and metabolic issues. The study involves a double-blind, randomized clinical trial where participants will receive either inositol or a placebo over a three-month period. The goal is to assess how different doses of inositol can impact hormone levels and metabolic health in women with PCOS. Participants will be monitored for changes in serum testosterone levels and other health markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new dietary supplement option for women with PCOS to help manage their symptoms and improve their reproductive and metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with inositol supplementation in managing symptoms of PCOS, making this study a continuation of exploring its efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Legro, Richard S. — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Legro, Richard S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence
This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
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Using inositol to improve reproductive and metabolic health in women with PCOS
This study is looking at how taking inositol might help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by checking if it can improve hormone levels and insulin response over three months.
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Genetically Validated PCOS Subtypes for Better Diagnosis and Risk Stratification
Aimed at women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this project uses genetic data and patient characteristics to define distinct PCOS subtypes and improve how we diagnose and estimate risk.
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SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility
A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.
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TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
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Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition
A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.