PCOS: inositol, spearmint and what the trials show

1. 

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   Myo-inositol

   Supports more regular cycles and insulin sensitivity in PCOS.

   What the research shows: A 2023 meta-analysis (1,691 women) found regular periods were 1.79 times as likely with inositol as with placebo, with falls in testosterone and androstenedione. Effects on insulin resistance were smaller and less certain. (PMID 36703143, PMID 29042448)

   • Generally well tolerated; nausea and loose stools at higher amounts.
   • If you take diabetes medicines, monitor blood sugar when starting.
   • If you are trying to conceive or having fertility treatment, tell your clinician.

   In the studies

   • Trials gave mostly 1,000–4,000 mg of myo-inositol a day, with 4,000 mg (in two doses) used most often.

   A record of what researchers gave, in whom; not a dose for you.

   EvidenceBmoderate (Grade B)

   Quick pick · Momentous

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   Momentous Inositol

   myo-inositol (see label for mg per capsule)

   $29.99see label · price checked Oct 29, 2026 on Momentous’ site

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   $29.99

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   • 

     NOW Foods Inositol, 500 mg, 100 capsulesHerbsPro

     1 capsule: 500 mg inositol (myo-inositol); label directions 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily

     $8.36checked Oct 12, 2026 on HerbsPro’s site

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   • Offer terms from Momentous’ site, checked Oct 8, 2026. Offers can change; the brand's checkout is final.
2. 02Optional

   Spearmint tea

   Optional, cheap and pleasant. Small trials found lower free testosterone; visible hair changes were not confirmed.

   What the research shows: In 42 women with PCOS, spearmint tea lowered free and total testosterone over 30 days. Women rated their excess hair as improved, but clinicians measuring it with a standard scale did not see a significant change in that short time. (PMID 19585478)

   • Generally safe as a tea. Large amounts may worsen reflux.

   In the studies

   • The PCOS trial gave one cup of spearmint tea twice a day for 30 days.

   A record of what researchers gave, in whom; not a dose for you.

   EvidenceDpreliminary (Grade D)

   What to look for on the label

   Plain spearmint (Mentha spicata) tea bags or loose leaf; not peppermint, and not capsules.

   We only name brands we have vetted and work with; a specific pick will appear here once one is approved.

Listed picks above total $29.99 at one-time prices on the brands' own sites; most hold about a month of servings at the label's serving size.