Effectiveness of myoinositol for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To assess the effectiveness and safety of myoinositol for patients with PCOS. Methods In this meta-analysis, data from randomized controlled trials are obtained to assess the effects of myoinositol vs. placebo or western medicine in women with PCOS. The study's registration number is CRD42017064563. The primary outcomes included total testosterone, estradiol (E2) and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance. Result Ten trials involving 573 patients were included. The meta- analysis results show that: compared with the control group, myoinositol may improve HOMA index (WMD -0.65; 95% CI - 1.02, -0.28; P = 0. 0005) and increase the E2 level (WMD 16.16; 95% CI 2.01, 30.31; P = 0. 03); while there is no enough strong evidence that the myoinositol has an effect on the total testosterone level (WMD - 16.11; 95% CI - 46.08, 13.86; P = 0. 29). Conclusion Based on current evidence, myoinositol may be recommended for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance, as well as for improving symptoms caused by decreased estrogen in PCOS.