Supplements with Evidence — CoQ10, DHEA, Inositol

Key Takeaways

• CoQ10, DHEA, and Inositol are three supplements with strong clinical evidence for hormone health, fertility, energy, and metabolic support.
• CoQ10 improves mitochondrial function and egg quality, especially for women in their mid-30s and beyond.
• DHEA is a precursor hormone that supports adrenal function, libido, mood, and fertility in select cases.
• Inositol (especially myo-inositol) is one of the strongest evidence-based supplements for PCOS, insulin support, and ovulatory health.
• These supplements are not “one-size-fits-all”—proper testing and personalized guidance matter.

Supplements are everywhere—but only a handful have strong scientific backing, especially when it comes to hormone balance, fertility, cellular energy, and metabolic health. Three of the most widely studied and clinically meaningful supplements are CoQ10, DHEA, and Inositol.

Whether you’re hoping to improve egg quality, support adrenal health, reduce PCOS symptoms, or boost overall vitality, these supplements offer measurable benefits when used appropriately.

Below, we break down how each one works, who benefits most, and what the research actually says.

Supplements with Evidence — CoQ10, DHEA, Inositol

CoQ10: The Mitochondrial Powerhouse

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of the human body. It plays a central role in energy production and cellular repair.

Benefits of CoQ10

• Improves egg quality: Especially important for women 35+
• Enhances mitochondrial function: Key for energy and cell health
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
• Improves sperm motility and morphology in men

Who Should Consider CoQ10?

• Women planning pregnancy after age 30
• People undergoing IVF or fertility treatments
• Individuals with low energy or fatigue
• Those with cardiovascular concerns
• Anyone on statins (which reduce CoQ10 levels)

Typical Dosage

200–600 mg/day of Ubiquinol (more bioavailable form)

DHEA: The Adrenal Support & Precursor Hormone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone primarily produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor for estrogen and testosterone.

Benefits of DHEA

• Improves ovarian reserve in select fertility patients
• Supports adrenal balance, especially under chronic stress
• Boosts energy, libido, and mood
• Helps with age-related hormonal decline
• Improves bone density and metabolism (in some cases)

Who Should Use DHEA?

• Women with low DHEA-S on testing
• Those with adrenal fatigue symptoms
• Some IVF patients with diminished ovarian reserve
• Perimenopausal and menopausal women needing hormonal support

Important Warning

DHEA should only be taken under medical supervision. Too much can cause acne, hair loss, irritability, or androgenic symptoms.

Typical Dosage

5–25 mg/day (personalized based on labs)

Inositol: The Hormone & Metabolic Regulator

Inositol (especially myo-inositol) is one of the most researched supplements for women’s reproductive and metabolic health.

Benefits of Inositol

• Regulates menstrual cycles
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Supports ovulation in women with PCOS
• Reduces androgens (testosterone)
• Improves egg quality and ovarian response
• Supports mood and reduces anxiety
• May aid weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes

Who Should Consider Inositol?

• Women with PCOS
• Women with irregular cycles
• Anyone with insulin resistance
• Patients preparing for IVF
• Individuals with anxiety or mood instability

Typical Dosage

2,000–4,000 mg/day combined myo-inositol + D-chiro inositol (40:1 ratio)

Case Study: Targeted Supplement Protocol for PCOS & Infertility

Patient: Keisha, 31
Symptoms: Irregular cycles, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance
Diagnosis: PCOS

Approach

• Hormone panel + metabolic labs
• Supplements introduced:

• • CoQ10 (300 mg/day)

  • Myo-inositol + D-chiro inositol

  • Low-dose DHEA based on lab-confirmed deficiency

• Nutrition and lifestyle coaching

Outcome

Within 4 months:

• Cycles became regular
• Significant improvement in ovulation
• Acne decreased
• Weight stabilized
• Improved insulin markers
• Pregnant naturally at month 7

Result

A targeted supplement plan combined with medical oversight produced measurable hormonal and metabolic improvements.

