PCOS explained: what’s actually happening in your body

It starts with insulin

For most women with PCOS, cells respond sluggishly to insulin. The pancreas compensates by producing more, and that excess insulin nudges the ovaries to make more androgens. That’s the root of the acne, hair fall and irregular cycles.

Why cycles go irregular

Higher androgens disrupt the monthly rise of FSH and LH that matures an egg. Follicles stall halfway, ovulation doesn’t happen, and the period is late, light, or skipped.

Where inositol fits

Myo- and D-chiro-inositol are messengers in the insulin pathway. Restoring the 40:1 ratio improves insulin sensitivity and, in studies, restores ovulation in a majority of women over 3–6 months.