Insulin resistance and PCOS

  

                 Insulin resistance has long been linked to PCOS and this is something that causes a lot of anxiety in women experiencing the symptoms of polycystic ovaries (PCOS). If this is you, your reaction is understandable considering how the word “insulin” is automatically associated with “diabetes” in the minds of many.

However, it is not diabetes alone that should trigger your concern. There are actually numerous symptoms that are linked to having PCOS insulin resistance. To understand better, it’s best to find out the role that insulin plays in your body, and what insulin resistance can do when it’s present as a part of PCOS.

Quick Facts About Insulin

     1-  Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach.-

The role of insulin is to act on muscle cells and fat cells, making them absorb glucose (sugar) whenever your blood sugar content becomes elevated.

2- Insulin is also responsible for making the ovaries produce testosterone. Although testosterone is known to be a male hormone, both men and women need and benefit from it. Among other useful things, testosterone helps to maintain bone and muscle mass. It also powers up your libido or sex drive.

3- Insulin resistance causes your body’s cells to not be able to use the insulin the way it normally would. Consequently, more is produced in an effort to maintain normal blood sugar levels and the result is having abnormally high insulin levels.

Potential Problems with PCOS and Insulin Resistance

One problem with having a high level of insulin in your body is that it can cause the ovaries to produce excessive testosterone. Too much testosterone and insulin combined will disrupt the normal follicle development in the ovaries. This disruption, in turn, causes ovulatory problems, which affects the regularity of menstrual periods. It also greatly reduces fertility.

Other problems that could result from an excess of insulin in your body are dramatic weight gain, obesity, abnormal hair growth on different parts of the body, and hair loss on the scalp. These problems along with depression, mood swings, and low self-esteem can also be symptoms of polycystic ovaries often caused by high levels of insulin.

So you see, despite the long-held association of insulin with diabetes, it’s not just the diabetes in itself that you should necessarily be worried about.  The direct link to PCOS should also be a concern. Keep in mind, however, that prolonged elevation of insulin levels can cause hyper-insulnemia, which in turn, can lead to acquiring diabetes.

The key then to preventing spikes in insulin production and therefore preventing or healing the symptoms of polycystic ovaries, is to correct the way your body’s cells oppose the effects of normal levels of insulin. So, how do you do that?

Prevention and Treatment

Can you avoid having your body’s cells be resistant to insulin? Is there a way to avoid experiencing PCOS?  They almost go hand in hand.

When you have PCOS, with its long chain of symptoms, it can be overwhelming. The stress can take a toll on your health in highly damaging ways. Worrying whether or not you need invasive and expensive surgery is frightening enough, even more so if you’re slipping into depression because of it.

Preventing stress is definitely a factor when you’re dealing with the symptoms of polycystic ovaries.

Avoid alcohol. It may help you relax temporarily and even fall asleep a little faster, but studies show that you don’t sleep as well, it raises your blood pressure and, in the long run, can create more problems and add even more stress.

Instead, find support from a family member, friend, counselor, or clergyman. Don’t isolate yourself. Having someone to talk with and share your concerns can really lighten your burden.

PCOS Insulin Resistance Stress Reduction

Staying active is good for your body and your mind.  It’s a great stress reducer. One way to keep active is by giving. Volunteering in the community or helping your neighbor is not only good for them, it can be very satisfying and rewarding for you as well. A great way to relieve stress.

Some of the easier points we forget about sometimes are crucial.  I know this is basic, but sometimes we need to be reminded to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. It really does make a difference.

What you eat also makes a difference not only in your overall health, but it becomes hugely important if you’re trying to heal from a specific health issue.

Fortunately, insulin resistance and PCOS can be addressed through making simple dietary modifications. There’s a diet plan for women with PCOS, and it shows you in detail how to manage and address the symptoms associated with it. It’s called the PCOS Diet and it’s helped a lot of women.

Will the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diet Work for Me?

By following the highly effective Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome diet, you have an excellent chance of healing your body, regaining control of your life, alleviating depression, and raising your self-esteem.

How can something as simple as diet do that? Well, the truth is, whatever you eat affects your body and its processes in one way or the other, either for the good or for the bad.  What most people fail to realize is that your diet has a tremendous impact on your quality of life.

What I’ve found is, the diet plan for PCOS outlined in the book The Natural PCOS Diet by Jenny Blondel, is specifically tailored to meet the needs of women with polycystic ovaries.  It not only addresses PCOS insulin resistance, but also your body’s most basic foundation for survival – proper nutrient intake.

With the PCOS diet, you will be shown how to naturally balance your hormones and regulate your insulin production.  Making a few small changes and following this easy to use simple PCOS diet plan can greatly improve your quality of life.  You CAN feel better again.