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

Zeng L, Yang K

Endocrine, 2018

573 participants

Abstract

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.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 573 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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