PCOS and weight gain

Writing on Web MD, Stepanie Watsom states “PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age and can lead to issues with fertility. 

Women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and are also less sensitive to insulin or are "insulin-resistant." Many are overweight or obese. As a result, these women can be at a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and uterine cancer.

Why does polycystic ovary syndrome cause weight gain?

PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This condition -- called insulin resistance -- can cause insulin and sugar -- glucose -- to build up in the bloodstream.

High insulin levels increase the production of male hormones called androgens. High androgen levels lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods -- and weight gain. Because the weight gain is triggered by male hormones, it is typically in the abdomen. That is where men tend to carry weight. So, instead of having a pear shape, women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.

Abdominal fat is the most dangerous kind of fat. That’s because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

What are the risks associated with PCOS-related weight gain?

No matter what the cause, weight gain can be detrimental to your health. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop many of the problems associated with weight gain and insulin resistance, including:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Sleep apnea

• Infertility

• Endometrial cancer

Many of these conditions can lead to heart disease. 

Experts think weight gain also helps trigger PCOS symptoms, such as menstrual abnormalities and acne.” 

In herbal medicine we have a whole range of herbs that will help manage all the symptoms of PCOS and also key is diet and exercise and so  I have created a free guide on diet and exercise for PCOS and you can down load it here https://naturalhealthsupport.co.uk/lead-gen-funnel-opt-in

and if you need 1-1 support to help manage your pcos please contact me @www.naturalhealthsupport.co.uk or via https://www.instagram.com/marie_mulcahy_herbalist/