Insulin resistance and PCOS might sound like two completely unrelated topics, but they’re actually tightly connected. In this episode of Better Than A Pill, I sat down with Shannon Davis, a registered dietitian who has spent nearly two decades working with people to improve their metabolic health. Our discussion really opened my eyes to how PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is often seen as a gynecological issue, when in reality, it’s deeply rooted in insulin resistance.

I had always heard of PCOS as something that affects fertility, but I never made the connection between it and insulin. Shannon explained that when women have too much insulin in their bodies, it disrupts hormone production. This causes testosterone levels to rise, leading to common symptoms like irregular periods, facial hair, acne, and hair thinning.

One thing that really stood out to me is how insulin impacts ovulation. Normally, the ovaries release one dominant follicle that allows for ovulation, but when insulin levels are too high, it blocks an enzyme that helps convert testosterone to estrogen. As a result, instead of a single dominant follicle, many small ones develop, making it impossible to ovulate—and for many women, this is why they experience infertility.

So, what can we do about it? Shannon emphasized the importance of tackling insulin resistance with lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medications like metformin, which is often prescribed to treat PCOS. One of the key strategies she recommended is following a low-carb diet because carbs are what trigger insulin release. By reducing carbs, especially processed ones, and focusing on high-fiber foods, we can help bring insulin levels down.

Shannon also mentioned the benefits of intermittent fasting, which allows insulin to rest and gives the body time to recover between meals. And this doesn’t mean you need to do extreme fasting! Even something simple, like stopping eating after dinner and delaying breakfast a little, can make a big difference.

If you’re looking for a natural way to support this process, Shannon shared how the Feel Great system is a great tool to incorporate. It’s designed to help manage insulin sensitivity and includes a yerba mate tea that increases energy and reduces appetite naturally. I’ve been using it myself and can already feel the difference.

The bottom line? Insulin resistance is the hidden culprit behind many chronic health issues, including PCOS. Making small adjustments to what we eat, how we move, and how we treat our bodies can have a huge impact on our overall health.