Insulin, inflammation, and infertility

Insulin is a common culprit these days, it seems. A troublesome instigator of many inflammatory and immune conditions, now it has found its way into infertility. In today’s Globe and Mail article “Mysterious Infertility Cause Baffles Scientists”, Shirley Wang writes about the link between polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. PCOS is a disease that is often linked to insulin resistance, blood sugar imbalances and obesity. And now infertility.

How does insulin impact fertility?

Insulin leads to inflammation which in turn leads to extreme imbalances of ovarian hormones, excessive thickening of the uterine lining, and increased androgen production. “Together, these slow or prevent ovulation,” says Richard Legro, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Penn State University.

While pharmaceutical solutions and ongoing research to understand how to prevent PCOS are imperative, on a pro-active individual level, we can begin by breaking the inflammation pattern that is linked to the progression of the disease. By reducing the amount of insulin the body is making, inflammation will slow or even subside, and the ovarian and uterine hormones will settle into a more balanced state.

Three reasons for excess insulin.

1. Excess carbohydrates/ sugar.

2. Excess food consumption.

3. Excess body fat.

They’re all linked. To reduce insulin, reduce the three.

While food may not always be the reason for disease, changing the domino effect it has once inside the body can most certainly be a part of the treatment, or even the solution.

So what do you think?