ROOT CAUSES OF PCOS
BEYOND THE SYMPTOMS
If you’re dealing with PCOS, you’re probably familiar with the symptoms: irregular cycles, stubborn acne, weight gain, or even extra hair growth. But here’s the thing—these symptoms are just what’s showing up on the surface. PCOS is complex, and the symptoms are driven by deeper imbalances. Understanding what’s really going on beneath these symptoms is key to supporting your body in a way that feels natural and effective.
While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, there are a few main drivers that keep showing up in research and practice: insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances, often triggered by stress or environmental factors. When you start to look at PCOS this way, as a puzzle with root causes that fit together, it becomes less overwhelming. So, let’s dive into these core drivers of PCOS and how addressing them can bring real change.
Insulin Resistance: The Quiet Driver of PCOS
Insulin resistance is one of the biggest underlying factors in PCOS. When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose (sugar), which fuels your cells. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose into your cells. But when insulin resistance kicks in, your cells don’t respond to insulin effectively, so your body ends up producing more and more insulin to get the same job done. This extra insulin can stimulate your ovaries to produce more androgens (like testosterone), which disrupts ovulation and throws off your cycle.
Why It Matters
Insulin resistance doesn’t just affect blood sugar; it impacts your hormones, weight, energy levels, and even mood. For many women with PCOS, addressing insulin resistance can help get cycles back on track and improve overall health. And the good news? With the right nutrition and lifestyle changes, insulin sensitivity can improve over time.
Natural Support
Addressing insulin resistance with lifestyle changes is powerful. A low-glycemic, nutrient-dense diet, balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, can help. Herbs like Berberis vulgaris (berberine) have been shown to support insulin sensitivity similarly to Metformin, but without some of the side effects. Combined with movement, especially strength training, this approach can help reset how your body responds to insulin.
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is another driver of PCOS, and it’s not always obvious. Inflammation can be triggered by lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, or even stress. In women with PCOS, inflammation can lead to elevated cytokines, which interfere with hormone production and worsen insulin resistance.
Why It Matters
Inflammation creates a cascade of effects that can exacerbate PCOS symptoms and contribute to other health concerns, like fatigue, digestive issues, or even skin flare-ups.
Natural Support
Anti-inflammatory foods—think leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and nuts—are foundational here. Herbs like turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) can support an anti-inflammatory approach. Taking turmeric with a pinch of black pepper boosts its absorption and effectiveness, making it easier for your body to use. Lifestyle changes, like prioritizing restorative sleep and managing stress, are just as essential.
Hormonal Imbalances (Especially Elevated Androgens)
High levels of androgens—hormones like testosterone—are a hallmark of PCOS and can lead to symptoms like acne, hair loss, and hirsutism. Androgens are often elevated due to insulin resistance or adrenal dysfunction, but sometimes they can result from the body’s hormonal response to inflammation.
Why It Matters
Elevated androgens disrupt the balance between estrogen and progesterone, which are critical for regular ovulation and fertility. Androgens also influence skin health, hair growth, and metabolism.
Natural Support
To help balance androgens, adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola rosea and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) can be beneficial. These herbs work by supporting the adrenal glands, helping to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and indirectly balancing androgen levels. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is another herb that can specifically target androgen excess, helping manage symptoms like acne or hair thinning.
Adrenal Dysfunction
For some women, the root of PCOS is less about insulin or inflammation and more about stress and adrenal health. Chronic stress prompts the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol and sometimes more androgens. This can create a PCOS pattern where the primary symptom is high DHEA-S, an adrenal androgen.
Why It Matters
Adrenal-driven PCOS isn’t tied to insulin resistance, so typical PCOS treatments might not work as effectively. When stress is the primary driver, focusing on adrenal health becomes essential.
Natural Support
Adaptogens like ashwagandha and holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) can help the body adapt to stress, reducing cortisol levels and stabilizing adrenal function. Practicing stress management techniques—such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or even a daily walk—can make a huge difference here.
Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers
Beyond physiological factors, environmental and lifestyle triggers can also drive PCOS. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), found in plastics, cosmetics, and certain household products, can mimic hormones and interfere with the body’s natural balance. Lifestyle habits, such as sleep quality, sedentary behavior, and exposure to stress, further influence how PCOS manifests.
Why It Matters
EDCs are tricky—they can contribute to estrogen dominance, disrupt thyroid function, and impact insulin sensitivity. While it’s impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, being mindful of your choices can minimize exposure.
Natural Support
Start by choosing glass over plastic, opting for clean, organic skincare products, and being selective with household items. Detoxifying herbs like dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum) support the liver, which processes hormones and detoxifies the body, helping reduce the impact of these environmental factors.
Putting It All Together: A Root-Cause Approach to PCOS
When it comes to addressing PCOS, identifying your primary drivers allows for a targeted, more effective approach. Rather than trying to manage every symptom, we focus on what’s driving the imbalance. So, if you’ve been struggling with PCOS and feeling stuck, remember: progress begins with understanding what’s truly going on beneath the surface.
Takeaways like balancing blood sugar, managing inflammation, supporting the adrenals, and minimizing environmental triggers each play a part in a holistic approach to PCOS. And while there’s no instant solution, even small changes can start to bring balance to the body.
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While I aim to offer insights and recommendations to support your health, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine. Every individual is unique, and only your healthcare provider can assess your specific needs and guide you on what is safe and appropriate for your personal health situation.