Miss Susy Q

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know how much insulin plays a role in pcos with thin cysters? I only ask, because I've been seeing a lot of studies posted that keep saying other hormones are to blame for the high testosterone in lean pcos. This is confusing the heck out of me, because if insulin isn't the problem why do we take metformin and try to eat a low GI diet? Is is possible that insulin is still the root cause even if we don't test for IR? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Miss Susy Q

Can someone please just add their 2 cents?...it doesn't have to be extensive, just anything. I've been feeling really down lately wondering what the heck is wrong with me if insulin has nothing to do with lean pcos...would really just like some input...

Claireg

I am confused with this as well. I think it is still to do with insulin - something to do with the androgens being more sensitive to insulin. So even if we don't have insulin resistance then for some reason the androgens still overproduce which is what gives us our symptoms?

Can someone confirm that is correct?

BRbangle

Miss Susy Q, I'd be interested to hear others' opinion on this, as well. I have read that even non-obese women with PCOS have a significant degree of insulin resistance that is related to serum LH and free testosterone levels (source: www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com). On the other hand, not all women with elevated serum LH and free testosterone are insulin resistant. I, personally, suspect that my elevated testosterone level was the catalyst for weight gain and, therefore, a certain degree of glucose intolerance—not the other way around. Just my opinion, though.

FunkyChicken

I am also very confused about this and my doctors do not seem to be aware of it. It would be really great if someone could give some clarification around Susy Q question!