How to Lose Weight With PCOS

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have a hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, acne, male-pattern hair growth and excess weight. Researchers don't know exactly what causes the condition, but insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, appears to play a role. Insulin is key to weight loss for PCOS. The cells of women with PCOS resist insulin and its attempt to move sugar from the blood stream into the cells for fuel. This causes two problems. First, excess sugar in the blood stream is converted into fat, primarily around the stomach. Second, the pancreas produces extra insulin to clear the blood of sugar and can cause the blood sugar to drop too low. Low blood sugar leads to sugar cravings because the brain thinks it doesn't have enough energy and asks for more.