Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This is what fuels the hormone imbalance and weight gain present in most cases of PCOS. The synthetic hormones in some oral contraceptives can worsen insulin resistance. New research published in the Journal of Women’s Health has shown that taking oral contraceptives for three months worsens insulin resistance in women with PCOS more than in women without PCOS. The contraceptive pill used in this study was a combination pill containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. Common brand names include Ortho-Cyclen and Tri-Sprintec. Unfortunately, the synthetic progesterone in these contraceptives can have male hormone-like effects in the body. Most women with PCOS already have too high levels of male hormones and this is what causes symptoms such as scalp hair loss, acne, greasy skin and hair, scalp hair loss, and weight gain around the torso. The fact that these contraceptives worsened glucose tolerance means that they make weight gain more likely in women with PCOS. PCOS is an extremely common hormonal disorder in women. It can cause significant stress and suffering because of the symptoms it causes, and also the fact that it can lead to infertility. It is possible to resolve PCOS and normalize hormones and the menstrual cycle, but this usually involves several strategies. Many doctors prescribe the wrong type of hormonal contraceptive to these women. A much more appropriate oral contraceptive is Natazia, because it doesn’t worsen insulin resistance and the synthetic progesterone it contains doesn’t have masculinizing properties. Women who don’t require contraception or choose to use non-hormonal methods greatly benefit from natural progesterone cream. Progesterone is only produced when women ovulate, and women with PCOS ovulate infrequently or not at all. Vitamin D deficiency is common, and it worsens the insulin resistance and inability to ovulate. Reference

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