The hormonal disorder causes a collection of small bead-like cysts around the outer edge of the ovaries, yet it’s not just the ovaries that are affected. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances in each of your body’s glands, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, and pancreas.
ROOT CAUSE OF PCOS?
The primary root cause of PCOS in many women is Insulin resistance. In insulin resistance, the Liver and muscles stop listening to insulin so the body needs to make more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. (Insulin lowers blood sugar and helps push it into cells). Unfortunately, the ovaries still listen so as the abnormally elevated insulin levels continue, they are changing their function. The result is higher than normal male hormones (Testosterone). This high-level insulin makes you fat.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not only a disease but a group of symptoms related to anovulation (lack of ovulation) and hormonal imbalances. It is a very common endocrine disorder affecting up to 10% of women, and it is also very complex.
Symptoms may include anovulation, menstrual irregularities, infertility, increased production of androgens(such as testosterone), hirsutism, and acne. Some women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms while others may only experience a few. The most commonly used method of diagnosis is to meet at least 2 of the 3 following criteria:
- Anovulation
- Elevated androgens or symptoms of elevated androgens
- Polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound
There are different root causes of PCOS:
Insulin-resistance PCOS: This includes about 70% of PCOS cases and this may increase the risk of long term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. In insulin resistance, the Liver and muscles stop listening to insulin so the body needs to make more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. (Insulin lowers blood sugar and helps push it into cells). Unfortunately, the ovaries still listen so as the abnormally elevated insulin levels continue, they are changing their function. The result is higher than normal male hormones (Testosterone). This high-level insulin makes you fat.
Post-pill PCOS: This type is usually temporary and is caused by a surge in androgens after coming off the birth control pills. If you do not have any PCOS symptoms prior to starting the pill and you do not have any insulin resistance, this could be you.
Inflammatory PCOS: This type is driven by inflammation and environmental toxins. Chronic inflammation can stimulate the ovaries to make excess testosterone. Symptoms may include : fatigue, bowel, issues(IBS or SIBO), headaches, joint pain, or skin conditions . Adrenal PCOS: About 10% of PCOS cases fall into this category. If your lab work shows normal ovarian androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) but elevated adrenal androgens (DHEAS), you may have this type. The first step in treatment is to reduce stress and regulate the HPA axis.
