D-Chiro-Inositol FAQ http://www.chiralbalance.com/faq Yes, Oral Contraceptive Pills do not interfere with the function of DCI or vice versa. However, taking OCP masks many of the symptoms of PCOS and can make it difficult to evaluate whether DCI is having the desired effects. Always consult your physician before discontinuing a birth control regimen. http://www.chiralbalance.com/faq/article/Can_I_Take_my_Oral_Contraceptive_while_I_m_using_Chiral_Balance_D-chiro-inositol.htm 11th Aug,2009 Spironolactone (brand names: aldactone, spiractin etc.) is an aldosterone antagonist and moderates responsiveness to androgens as well. It is often prescribed to manage some of the symptoms of PCOS related to hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, androgenic alopecia and acne. It is a potent anti-diuretic. Its anti-androgenic effects are secondary and result from competitively binding to androgen receptors thereby preventing testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from acting. It has numerous side-effects.D-chiro-inositol (DCI) addresses hyperandrogenism is an entirely different way. The insulin resistance commonly associated with PCOS is the cause of hyperandrogenism, and DCI address this at its root. By restoring insulin sensitivity, androgen levels come down to within normal range and symptoms diminish.Spironolactone addresses the symptoms of elevated testosterone and DCI addresses its etiology. Their very distinct mechanisms suggest little likelihood for interaction. Consequently, DCI may obviate spironolactone altogether. http://www.chiralbalance.com/faq/article/Is_it_Safe_to_Take_Spironolactone_and_D-chiro-inositol.htm 25th Jun,2009 Thiazolidinediones, such as Actos and Avandia, are sometimes used to address the insulin resistance commonly associated with PCOS. Called TZD drugs or glitazones for short, these drugs are a second-line therapy and are typically tried after Metformin. Avandia and Metformin are sometimes prescribed simultaneously as the combination drug Avandamet. They act by binding to PPARs and modulating transcription of insulin-sensitive genes related to metabolism. In a sense, these drugs circumvent the steps of insulin signal transduction that are dysfunctional in insulin resistance. TZD drugs have numerous side-effects.D-chiro-inositol (DCI) addresses insulin resistance in a different way, by ensuring the body has sufficient DCI to respond to insulin normally, as there is some evidence that women with PCOS are deficient in DCI.DCI addresses the putative cause of insulin resistance whereas TZD drugs address the symptoms. DCI has no known side effects and consequently may obviate a TZD drug entirely. http://www.chiralbalance.com/faq/article/Is_it_Safe_to_Take_TZD_drugs_and_Chiral_Balance_D-Chiro-inositol.htm 25th Jun,2009 Metformin (brand names: glucophage, glumetza, fortamet, riomet etc.) is a front-line drug in addressing the insulin resistance commonly associated with PCOS. This drug inhibits gluconeogenesis and may strengthen the interaction between insulin and its receptors, thereby enhancing the insulin response. For some people, it effectively normalizes insulin sensitivity and can promote ovulation. Metformin has numerous side-effects.D-chiro-inositol (DCI) addresses insulin resistance in a slightly different way, by ensuring the body has sufficient DCI to respond to to insulin normally, as there is some evidence that women with PCOS are deficient in DCI. Not surprisingly, DCI has no side-effects. DCI addresses the putative cause of insulin resistance whereas Metformin addresses the symptoms. Consequently, no interaction between the DCI and Metformin is expected and they could concievably exhibit synergy. Indeed many people take both Metformin and DCI with no adverse reactions, although DCI may obviate Metformin entirely. http://www.chiralbalance.com/faq/article/Is_it_safe_to_take_Metformin_and_Chiral_Balance_D-chiro-inositol.htm 25th Jun,2009