Insulin is a hormone and Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition. Read on to explore their relationship.

PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. PCOS occurs when there is a disruption to the ovaries that impairs the follicles ability to mature and released an egg for ovulation.

In PCOS, follicles try to mature but they are only able to reach a ‘teenage’ growth phase. If this happens over and over again it causes the ovary to appear as though it has multiple (poly) stunted follicles (cyst).

It is normal for follicles to appear on the ovaries around the time of ovulation. What makes this condition more complex is that ‘’not all women with PCOS have multiple cysts, and not all women who have multiple cysts have PCOS’’, read that again…

Also, the term cyst is not a typical cyst, rather an immature follicle that contains an egg. That is why it is important to note associated signs and symptoms.

Normal Ovaries Ultrasound

Normal Ovaries Ultrasound

Polycystic Ovaries Ultrasound

PCOS ovaries ultrasound

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main symptoms associated with PCOS include; irregular or absent period, impaired fertility, acne, hirsutism (excess body hair), scalp hair loss, weight gain and mood changes.

Diagnosis of PCOS is based upon 2 out of the following 3 listed signs or symptoms (after excluding other possible causes):

  1. Oligomenorrhea and/or anovulation

Infrequent periods and/or an inability to release an egg from the ovaries

  1. Biochemical and/or clinical signs of hyperandrogenism

Testing of hormones or signs of acne, hirsutism, hair loss

  1. Polycystic Ovaries

More than 12 follicles detected in each ovary via ultrasound.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, it is important to understand how your dietary choices can influence your health. For example, insulin is a hormone that plays a big role in the development and continuation of PCOS. It is estimated that 30-40% of people with PCOS also have insulin resistance, and those with PCOS are at an increased risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

Insulin is released in response to consumption/release of sugars. Insulin helps maintain a health blood sugar level. Too much insulin causes the body to overproduce male hormones known as androgens.

So how can we reduce insulin levels?

Limit High Glycemic Index Foods

  • Simple carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, soft drink, pastries, cereals, fruit juice.

Increase Low Glycemic Index Foods

  • Fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates (good oils, nuts, grains, vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, meats, eggs, cheese, seafood).

What effects the Glycemic Index of food?

  • Processed and refined: if it comes from a packet with a zillion ingredients, chances are this carbohydrate will be high GI.
  • Combination: a bowl of plain rice eaten alone will have a high GI, whilst rice eaten in combination with healthy fats and proteins will decrease the GI of that meal. Check out my other blog post on PCOS friendly snacks.

Who is a low glycemic index diet suitable for?

  • People with insulin resistance, diabetes, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, abdominal weight gain, acne and more.

The relationship between PCOS and insulin is fascinating, and one that shouldn’t be ignored in the holistic management of  PCOS.

For more information, visit the very informative Jean Hailes Website

2 replies

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] my post “THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PCOS AND INSULIN” I discuss the importance of eating balanced meals which include healthy fats (avocado), […]

  2. […] you read my other post about the relationship between Insulin and PCOS, you would know how much of an influence our dietary choices can have on hormone health. Diets high […]

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to receive free hormone resources