Between 5 million and 6 million American women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder and the leading cause of infertility. Although there’s no cure, PCOS can be managed.
However, it can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, so it’s crucial to recognize the signs and seek medical help early.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our family medicine doctor, Bipin Kumar, MD, specializes in PCOS treatment.
September is PCOS Awareness Month, so we’re sharing this blog to educate patients on the link between PCOS and insulin resistance. Read on to learn what insulin resistance is, how it relates to PCOS, and whether it’s time to get tested.
Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream to your cells, where it’s used for energy. Insulin resistance occurs when your cells don’t respond to the hormone like they should. Insulin is crucial to multiple bodily functions.
If your cells become insulin resistant, sugar can build up in your blood, increasing the risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Research estimates that as many as 80% of people with PCOS have insulin resistance, depending on the population studied. Because it’s so prevalent, knowing how to spot the signs is essential to protect your health.
The link between insulin resistance and PCOS may not be clear, but they’re closely connected. When your cells resist insulin, your body may produce more of it to compensate, and higher insulin levels can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens.
Androgens are a group of hormones often associated with male traits, such as body hair and a deep voice, but women also have them. Too much androgen can affect menstruation and worsen common symptoms of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth.
Not everyone with PCOS develops insulin resistance, but it can create a cycle where hormonal imbalances worsen symptoms and make PCOS more difficult to manage.
Insulin testing isn’t part of routine bloodwork, so we may recommend it if you experience chronic fatigue or difficulty losing weight, even if you follow a healthy diet and exercise routine. Testing is essential if diabetes runs in your family.
After a physical exam, we may order blood tests, such as a fasting insulin or a glucose tolerance test, to determine if you’re insulin resistant and take steps to keep it from progressing.
The sooner you act, the better. Early intervention can prevent serious complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage (neuropathy) and heart disease.
If you have PCOS and are concerned you might be insulin resistant, schedule an appointment today. Call our office at 303-351-1800 or book your visit online.
