PCOS: What Your Hormones Are Trying to Tell You
Living with PCOS can feel like your body is sending you mixed signals — fatigue, acne, missing periods, and frustrating weight changes. Often, these are signs that there are some hormonal and metabolic issues that need some attention.
PCOS Hormones 101
PCOS is a complex interplay of a variety of hormones:
Insulin – A hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Many people with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance which can impact ovulation, testosterone levels, and metabolism as well.
Androgens – Hormones like testosterone and DHEA that are present in all bodies, but often elevated in PCOS and can impact skin (i.e. acne, excess hair growth), hair loss, and menstrual cycles.
LH & FSH – Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone are signals from the brain that dictate ovarian function. These are often imbalanced, with LH disproportionately high in some folks with PCOS.
Estrogen & Progesterone – Fluctuate during a healthy cycle, but often stay out of sync in PCOS due to irregular ovulation.
These hormonal shifts don’t exist in a vacuum — they affect metabolism, mood, inflammation, skin, energy, and our periods.
What Your Symptoms Might Be Telling You
Let’s break down some common PCOS symptoms and what they may indicate from a hormonal perspective:
Irregular or missing periods: You’re likely not ovulating consistently. A lack of ovulation (anovulation) means no progesterone is being produced post-ovulation, which impacts the entire cycle. When we look deeper, the challenges with ovulation are often due to other hormones like insulin and androgens.
Acne, hair loss, excess hair growth (hirsutism): Androgens like testosterone or DHEA may be elevated or your skin and hair follicles may be more sensitive to them. P.S. This can be further aggravated by insulin resistance.
Fatigue, energy crashes, or intense cravings: Your insulin and blood sugar levels may be fluctuating. Insulin resistance can lead to both energy dips and weight challenges. Trust me, it’s not just in your head.
Low mood, mood swings or anxiety: Inflammation, low progesterone, insulin resistance or blood sugar dysregulation may be contributing. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone also interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which affect mood and sleep.
This is where comprehensive testing is important and can be incredibly validating, especially when your symptoms have been dismissed. With PCOS showing up so uniquely in each person, a thorough assessment of history, symptoms and testing will offer the best path forward.
Ready to make a change?
If you're seeking a better understanding of your condition and are ready for a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your PCOS, you can book a free complimentary call with me here.
Be well,
Dr. Jessica Nazareth, ND