Lara Briden - The Period Revolutionary
Leading the change to better periods
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.
Phytoestrogens are a special group of phytonutrients that occur naturally in most plant foods. The two major classes are isoflavones in soy, and lignans in seeds, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
They’re called phytoestrogens because they interact with estrogen receptors but they’re not estrogen. In fact, they bind so weakly to estrogen receptors that they effectively block estradiol and are therefore better classified as ANTI-estrogen.
Struggling with hormonal weight gain around your middle? It’s a common problem with PCOS and menopause but it’s not caused by estrogen.
In women, estrogen is beneficial for weight loss. The abdominal weight gain of PCOS and menopause is more likely to be caused by insulin and testosterone.
Let’s take a closer look.
Read moreThe Role of Insulin and Testosterone in the Weight Gain of PCOS and Menopause
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.
If you’ve lost your period, you may have noticed it’s tough to get the right diagnosis.
First, you’re told you have the hormonal condition PCOS, but then you’re told you might have hypothalamic amenorrhea.
What is the difference between PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea?