Resistencia a la insulina, síndrome metabólico y ovarios poliquísticos: un intrigante enigma

This review article (published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2025) explains how insulin resistance plays a central role in linking polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome—especially in adolescents and women. PCOS is a common condition affecting 5–18% of reproductive-age women (and 3–11% of teens), causing irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones), and higher risks for type 2 diabetes, heart issues, and pregnancy complications. Insulin resistance—where your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, leading to high insulin levels—often starts early and drives many of these problems, even in people who aren’t overweight.

Key Connections and Why It Matters Insulin resistance makes your ovaries produce more androgens, disrupts ovulation, lowers protective proteins (like SHBG), and worsens metabolic issues like high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and inflammation. It can begin before full PCOS symptoms appear, and puberty naturally reduces insulin sensitivity, making things worse in teens with PCOS. The gut microbiome (imbalanced bacteria) also contributes by increasing inflammation and affecting hormones. Metabolic syndrome (a cluster of risks like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and poor cholesterol) is much more common in PCOS patients.

Symptoms and Diagnosis Common signs include irregular or absent periods, acne/hirsutism (excess hair), weight gain (especially around the middle), fatigue, and mood changes. In teens, diagnosis is careful to avoid confusing normal puberty changes with PCOS. Doctors use criteria like persistent irregular periods plus high androgens, plus tests such as oral glucose tolerance tests (better than HbA1c for early detection), lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity markers (e.g., HOMA-IR or TyG index).

Management and Hope Lifestyle changes are the foundation: healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight management improve insulin sensitivity and symptoms (even if weight loss is modest). Medications like metformin help with insulin resistance and blood sugar, though results vary in younger patients. Emerging research on probiotics shows promise for reducing inflammation, weight, and androgens, but more studies are needed. Early screening and holistic care (addressing metabolic, reproductive, and emotional health) are crucial to prevent long-term issues like diabetes or heart disease.

Takeaway for You PCOS and insulin resistance are interconnected and can affect your energy, fertility, and overall health—but they’re manageable with early detection and personalized care. At Amarita Life, Dr. Tania Espinal-Krane can help screen for these issues through lab tests, biomarkers, and tailored plans including nutrition, hormone optimization, and lifestyle guidance. If irregular periods, weight challenges, or other symptoms sound familiar, schedule a free telehealth consultation at 239-966-2478 or amritalifehealth.com—we’re here to support your journey to better balance and vitality!