In women, too much testosterone can cause insulin resistance and abdominal weight gain.
That’s why androgen excess contributes to the weight gain associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and some types of birth control.
Lara Briden - The Period Revolutionary
Leading the change to better periods and hormones
How a low carb or keto diet can affect female hormones and the menstrual cycle. Adequate glucose intake is required to signal the hypothalamus and LH pulsatility. Insufficient starch intake can, therefore, suppress luteinizing hormone and ovulation.
In women, too much testosterone can cause insulin resistance and abdominal weight gain.
That’s why androgen excess contributes to the weight gain associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and some types of birth control.
This is my open letter to every clinician, personal trainer, and blogger who offers health advice without thinking about the importance of ovulation and natural ovulatory menstrual cycles.
Dear Sir,
Your restrictive dietary advice may cause young women to stop ovulating which is a problem because ovulation is how women make hormones.
That makes ovulation an essential part of human physiology and not just for making babies. Ovulation is not optional. Thank you.
What is the difference between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea?
PCOS is the condition of androgen excess when all other causes of androgen excess have been ruled out. It can also cause irregular periods.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is the loss of periods due to undereating. It can also present with mild acne, facial hair, and polycystic ovaries.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound because polycystic ovaries are not cysts. They’re follicles or eggs which are normal for the ovary.
It’s normal for all women to sometimes have a higher number of follicles. It’s normal for young women to always have a higher number of follicles because young women have more eggs. That’s why PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound. At the same time, PCOS cannot be ruled out by ultrasound because it’s possible to have normal-appearing ovaries on ultrasound and still have the hormonal condition PCOS.