Insulin Resistance PCOS - A Common Cause of Infertility

In PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome, women experience a hormonal imbalance, excessive hair growth, obesity, acne and irregular menstrual periods. Their ovaries have many cysts. This condition affects about 10 percent of women during their childbearing age.

Research studies seem to link PCOS with excessive insulin production by the pancreas. High levels of insulin cause production of excessive amounts of male hormone, androgens that affects the ability of a woman to conceive a child. It also greatly increases the women's risk of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Addressing insulin resistance PCOS involves making dietary changes to better manage carbohydrate. This would include boosting intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. These products work because they have lower glycemic index (which measures how fast the food causes the blood sugar level to raise).

Lower glycemic index foods prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and help to reduce excessive insulin production.

Avoid sugar and refined or white flour products. These products cause insulin production. Also limit the amount of foods such as meat or dairy products that contain saturated fats.

Keep caffeine and alcohol consumption to a minimal. Excessive caffeine and alcohol can affect hormonal balance in the body.

As well, simple exercise such as walking for 20 minutes after a meal greatly stabilizes blood sugar levels and helps to combat insulin resistance.

Work on reducing stress. Stress causes production of hormones such as adrenaline and can make insulin response much worse. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercise or just a simple walk in the shopping malls can go a long way to control stress.

By controlling insulin resistance through diet and exercise, you stand a better chance of controlling PCOS and increase the chance of getting pregnant.

Visit our website to get detailed information on natural remedies and herbs that can be effectively used to boost fertility and control type 2 diabetes.

Resources used for this article can be found in the article What Causes Infertility.

Tom Chua is a practicing pharmacist with 17 year of clinical experience in the community. His areas of focus are natural remedies, vitamins and mineral supplements and natural cure for health problems.