 Insulin
Resistance-related Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is being increasingly
regarded as a factor in emotional and mental problems.
| "An emerging body of evidence suggests
that Insulin Resistance, the root cause of PCOS (Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome) and other related conditions such as Metabolic
Syndrome, also plays a role in the progression of Alzheimer's
Disease. Conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and depression that
are common in PCOS sufferers may also make them vulnerable to
dementia."
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Viewpoints: Healing News from Insulite Laboratories, September 2004 |
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Characterized by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries, PCOS is linked
to other serious health conditions, such as the cluster of increased risk
factors for Cardiovascular Diseases called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)
and reversible Pre-Diabetes, which, if left unchecked, can lead to full-blown
Type 2 Diabetes, which can only be managed in the vast majority of cases for the rest of a Diabetic's life and may require daily injections of insulin.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common endocrine (or hormonal)
disorders and is characterized by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries.
It's a disorder that affects an estimated 5-10% of women of childbearing
age and is one of the leading
causes of infertility. The disorder, also called Polycystic Ovarian
Disease, can lead to a wide variety of other serious health conditions,
such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and some types of cancer. The root
cause of PCOS is often Insulin Resistance.
Researchers have long know that both Diabetes and being overweight raise
the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. A new study
from the Joslin Diabetes Center suggests that the malfunctioning insulin
receptors seen with Insulin Resistance may be a link between those disorders. "The
brains of specially-bred lab mice show the same biological changes seen
in Alzheimer's Disease," says researcher C. Ronald Kahn, M.D., one
of the study's authors. "We can say that based on this evidence, people
with insulin resistance might be at risk for developing these kinds of
brain changes."
 A
growing body of evidence suggests that Insulin Resistance and glucose abnormalities
may contribute to the pathophysiology (the physiology of abnormal states)
and symptoms of depression, Alzheimer's disease and other mental disorders.
"Insulin resistance is clearly present in Alzheimer's and may be linked
to depression, which in some cases precedes Alzheimer's,"
Dr. Natalie Rosgon of the International Psychogeriatric Association said
in an interview. She theorizes that persistent, untreated Insulin Resistance
among patients with depression leads to the neurodegeneration associated
with Alzheimer's.
The evidence underlying the theory includes neuro-endocrine conditions
described in both disorders and tests show that increased levels of glucose
in the blood stream and decreased cerebral blood flow in specific areas
of the brains of patients put them at risk for Alzheimer's disease, years
before dementia occurs.
The exact interaction of these conditions is somewhat unclear - it's part
of a complex neurobiological jigsaw puzzle that scientists are still studying.
But early data suggests that Alzheimer's patients show improved memory
after an infusion of insulin, which speaks to the role of glucose metabolism
in the physiology of dementia.
 Depression
or mood swings also are common in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Although more research is needed to determine the exact causes of this
link, there are studies that link depression to Diabetes. Therefore, in
PCOS, depression may be related to Insulin Resistance. It also could be
a result of the hormonal imbalances and the cosmetic symptoms of the condition,
such as acne, hair loss and other symptoms of PCOS. Women with Diabetes,
who have twice the risk of developing depression, showed improvement in
depressive instances when they received education and treatment for Insulin
Resistance.
Patients with depression and other affective disorders should be regularly
screened for Insulin Resistance. While there has been a tendency in the
medical community to view depression only as a mental illness, there is
growing evidence that the imbalance of glucose and insulin in the blood
stream plays a far more serious role than previously thought.
Studies have shown that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address
the symptoms of these syndromes - a single pharmaceutical or even a combination
of them, will not eradicate or reverse these conditions. You must also
combine nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs and minerals that are disease specific),
a realistic exercise program, nutritional guidance and a support system
that will help you change unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Click here to
read about the ground-breaking Insulite PCOS System. It
is scientifically-designed to help reverse Insulin Resistance-linked obesity and Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome, which, if left unchecked, can lead to emotional
and mental problems. The system includes formulations like InsulX, which
features vanadium, a nutrient that can restore blood glucose levels and
reduce appetite naturally, both of which can combine to improve your mood
and outlook.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) about PCOS and the Insulite PCOS System.
Click
here to read about PCOS and Heart Disease
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