PCOS and Insulin Resistance

Research performed over the past 20 years has suggested a link between PCOS and insulin resistance. It appears that a large number of women with PCOS have insulin resistance problems.

In fact, studies show that up to 30% of women with PCOS actually have insulin resistance. Because of this research, it has now been theorized that perhaps this condition is the root cause of PCOS.

But how does insulin resistance trigger PCOS? Well, when your body becomes resistant to insulin your pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin. Eventually, your body will produce too much insulin and this can trigger the production of excess androgens.

Androgens, like testosterone, are male hormones, which can interfere with ovulation, reproduction, and cause a number of PCOS symptoms.

Complications of Insulin Resistance

If you are suffering from PCOS it is a good idea to ask your health care provider to test you for insulin resistance. If left untreated, insulin resistance can lead to Type II diabetes, which can cause nerve damage, vision loss, kidney damage, and heart disease.

Treating PCOS and Insulin Resistance

It may be possible to treat your PCOS simply by treating your insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is commonly treated through medication. Metformin is a medication that helps to control glucose production in the liver, reducing your need for insulin. This should help to control androgen production and restore fertility.

 

Table of Contents
1. PCOS & Insulin Resistance
2. Are you insulin resistant?
 
 
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