Testimonials

“CoQ10 made a dramatic difference in my IVF cycle. My embryo quality improved noticeably.”
— Andrea, 39

“Inositol finally regulated my cycle after years of PCOS symptoms. It felt like magic.”
— Ritu, 29

“DHEA gave me my energy back. I didn’t realize how depleted I was until I felt normal again.”
— Jessica, 47

Expert Quote

“When used strategically, evidence-based supplements like CoQ10, DHEA, and Inositol can transform fertility, metabolic health, and hormonal balance. But personalization is essential—testing first creates safer, more effective outcomes.”
— Dr. Rashmi Gulati

Resource Links

• Hormone replacement therapy guide
• Hormone Testing
• Womens hormone health
• Fertility support
• Pcos treatment
• Adrenal health

Glossary

• CoQ10: A mitochondrial antioxidant that improves cellular energy and egg quality.
• DHEA: Precursor hormone from the adrenal glands; supports testosterone and estrogen production.
• Inositol: Vitamin-like compound essential for insulin regulation and ovarian function.
• Mitochondria: The “power plants” of cells responsible for energy production.
• Insulin resistance: Condition where cells don’t respond well to insulin, affecting metabolism and ovulation.
• PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormonal condition affecting ovulation, metabolism, and androgens.

FAQ

Q. Is CoQ10 really effective for egg quality?

Ans : Yes. Multiple studies show that CoQ10 improves mitochondrial activity in ovarian cells, which supports better egg development. As women age, mitochondrial efficiency declines—CoQ10 helps restore energy production, leading to improved egg quality and embryo outcomes, especially in IVF.

Q. Should everyone take DHEA?

Ans : No. DHEA is a hormone and should only be taken with medical supervision. It is extremely effective for people who are deficient but harmful in those with normal or high levels. Excess DHEA can increase testosterone, causing acne, hair loss, and mood changes.

Q. What’s the difference between CoQ10 and Ubiquinol?

Ans : Ubiquinol is the active, reduced form of CoQ10. It is more easily absorbed, especially in adults over 35. Most fertility specialists recommend Ubiquinol for maximum benefit.

Q. Can Inositol replace metformin?

Ans : For many patients with PCOS, myo-inositol offers similar improvements in insulin sensitivity without the side effects of metformin. Some patients use both under medical guidance.

Q. Can men take CoQ10 or Inositol?

Ans : Yes.

• CoQ10 improves sperm motility, morphology, and energy.
• Inositol supports sperm health and metabolic balance.
  DHEA should be used more cautiously and only after lab testing.

Q. How long does it take for these supplements to work?

Ans : Most people notice benefits within 6–12 weeks.
For fertility, improvements in egg quality often require 2–3 months because that is how long an egg takes to mature.

Q. Are these supplements safe during pregnancy?

Ans : CoQ10 and Inositol are often continued during preconception, but their use during pregnancy should be decided by a provider. DHEA is typically discontinued once pregnancy is confirmed.

Q. Can these supplements help with weight loss?

Ans : Inositol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces cravings, stabilizes blood sugar, and may help weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
CoQ10 may improve energy and metabolism.
DHEA may support lean muscle, but only when medically appropriate.

Q. Which supplement is best for PCOS?

Ans : Inositol (especially myo-inositol + D-chiro) is the top evidence-based supplement for PCOS. CoQ10 is a strong addition for metabolic and fertility support.

Q. Can I combine all three supplements?

Ans : Yes—when prescribed appropriately.
Many patients use a combination of CoQ10 + Inositol, with DHEA added only based on hormone testing.

Q. Are there side effects?

• CoQ10: Very well tolerated; occasional mild GI upset.
• Inositol: Extremely safe; may cause mild gas initially.
• DHEA: Higher risk if misused—acne, irritability, oily skin, hair growth, or hormone imbalance.

Q. Do I need lab testing before starting?

Ans : For CoQ10 and Inositol, testing is not required but helpful.
For DHEA, testing is mandatory to avoid hormonal side effects and ensure the dose is correct.