The use of inositol stereoisomers for the treatment of patients with clinical and biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism

Abstract

For many years, the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) with antiandrogenic effects was the main treatment of clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At the same time, the creation of an alternative therapy regimen for patients who have contraindications to taking hormonal drugs, as well as planning pregnancy, is obvious. Various combinations of inositol stereoisomers (myoinositol ― MI, and D-chiro-inositol ― DCI) are being actively studied. The review reflects the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis of hyperinsulinemia and androgen-dependent dermatological manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome. The mechanisms of action of inositols at the molecular level are normalization of carbohydrate metabolism in the body and the reduction of hyperinsulinemia, as well as the levels of male sex hormones in PCOS. A comparative analysis of studies with various combinations of inositols was conducted on the effectiveness of treatment of clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism and acne. The use of MI in conjunction with DCI reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and improves the endocrine profile and manifestations of insulin resistance, but further multicenter studies on this problem are required.