1. Insulin and Glucose Balance
One of the major metabolic disruptions in PCOS is due to insulin and glucose. For example, insulin resistance can result in higher insulin levels. This in turn can disrupt the glucose balance. Specifically, glucose cannot get inside a cell to help create energy. We know that when blood sugar isn’t balanced, it can cause fatigue, mood changes, and increased hunger.
Additionally, women who are considered lean are more prone to hypoglycemia (a.k.a. low blood sugar). This can also lead to fatigue. Other signs of hypoglycemia include muscle fatigue, nervousness, sweating, shakes, headaches, and vision changes.
2. Thyroid health
It is very important to assess the thyroid when dealing with PCOS. For one reason, hypothyroidism can look very similar to PCOS symptoms. These can include fatigue, weight gain, irregular cycles, hair loss, depression, and low libido. Additionally, research suggests that women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism. One of the explanations is that the diabetes and insulin resistance commonly seen in PCOS, can decrease Free T3 (active thyroid hormone) production. This can cause many hypothyroidism symptoms and eventually increase TSH.
Furthermore, women with PCOS seem to have higher thyroid antibody levels. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies seen in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have been shown to be present in women with PCOS4. Additionally, it’s theorized that women with PCOS may be more predisposed to autoimmune disease. More investigation needs to be done on this, but it gives us an idea on how we can fully assess the thyroid when it comes to PCOS.
Read about all causes by clicking this link: https://www.whitelotusclinic.ca/4-causes-of-fatigue-in-pcos/
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