14 papers reviewed
PCOS - Functional/Restorative Approaches
2024 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 1 of 14
Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to Inform the 2023 Update of the International Evidence-based PCOS Guidelines
Pundir J et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Evidence suggests benefits for myo-inositol/DCI for some metabolic measures and potential benefits for ovulation. However, PCOS guidelines note evidence is limited and inconclusive for clinical recommendation.
Read the paper ↗2026 · umbrella review · 2 of 14
Effects of inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an umbrella review of meta-analyzes from randomized controlled trials
Various · Frontiers in Endocrinology
Umbrella review synthesizing multiple meta-analyzes on inositol for PCOS. Confirms modest benefits for metabolic parameters and ovulation but highlights heterogeneity across studies.
Read the paper ↗2019 · RCT · 3 of 14
The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios
Nordio M, Proietti E · European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
The 40:1 MI/DCI ratio was the best for restoring ovulation and normalizing PCOS parameters across 7 different ratios tested. Higher DCI concentrations decreased efficacy (the 'DCI paradox').
Read the paper ↗2022 · RCT · 4 of 14
Study on the effect of berberine, myoinositol, and metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized study
Rondanelli M et al. · Cureus
Prospective RCT comparing berberine, myoinositol, and metformin for PCOS. No statistically significant differences between berberine and metformin for fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, or testosterone after 12 weeks.
Read the paper ↗2021 · network meta-analysis · 5 of 14
Comparative efficacy of oral insulin sensitizers metformin, thiazolidinediones, inositol, and berberine in improving endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with PCOS: a network meta-analysis
Xie L et al. · Reproductive Health
Network meta-analysis comparing insulin sensitizers for PCOS. Berberine showed comparable improvements to metformin in menstrual cyclicity, testosterone reduction, and LH/FSH ratio improvement.
Read the paper ↗2026 · case-control · 6 of 14
Adjunctive berberine improves hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective case-control study
Various · Frontiers in Endocrinology
Berberine as adjunctive therapy improved hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory markers in PCOS, with milder GI side effects than metformin, improving patient compliance.
Read the paper ↗2018 · RCT · 7 of 14
Effect of a low glycemic index diet on polycystic ovary syndrome and anovulation: a randomized controlled trial
Marsh KA et al. · Clinical Endocrinology (published via PubMed)
Low glycemic index diet resulted in 24.6% ovulatory cycles vs 7.4% in normal GI diet (p=0.014) in 37 anovulatory women with PCOS over 3 months.
Read the paper ↗2021 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 8 of 14
The effect of low glycemic index diet on the reproductive and clinical profile in women with PCOS: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Various · Heliyon
Meta-analysis of 8 articles (412 individuals) examining low-GI diet effects on PCOS. Results showed improvements in metabolic and reproductive parameters.
Read the paper ↗2021 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 9 of 14
N-acetyl-cysteine as adjuvant therapy in female infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Various · Reproductive Sciences (PubMed)
NAC supplementation showed statistically insignificant improvements in clinical pregnancy and ovulation rates overall, but can be an effective adjuvant in PCOS infertility, especially in women with high BMI and insulin resistance.
Read the paper ↗2023 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 10 of 14
The effects of N-acetylcysteine on ovulation and sex hormones profile in women with PCOS: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Various · British Journal of Nutrition
NAC may reduce circulating testosterone levels in PCOS women. Combined with inositol, NAC significantly increased ovulation rate. Less efficacious than metformin but with fewer side effects.
Read the paper ↗2017 · RCT · 11 of 14
N-acetyl cysteine in ovulation induction of PCOS women underwent intrauterine insemination: An RCT
Various · International Journal of Fertility & Sterility
NAC increased average number of ovulatory follicles >18mm and peak endometrial thickness in PCOS women undergoing IUI.
Read the paper ↗2023 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 12 of 14
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on ovulation and pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Liu L et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology
Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and matured oocyte rate compared to controls. Testosterone, LH, and FSH also decreased.
Read the paper ↗2025 · post-hoc analysis of RCT · 13 of 14
Ovulatory recovery following weight loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity: a post hoc analysis of the BAMBINI randomized controlled trial
Various · Human Reproduction
All participants who achieved 10-15% total weight loss recovered ovulation. 5% weight loss threshold associated with significant improvements in SHBG, free testosterone, and menstrual function.
Read the paper ↗2024 · cohort · 14 of 14
Resumption of ovulation in anovulatory women with PCOS and obesity is associated with reduction of 11beta-hydroxyandrostenedione concentrations
Various · Human Reproduction
Modest weight reduction (2-5%) restored ovulation in 50% of anovulatory women. A 72% rate of menstrual cycle resumption was seen in PCOS patients with overweight on caloric restriction and exercise.
Read the paper ↗A paper's presence documents the evidence reviewed; it does not mean Filia endorses every intervention or conclusion.