Is PCOS always insulin resistant?

delaney056

I was diagnosed with PCOS about a year and a half ago. My doctor put me on Depo-Provera and Metformin (stopped taking it because of the side effects). I've lost 23 pounds with diet and exercise. My doctor never told me I was insulin resistant, but I've heard that PCOS is ALWAYS accompanied by insulin resistance, because it is necessary for the manifestation of PCOS.
Is this true?

bethfartman

No, that's not always the case, although it is often the case.

NNAhuja

I would say no. PCOS is often accompanied with insulin resistance but there was an article that was recently discussed on MFP that looked at the effects of insulin on PCOS. they had regular non PCOS women, women with PCOS and insulin resistance and women with PCOS but no IR.

The main symptoms inclue
- anovulation (your ovaries not releasing an egg) , which result in irregular menstruation or ovulation-related infertility
- amenorrhea (not having a period at all for at least 3 months)
- polycystic ovaries

delaney056

The only symptoms I had were excess hair growth and minor weight gain. I never had irregular periods or anything like that. I didn't know I had PCOS until I had a pelvic ultrasound. No problems with my thyroid either.

Dayna154

The no periods arent the only way that can go, if you were like me you had periods from hell at no real regular intervals, cramps that would put an elephant down and heavy!!
lots of women suffer from excessive hair growth as well.
nothing is ever 100%
I think how sever your symptoms are depends largely on how long you have had it and its been out of control.

I had no infertility problems, and no weight issues really until much later in life.

bethfartman

Did the doctor have you fast and do a glucose test? Most doctors I've been to insist on doing a fasting glucose test before prescribing Metformin, but I've seen on these forums that some doctors just put people on it right away without the test. If the doctor did the test and then put you on Metformin, it's likely you are insulin resistant. The excess hair growth would probably point to insulin resistance too, as would the weight gain, but you're so young that could just have been gaining normal weight that most women do after their early teen years. If you're really curious, I'd just go back to your doctor and tell them that you stopped taking the Metformin because of the side effects, but you'd like to go on it if you truly need it and then ask them to do the blood test (even if you don't intend on it, it's a good excuse as to why you're asking.) Most doctors are pretty receptive to patients taking an active role in their care and wouldn't have a problem ordering the test for you. Now that you've lost weight, though, it should be back in a healthy range. I'm slightly above borderline insulin resistance when I'm overweight and either borderline or slightly below when I'm at a good weight. It all depends.

delaney056

Did the doctor have you fast and do a glucose test? Most doctors I've been to insist on doing a fasting glucose test before prescribing Metformin, but I've seen on these forums that some doctors just put people on it right away without the test. If the doctor did the test and then put you on Metformin, it's likely you are insulin resistant. The excess hair growth would probably point to insulin resistance too, as would the weight gain, but you're so young that could just have been gaining normal weight that most women do after their early teen years. If you're really curious, I'd just go back to your doctor and tell them that you stopped taking the Metformin because of the side effects, but you'd like to go on it if you truly need it and then ask them to do the blood test (even if you don't intend on it, it's a good excuse as to why you're asking.) Most doctors are pretty receptive to patients taking an active role in their care and wouldn't have a problem ordering the test for you. Now that you've lost weight, though, it should be back in a healthy range. I'm slightly above borderline insulin resistance when I'm overweight and either borderline or slightly below when I'm at a good weight. It all depends.

The doctor didn't make me fast, he just put me on it.

ak_in_ak

I do not have insulin resistance and have PCOS. I think I did at one time, but right now when I rest the results are great!

khloee1

My Endo had me do a 3 hour glucose test and all came out ok (i havent done blood test in 1yr). But my PCP said because I do have PCOS I should be on Metformin?? The endo just put me on Spiro which didn't work. I am currently not on any medication but still have symptoms... high cholesterol,hair loss, excessive hair growth (in all the wrong places), acne, oily skin, dandruff and of course..it is HARD to lose weight! especially around my tummy. Should I be on Metformin?