Too much testosterone can cause insulin resistance and abdominal weight gain in women.
That’s why androgen excess is a factor in the weight gain associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and some types of birth control.
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.
4 Types of PCOS (a Flowchart)
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.
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.
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.