PCOS insulin resistance is a significant concern for a lot of women.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is responsible for around 70% of the infertility in women, and it’s the most common hormonal problem for any woman of childbearing age.
Although the most common symptoms of PCOS often include irregular periods, amenorrhea, trouble conceiving a child, weight gain, infertility, and hirsutism, many patients aren’t aware of the factors that may increase their likelihood of PCOS. For instance, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome issues may be heightened by insulin resistance.
PCOS Insulin Resistance Issues
Finding the underlying cause of PCOS can be complex.
The common consensus in scientific circles is that women with PCOS generally have increased insulin resistance risk, as well as a higher chance of glucose intolerance, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
PCOS insulin resistance affects around 65-70% of women with PCOS, and 50% of women with PCOS are overweight. Obese and non-obese women are both more insulin resistant with PCOS than healthy women. The fat cells in PCOS women are often more insulin resistant, and women with PCOS also tend to have higher than usual levels of insulin.
Insulin plays a significant role in PCOS because elevated insulin often causes the ovaries to produce higher numbers of androgens (like testosterone) while reducing globulin. More androgen production leads to increased hair growth on the face and chest, low sex drive, acne, and more.
As androgen levels continue increasing, they also stimulate 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, making PCOS symptoms worse. Genetics can make a person more likely to have PCOS insulin resistance, but it is possible to reduce side effects by making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices.
Medicinal Mushrooms for PCOS Insulin Resistance
Treatments for PCOS issues are varied, but many include the careful changing of various lifestyle factors which may increase risk levels. For instance, most doctors will recommend eating a healthier diet and exercising more to reduce obesity levels and improve insulin performance.
Medicinal mushrooms can also have a powerful impact on the management of PCOS insulin issues. One mushroom particularly effective for PCOS is the Maitake mushroom, which has incredible abilities to improve insulin sensitivity. The Maitake mushroom assists the body in recognising and using insulin, thanks to unique bioactive molecules.
Studies into Maitake for diabetic treatment demonstrate extracts of the subject can have a significant influence on the body’s ability to process insulin. Additionally, the same mushroom can further restore insulin levels by decreasing inflammation, reducing the risks associated with PCOS insulin issues. Maitake even enhances the ovulation of women, and aids with regulating menstrual cycles.
Research demonstrates that Maitake, along with Cordyceps and Shiitake mushroom, all aid in the filtration and movement of blood, regulating detoxification, which can balance the sex hormones in the human body. Maitake in particular is useful for restoring hormonal balance by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing metabolic disruption.
Addressing PCOS with Medicinal Mushrooms
The Maitake is among the most valuable medicinal mushrooms for the treatment of PCOS insulin issues. Another option is the Reishi mushroom, shown to reduce pelvic inflammation, and assist women otherwise suffering from uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and dysmenorrhea.
Maitake mushrooms play an important role in overcoming fertility challenges caused by PCOS and overweight. Clinical research shows extracts from Maitake induce ovulation in PCOS patients while reducing insulin resistance. It also balances lipids in the body improving fertility for women with PCOS or with overweight.
Studies into diabetic treatments also demonstrate the Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) mushroom can assist with reducing high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol, which can further enhance the risk of insulin issues, accelerate aging, and lead to increased problems with the sexual functioning of a woman. Reishi mushrooms help to modulate the human immune system, and improve the production of hormones, allowing for sexual hormone regulation.
Reishi is more than just a tool for improving weight management and insulin resistance; it’s also an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antioxidant, and hepaprotective product, with hypoglycaemic benefits caused by the presence of polysaccharides. Reishi also balances oestrogen levels, while promoting liver support to remove harmful toxins from the body, which is crucial for nurturing the hormonal glands throughout the body.
Reishi’s hormone balancing abilities make it an excellent tool alongside Maitake for the treatment of PCOS insulin problems. Additionally, both of these mushrooms can also assist with the better balancing and management of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the performance of various bodily systems, including hormone management and digestion.
Improvement of the gut bacteria balance enabled by medicinal mushrooms could further tackle issues with insulin sensitivity, and provide patients suffering from PCOS with a better foundation in which to build the right environment for good health. These supplements can even be taken safely alongside other medications thanks to their natural structure.