What is the connection between polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance? Insulin resistance is a root cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to PCOS.InsuliteLabs.com. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. In this disorder women may have enlarged ovaries, containing numerous small cysts located along the outer edge. Not all women with PCOS have these cysts, however.

Insulin is needed in order for cells to take in glucose and convert it to energy. Insulin resistance occurs when these cells no longer respond to the insulin. This causes sugar, or glucose, to remain in the bloodstream. There are two ways in which polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance have been found to be connected. First, insulin resistance leads to weight gain and obesity.

The second cause comes from high insulin levels in the blood stream. You see, when the cells no longer respond to the insulin correctly, the pancreas responds by producing more amounts of insulin. This, in turn, causes the cell to be overwhelmed by the excess insulin. When once again rejected by the cell, the insulin remains in the bloodstream, creating the unbalanced hormone levels found in PCOS.

 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Insulin Resistance Treatment

 

In women, this excess insulin stimulated the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to produce large amounts of testosterone and the woman becomes infertile. Polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin also increases the conversion of androgens (male hormones) to estrogens (female hormones). This upsets the body’s balance, which has a direct effect on weight gain and the formation of cystic follicles or cysts in the ovary, according to PCOS.InsuliteLabs.com.

It used to be difficult and expensive to treat problems caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance, according to the Georgia Reproductive Specialists’ website, IVF.com. Now there is growing evidence that these conditions can be reversed by a wide range of available medications commonly used for the treatment of diabetes. Examples include:

  • Metformin (Glucophage)
  • Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Rosiglitazone (Avandia)

 

These medications have been shown to reverse the abnormalities caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance within as little as two to three months. By six months, over 90% of the women who are treated with insulin lowering agents, in combination with diet and exercise, resume their normal menstrual cycle. Within less than two months of beginning treatment, pregnancies have been known to result. Other benefits of these drugs include:

  • Decreased hair loss
  • Diminished facial and body hair growth
  • Regulated blood pressure
  • Weight loss
  • Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors
  • Normal fertility
  • Reduced risk of miscarriage