PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among females, affecting anywhere from 5-10 percent of pre-menopausal women. PCOS wreaks havoc on hormones: excessive amounts of insulin stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of testosterone. The result can be weight gain and obesity, along with symptoms such as male-pattern baldness, excess body hair, etc.

Many women with PCOS gain weight around their abdomen, taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Women with PCOS may gain weight very easily and lose it only with great effort, usually with a diet of good carbohydrates, fresh vegetables and protein, together with exercise.

Insulin Resistance is often the root cause of PCOS and the direct link to this type of weight gain. Insulin is the hormone responsible for allowing glucose, or blood sugar, to be absorbed by your cells, where it is converted to energy. If you are Insulin Resistant your cells react sluggishly to insulin, causing feelings of constant hunger while inhibiting weight loss.

The interactions of Insulin Resistance, PCOS and obesity are complex and still under medical review. Many scientists believe that this is a case of “the chicken or the egg" - Insulin Resistance contributes to obesity and is an underlying cause of PCOS, but obesity in turn worsens Insulin Resistance, which then has an effect on the development of PCOS.

Because symptoms can vary widely from woman to woman, PCOS can often go undiagnosed for years. Possible symptoms include: weight gain, obesity, excess facial and body hair, thinning hair, acne, skin tags, brown skin patches, depression, anxiety, irregular periods, and even infertility. Long term, PCOS can lead to serious conditions such as Diabetes.

If you feel you may be suffering from PCOS try this self-test to assess your risk: http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-Self-Test.php