PCOS and insulin resistance go hand in hand in a staggering 80% of sufferers.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is also known as the acronyn PCOS. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to transport sugar into the cells, assisting in producing energy for your body.
The modern diet is high in processed carbohydrates, especially sugary foods, which cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This places undue stress on the action of insulin as high amounts are released to keep the level of glucose in the bloodstream from spiraling out of control. Over time this situation leads to insulin resistance syndrome, a common condition where your body is no longer able to control your blood sugar levels.
Fatigue, weight gain and sugar cravings are the common signs of insulin resistance syndrome. These symptoms result when the cells stop responding to the increased insulin and the liver starts converting unused blood sugar into body fat.
Pharmaceutical medications such as metformin, clomid and the oral contraceptive pill are often prescribed to help correct insulin resistance.
A Naturopath or nutritionist will recommend a targeted, wholefood, balanced diet for PCOS alongside supplements and herbs.
The link between PCOS and insulin resistance
Under stress, your adrenal glands weaken and this in turn affects all of your hormones, including insulin. Insulin becomes more sensitive and this stimulates androgen (male hormone) production from the adipose tissue, ovaries and adrenals. Under chronic stress, excess cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands, triggering the release of elevated levels of prolactin and a sympathetic nervous system response. Prolactin reduces production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and elevates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), worsening the scenario for women with PCOS.
This can result in:
- Cells responding poorly to insulin stimulation
- The pancreas producing large amounts of insulin
- An increased risk of developing diabetes
- Obesity and weight gain
- Ovaries that are sensitive to insulin
- High testosterone and high LH (luteninising hormone), which stop follicles from maturing
- Hirsutism (excess hair growth)
- Acne
- Cholesterol problems – high LDL, low HDL
- Food cravings.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates leads to insulin resistance syndrome, putting you at risk of developing PCOS.
Good news for PCOS
Indeed, there is good news! Since PCOS and insulin resistance are so closely connected, it makes sense to follow a suitable PCOS diet plan targeting this major contributing factor to PCOS.The Natural PCOS Diet was written myself in response to hundreds of patients over the years telling me to put down on paper my expertise and success in treating PCOS naturally.
The Natural PCOS Diet is for anyone with PCOS, regardless if you have insulin resistance associated with it, or not. This e-book outlines the most suitable diet to follow, recommended supplements, herbs and other lifestyle tips to help you overcome and manage your PCOS symptoms naturally.
The bonus free e-book, The Natural PCOS Cookbook provides excellent, balanced wholefood recipes targeting the symptoms of PCOS. Daily sample menu plans and weekly menu plans are also provided in this bonus e-book.
Read more on PCOS
- What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Oestrogen dominance & PCOS
- Hirsutism and PCOS
- The Natural PCOS Diet
- Diet, supplements and herbs for PCOS