# 81 PCOS, Insulin Resistance & The Hormone Doctors Miss

If you’ve ever been told “your labs look fine” while your body loudly disagrees, this episode is for you. Lori sits down with Dr. Ali Chappell—nutrition scientist, reproductive endocrinology researcher, and registered dietitian—to reframe PCOS and beyond through the lens of the hormone most of us never test: insulin. Together they unpack why A1C can look “normal” while fasting or post-meal insulin runs high; how that blocks ovulation, fuels acne and fatigue, and complicates pregnancy; and why menopause symptoms often escalate when insulin creeps up. Ali breaks down low-insulin living without obsession or calorie counting, clears up the dairy/protein powder debate (yes, we’re looking at you, whey), and shares a simple script for getting your clinician to order the right labs. You’ll walk away with practical food swaps, a clearer map of the metabolism–hormone connection, and—most importantly—more hope. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:59 PCOS and Its Impact on Women's Health 06:07 Ali Chappell's Journey with PCOS 08:48 Understanding Insulin Resistance 11:56 The Role of Hormones in PCOS 14:58 Pregnancy and Insulin Levels 17:52 The Importance of Testing Insulin 20:48 Metabolic Issues and Their Consequences 23:49 The Connection Between Insulin and Ovulation 26:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 32:01 Understanding Insulin's Role 33:50 The Genetic Influence on Insulin Resistance 36:33 Diet and Insulin Resistance 40:53 The Impact of Insulin on Health 44:37 Natural Remedies for Insulin Resistance 47:54 Rethinking Nutrition: An Insulin-First Approach 55:56 Men's Health and Insulin Resistance 01:02:14 The Need for Insulin Testing 01:05:32 Understanding Insulin and Food Choices 01:08:38 The Impact of Insulin on Weight Management 01:11:29 Navigating Dairy and Its Effects on Insulin 01:20:25 Mental Health and PCOS: Finding Support 01:24:26 Communicating with Healthcare Providers 01:27:20 Introducing the PCOS App and Its Features