The Link Between PCOS and Insulin Resistance: Explained

Did you know that approximately 65-70% of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance?

PCOS and Insulin Resistance are in fact intimately linked, with a complex relationship where they influence each other. Understanding this link is vital when it comes to managing and treating PCOS effectively. By recognizing how insulin resistance affects PCOS, we can take important steps towards improving our health and well-being.

In this article, we'll dive into the details of this connection, exploring the close relationship between PCOS and insulin resistance to get a better understanding of what is really going on...

Insulin Resistance: A Key Player

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy production. 

When the cells become resistant (less responsive) to insulin, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels in the blood - this is called hyperinsulinemia.

How PCOS and Insulin Resistance Influence Each Other

• Hormonal Imbalances:

Insulin resistance leads to hormonal imbalances. This is because high levels of insulin stimulate the ovaries to produce excessive androgens (like testosterone), which in turn disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, causing irregular or absent periods, ovarian cysts and hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the body and face).

• Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight:

Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain and make it difficult for women with PCOS to lose weight. Insulin is also involved in regulating fat storage and metabolism, where a resistance to insulin can lead to increased fat accumulation, particularly in the midsection.

• Glucose and Blood Sugar Regulation:

Insulin resistance impairs the body's ability to regulate glucose and maintain stable blood sugar levels. This can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, which, over time, may result in the development of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing these conditions due to the combined effects of insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

Managing PCOS and Insulin Resistance

Luckily there are several strategies that can help improving insulin sensitivity and alleviate the symptoms associated with insulin resistance:

• Lifestyle Modifications:

Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and reducing stress are key components to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate hormone levels.

• Supplements:

Inositol has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity significantly, without the side effects of medications like Metformin (stay tuned for the launch of our unique Inositol supplement blend here!).

• Insulin-Sensitising Medication:

Insulin-sensitising medications such as metformin, may be prescribed to enhance insulin sensitivity. However, many women experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

While improving insulin sensitivity is super important, I totally understand if it feels overwhelming. My advice is to take one step at a time, rather than trying to change your whole lifestyle in one day. 

Start small, and slowly but surely add more positive changes to your life as you go along. This will make it so much easier to stick with your new habits.

FAQs about PCOS and Insulin Resistance:

• What percentage of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance?

Approximately 65-70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance.

• How does insulin resistance affect PCOS?

Insulin resistance leads to hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS. Elevated insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce excessive androgens, disrupting the normal menstrual cycle and causing symptoms like irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and hirsutism (excessive hair growth).

• Can insulin resistance contribute to weight gain in women with PCOS?

Yes, insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain. It can impair fat storage and metabolism, leading to increased fat accumulation, especially in the midsection. This makes it difficult for women with PCOS to lose weight.

• How does insulin resistance affect glucose and blood sugar regulation?

Insulin resistance impairs the body's ability to regulate glucose and maintain stable blood sugar levels. This can result in elevated blood glucose levels over time, increasing the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, especially in women with PCOS.

• What lifestyle modifications can help improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS?

Regular exercise, following a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and reducing stress are key lifestyle modifications that can improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS. These changes can also help regulate hormone levels.

• Are there any supplements that can improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS?

Yes, inositol has been shown to significantly improve insulin sensitivity without the side effects of medications like Metformin. Inositol supplements can be beneficial for women with PCOS.

• What are the potential side effects of insulin-sensitising medication like Metformin?

Common side effects of insulin-sensitising medications like Metformin include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, individual experiences may vary.

• Is it necessary to make drastic lifestyle changes to improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS?

No, it's not necessary to make drastic changes all at once. Taking small steps and gradually incorporating positive changes into your lifestyle is recommended. This approach makes it easier to stick with new habits and improve insulin sensitivity over time.

• How important is it to manage insulin resistance in PCOS?

Managing insulin resistance is crucial for women with PCOS. By improving insulin sensitivity, it becomes possible to alleviate symptoms associated with insulin resistance, regulate hormone levels, and reduce the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

• What can women with PCOS do to take control of their health?

Women with PCOS can take control of their health by adopting a holistic approach. This includes making lifestyle modifications, considering supplements like inositol, and working closely with healthcare professionals to manage insulin resistance and its impact on PCOS.