Which came first--high androgens or IR?

BRbangle · 08-27-2008, 07:27 PM

I just read the sticky "PCOS and Insulin Resistance (IR)" from the Type 2 Diabetes forum,

which brought up an interesting question I've thought a lot about lately:

Quote:

For instance, if cultured cells from the women with PCOS are not insulin resistant at first, but become insulin resistant after being exposed to high levels of androgens or insulin in the petri dishes, that might indicate that excess androgens or insulin in a woman's body - which both occur in PCOS - might be causes of insulin resistance.

I have PCOS with high androgens and insulin resistance. And yet, I have always been thin, I have good cholesterol, low blood pressure and low triglycerides. I started taking 2000mg Fortamet daily a few years ago, which initially lowered my testosterone and glucose levels and worked beautifully at regulating my periods, clearing up my cystic acne and even helping me lose a few pounds.

Then, it suddenly seemed like it stopped working--I got acne again, gained some weight mostly around the midsection, started skipping periods, etc. Some bloodwork revealed that my testosterone level was elevated again. I am now on my second month of bcp to help lower testosterone and I can just tell by the way I feel that the Fortamet is working again.

For this reason, I think my high androgen levels contributed to my insulin resistance, not the other way around. What are your opinions on this matter?

melee18 · 08-28-2008, 11:27 PM

Have you consider the role your liver plays in all of this? It's my understanding that our livers clear out excess hormones from our bodies. When PCOS causes too many androgens, our liver gets over burdened and finds other ways to get rid of the waste (acne). Maybe the pill helped get your hormone levels back in check, giving your liver a chance to get rid of the excess hormones that were causing the hormonal problems.

I would agree in that the androgen problems seem to start first and further aggravate the insulin resistance problems. Seems like the insulin resistance problems I can get somewhat under control with a good diet and lots of exercise. But the androgen problems (mainly acne) never seem to go away!! Started saw palmetto though and it is the only thing that has made a difference in the last year of acne treatments.

KatCarney · 08-29-2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melee18

Have you consider the role your liver plays in all of this?

Excellent point.

Have you seen this article?

ARTICLE: MUST READ...Fatty Liver (common in cysters) can lead to pcos type symptoms

This one is also good:

ATTENTION: If you read NOTHING else this year on PCOS, Diabetes, and genetic links..

BRbangle · 08-29-2008, 03:08 AM

Thanks for the response, melee and Kat! No, actually, I haven't really thought about the role of my liver in all of this... Thank you both for enlightening me! Fortunately, my endocrinologist monitors my liver and kidney function; I am hoping this routine lab work would indicate the onset of a fatty liver. I will do anything in my power to prevent liver problems! Actually, just last week, I started taking a probiotic supplement to aid in digestion and help alleviate my frequent constipation. The few links I've looked at make it sound like acidophilus can also aid detoxification of the liver.

Thanks again for the feedback!