TLDR Women with PCOS often have more belly fat and higher insulin levels, but belly fat isn't the only cause of their insulin resistance.
The study from 2007 with 222 participants investigated the relationship between abdominal fat and insulin resistance in 110 women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 112 weight-matched controls. It found that PCOS patients had a higher quantity of central abdominal fat compared to controls, particularly in overweight and normoweight individuals, and this was associated with higher insulin levels and reduced insulin sensitivity. However, the study concluded that increased abdominal fat is not the sole determinant of insulin resistance in PCOS, as other factors may also play a role. The findings suggest that while abdominal obesity is common in PCOS, it is not the only factor contributing to the metabolic disturbances observed in the condition.
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January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
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November 1988 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Higher levels of a specific hormone are linked to more chest hair and acne in men.
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September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
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November 2007 in “Medical Clinics of North America” Obesity worsens Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms, and weight loss is a key treatment.
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November 2010 in “Middle East Fertility Society Journal” PCOS affects women's health by increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and reproductive issues.
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April 2015 in “Human Reproduction” Obese Hispanic women with PCOS are at higher risk for metabolic problems than non-Hispanic white women.
Eating healthy, exercising, and certain nutrients like myoinositol and omega-3s can help manage PCOS symptoms.
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January 2019 in “Clinical medicine insights” Obesity worsens PCOS symptoms, and PCOS may lead to more weight gain; managing both requires a holistic approach that includes mental health.
