PCOS: simply understanding insulin and hormones

PCOS: simply understanding insulin and hormones

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder. For many women, it doesn't just concern menstruation or ovulation: it also involves metabolism, and insulin in particular.

Understanding the link between insulin and hormones helps us to better understand :

• why cycles can become irregular
• why acne or hair growth can increase
• why some people experience increased hunger, fatigue or weight gain more easily

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.

Its main role is to help sugar in the blood enter the cells for use as energy.

Under normal circumstances :

• we eat
• blood sugar rises
• the body produces insulin
• cells use this sugar

This is a normal and essential system.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance means that cells respond less well to insulin.

As a result, the body must produce more insulin to achieve the same effect.

This can lead to

• higher blood insulin levels
• more cravings
• fatigue attacks
• easier weight gain in some people
• difficulty in stabilizing blood sugar levels

In PCOS, this insulin resistance is frequent, but not systematic.

Why insulin acts on hormones

In PCOS, higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens.

Androgens are hormones naturally present in women in small quantities, but when they are too high, they can disrupt the cycle.

This can lead to

• irregular or absent ovulation
• spaced periods
• acne
• increased hair growth
• sometimes hair loss

This is one of the reasons why PCOS is both a hormonal and a metabolic disorder.

The circle that can set in

In some people, a circle can set in:

• insulin resistance
• increase in insulin
• rise in androgens
• disturbed ovulation
• irregular cycles

And sometimes :

• more cravings
• more fatigue
• easier weight gain
• worsening of certain symptoms

In some women, excess adipose tissue can also aggravate insulin resistance, keeping the circle going. But it's important to remember that PCOS can occur even when you're not overweight.

Why the cycle becomes irregular

When androgens are higher and ovulation is disrupted, the cycle can become less regular.

This can lead to

• widely spaced periods
• long cycles
• sometimes no periods at all
• difficulty spotting ovulation

The problem lies not only with the ovaries, but also with the dialogue between metabolism and hormones.

What are the signs of insulin resistance in PCOS?

Some people notice :

• frequent cravings, especially for sweets
• fatigue after meals
• easier weight gain
• difficulty losing weight despite efforts
• roller-coaster energy
• sometimes oily skin or acne

These signs alone are not enough to make a diagnosis, but they can point the way.

Why diet can help

Diet doesn't "cure" PCOS, but it can help reduce certain symptoms, especially when insulin plays an important role.

The aim is not to eat perfectly, but to better stabilize blood sugar levels.

This often involves :

• regular meals
• better-quality carbohydrates
• more fiber
• enough protein
• fewer ultra-processed foods
• fewer fast sugars

This can help :

• reduce blood sugar peaks
• limit cravings
• better support energy
• improve hormonal environment

Why physical activity is important

Physical activity helps the body make better use of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity.

It can also :

• boost energy levels
• reduce stress
• improve sleep
• help regulate metabolism

The aim is not necessarily to be very intense, but to be regular.

The role of medical treatments

Depending on symptoms and objectives, a professional may suggest :

• hormonal contraception
• treatment to aid ovulation
• sometimes metformin to improve insulin sensitivity
• more regular metabolic monitoring

Treatment depends on each individual's profile.

Do all women with PCOS have the same profile?

No.

PCOS is not the same for everyone.

Some women have :

• irregular cycles
• acne
• increased hair growth

Others have :

• a metabolic profile
• insulin resistance
• weight or energy problems

And some have a mixture of several elements.

When to consult

It's a good idea to consult your doctor if you have :

• very irregular periods
• suspected absence of ovulation
• persistent acne
• unusual hair growth
• strong cravings or fatigue after meals
• rapid or unexplained weight gain
• difficulty conceiving

A medical check-up will help you to better understand whether PCOS is caused by hormones, insulin or another disorder.

To sum up

In PCOS, insulin and hormones are often linked.

Insulin resistance can :

• raise insulin levels
• stimulate androgen production
• disrupt ovulation
• favour irregular cycles

This can result in :

• spaced menstrual periods
• acne
• increased hair growth
• fatigue
• cravings
• metabolic problems

Understanding this mechanism helps us to better understand why diet, physical activity and medical follow-up can improve symptoms.