To treat PCOS, you need to know what’s driving it. In other words, you need to know the different types of PCOS.
You could have insulin-resistant PCOS, post-pill PCOS (which is temporary), inflammatory PCOS, or the far less common adrenal PCOS.
insulin resistance
The role of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in common menstrual problems such as PCOS, heavy periods, and perimenopause. Hyperinsulinemia or high insulin can impair ovulation and increase androgens in polycystic ovary syndrome. It can also cause progesterone deficiency, anovulatory cycles, and increase the thickness of the uterine lining contributing to heavy periods.
How Insulin and Testosterone Cause Weight Gain in Women
Struggling with hormonal weight gain around your middle? It’s a common problem with PCOS, menopause, and birth control, but it’s not caused by estrogen. In women, estrogen is beneficial for weight loss.
Instead, abdominal weight gain is caused by insulin, testosterone, and progestins with a “high androgen index.”
Here’s what you need to know.
Read moreHow Insulin and Testosterone Cause Weight Gain in Women
Is It PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (Undereating)?
What is the difference between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea?
PCOS is the condition of androgen excess when all other causes of androgen excess have been ruled out. It can be associated with irregular periods or no periods.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is the loss of periods due to undereating. It can also present with mild acne or facial hair.
Read moreIs It PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (Undereating)?
High-Dose Fructose Is a Major Driver of Insulin Resistance (But Fruit Is Okay)
High-dose fructose is a major driver of insulin resistance, abdominal weight gain, fatty liver, heavy periods, and PCOS.
That does not mean that fruit is a driver of those conditions because whole fruit contains a relatively small amount of fructose compared to high-dose fructose sweeteners like sucrose, syrup, honey, agave, coconut sugar, dates, dried fruit, and fruit juice. Fruit also provides beneficial nutrients and polyphenols that counterbalance the negative effects of fructose.
Read moreHigh-Dose Fructose Is a Major Driver of Insulin Resistance (But Fruit Is Okay)