FertilOva

Myo-inositol, the main ingredient in FertilOva, is present in every living cell and has many important functions. One important role is being part of the ‘second messenger’ system for Insulin (1). Myo-inositol is involved in the signal of insulin from the insulin receptor – particularly important for patients with insulin resistance. It also promotes normal hormone levels, which in turn promotes regular menstrual cycles and normal ovulatory function.

Folic acid, the other ingredient in FertilOva™ is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-group vitamins. Folic acid plays a key role in the metabolism of amino acids in the protein and fusion and recovery of chromosomes and therefore is a key factor for normal cell division and tissue growth.

Research shows that taking Inositol helps to improve the function of the ovaries and metabolic disorders associated with Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome. Between 65%- 80% of patients with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the response to insulin is sub-optimal. This condition is thought to contribute to a number of other issues related to PCOS, such as metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance, androgenic symptoms and diabetes in pregnancy. PCOS patients have a higher risk than normal of developing the metabolic syndrome; a mix of conditions including weight gain, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia.

Approximately one third to one half of all women and adolescent girls with PCOS have the metabolic syndrome. A recent RCOG ‘green top’ guideline advises doctors to inform patients with PCOS of such long-term health consequences. Such patients have considerable long-term health risks and the evidence for using the ingredients in FertilOva in these patients is compelling.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is so-called because women with this condition usually have polycystic ovaries. The term describes ovaries that contain about twice the normal number of small cysts, which are usually no bigger than 8 mm each. They are located just below the surface of the ovaries and are egg-containing follicles that have not developed properly due to a number of hormonal abnormalities. Women with PCOS may also have one or more additional symptoms including:

• reduced fertility – difficulty becoming pregnant
• irregular periods or no periods / irregular ovulation or no ovulation
• increased risk of developing diabetes or high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) during pregnancy
• weight problems – being overweight, rapid weight gain, difficulty losing weight
• skin problems including oily skin, acne
• unwanted facial or body hair (hirsutism) / thinning hair or hair loss (alopecia)

PCOS is very common, affecting 5%–10 % of women. A larger group of women (~ 20%) have polycystic ovaries (PCO) without the other symptoms listed above. PCOS affects millions of women in the UK and worldwide and runs in families. It is one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women if not properly managed, can lead to additional health problems in later life and can affect a woman’s appearance and self-esteem.

PCOS affects women in different ways Some women may have few, mild symptoms while others may have a wider range of more severe symptoms. The symptoms usually start in adolescence, although some women do not develop them until their early to mid-twenties.

Myo-Inositol, Maltodextrin, Flavour – Orange (Orange Flavourings, Starch), Silicon Dioxide, Sweetener Sucralose E955, Folic Acid.

	Av. Per Day (2 x Sachets)	* % RI
Myo-Inositol	4000mg
Folic Acid	400µg	200

Energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate content negligible.

1. Results from the International Consensus Conference on myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in Obstetrics and Gynaecology – assisted reproduction technology. Bevilacqua, Carlomagno et alGynecol Endocrinol, 2015; Early online: 1-6
2. Effects of myo-inositol in women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials Gynecological Endocrinology, 2012; Early Online 1–7
3. Contribution of myo-inositol to reproduction, Papaleo et al, European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 147 (2009) 120–123
4. Effects of myo-inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial, Gerli et al, European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2003; 7: 151-159
5. Ovulation induction with myo-inositol alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with insulin resistance, Kamenov et al, Gynecological Endocrinology 2015, Vol 31, – Issue 2, pp131-135
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7. Follicular fluid and serum concentrations of myo-inositol in patients undergoing IVF: relationship with oocyte quality. Chiu et al, Hum Rep 2002, vol17, No 6, pp 1591 – 1596,
8. Pre-treatment with myo-inositol in non-polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing multiple follicular stimulation for IVF: a pilot study, Lisi et al, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2012,10:52
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