About this episode
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you will discover what insulin resistance really means, why it’s such a central root cause in PCOS, and how it shows up in ways that go far beyond weight or diet alone. Insulin resistance affects up to 80% of individuals with PCOS, and yet many women are told they don’t have it, simply because their lab work appears “normal.” This episode unpacks the science of insulin resistance in simple terms so you can better understand how your body uses insulin, where the process can break down, and what that means for your symptoms and long-term health. How Insulin Resistance Develops and Why It’s Often Missed In this episode, you’ll learn how insulin works, how resistance builds gradually, and why the typical lab tests often fail to detect the early stages. You’ll hear how insulin can be overproduced without raising red flags in basic glucose labs and how this silent dysfunction can lead to energy crashes, sugar cravings, brain fog, weight gain, and irregular cycles. You’ll also get an overview of the testing options available, with insights into what each method reveals and how to interpret the results through a PCOS lens. Identifying and Managing Insulin-Related PCOS Symptoms You will learn how to recognize the hallmark symptoms of insulin resistance, including fatigue, sugar cravings, stubborn weight, and disrupted ovulation. This episode explains the link between insulin and excess androgens, as well as why insulin issues can make weight loss feel impossible. You’ll hear why understanding this connection is essential for choosing the right lifestyle changes to support your body. Taking the Next Step with Confidence If you've ever been told your labs are fine, but you still struggle with fatigue, cravings, or cycle issues, this episode will help you connect the dots and better advocate for your health. You’ll leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how insulin affects your PCOS, what early signs to watch for, and how to take actionable steps toward balance, one habit at a time. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here Episode #63: Leveraging Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Improved PCOS Wellness Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-161